This year, at the instigation of Trustee Bernard Butler, BJF has been able to support Haringey Young Musicians – a charity that supports the out-of-school ensemble programme run by Haringey Music Service. The charity raises funds to support music tours, runs the tuck shop at rehearsals, and provides front of house support at concerts.
Haringey Music Services is a vibrant and busy organisation where young people are taught, nurtured and encouraged to build on their musical ability and experiences. There are numerous after school ensembles encompassing strings, winds, percussion, full concert orchestra as well as guitars, steel bands and vocal ensembles. They arrange high profile engagements around the country and participation in national competitions. In addition, many ensembles have toured abroad to countries including Barbados, Peru, Finland, China, Sweden and Argentina. Ensembles are open to anyone of school age living or attending school in Haringey.
More specifically, the Foundation grant is helping young members of Haringey Young Musicians Guitar Orchestra (HYMGO) with travel funds towards their Tour to Thailand in February 2020. At least 5 members have been identified as meeting the criteria for financial assistance and this grant will help offset some of the remissions already offered by HYM.
Nick Walker, Deputy Head of Haringey Music Service and Chair of the Parent Teacher Association, wrote to say how grateful they were that we are able to be able to support disadvantaged young guitarists to travel to Thailand with the Symphony and Guitar Orchestras next term.
‘I’m so happy you have become part of our scheme in Bert’s name. I’m particularly excited that it has been used to encourage those who may not have been otherwise able. I am really happy that we can help inspire music in the community where I grew up and where I was first inspired myself. ‘
Bernard Butler
