As a way to celebrate the creativity and dedication of the musicians and tutors at BYMT, the Festival of Strings showcases all the music that has been worked on by the performers over the last term. 

Held on Sunday 20th March, the Festival of Strings 2022 took place at Langley Park School for Boys. Four orchestras performed at the event: Elementary Strings, Intermediate Strings, Saturday Strings, and Concert Orchestra. Consisting of players up to Grade 1 standard, Elementary Strings not only played their music but also sang part of it. Much to the delight of the audience, whenever they sang the letter ‘b’ in the song ‘My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean’, the orchestra stood up from their chairs or sat back down alternatively. Additionally, Elementary Strings sang and played ‘Breakfast Calypso’ by Holdstock, which comprised of three melodies which blended together seamlessly. 

Unlike the other orchestras, Concert Orchestra not only had string instruments like violins and violas, but also had woodwind, brass, and percussion. Containing musicians of a much higher level, Concert Orchestra played a total of seven pieces of music which included ‘Hungarian Dance No. 5’ by Brahms and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ by Grieg. When playing ‘Highlights from Harry Potter’, the main lights of the auditorium were switched off, leaving the musicians to play with only stand lights. This created a truly magical atmosphere, especially as the celesta was used to play the beginning harmony. Behind the performers was a large screen, which displayed images of the performers and musical tutors photoshopped into iconic scenes from Harry Potter to the amusement of the audience members whilst the orchestra played. Daisy Jennings, a member of Concert Orchestra, said that “Everyone performed amazingly, and I really, really enjoyed it.” 

Overall, the Festival of Strings was a wonderful demonstration of all the music that the young performers had been working hard on. It was a true testament to the fact that despite the hindrances of the pandemic, music in our society is as prominent and as powerful as ever.