On tour to Belgium with the London Youth Wind Band

In addition to weekly classes every Saturday, Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) organises a range of holiday courses including the London Youth Wind Band (LYWB), which gives students aged 12–18 the opportunity to perform a wide range of music and perform in brilliant venues in London, and on tour in the UK and Europe. 

In July 2025 the LYWB set off on tour to Belgium, playing concerts to large audiences in Ghent, Mechelen and Ostend, as well as getting up to all sorts of non-musical activities including going bowling and to the beach!

We caught up with trumpeter Eli and clarinettist Henry to find out about their favourite memories of going on tour with the LYWB.

Eli, trumpet

Hi Eli! How long have you been a member of LYWB?

I have been a LYWB member for four years and play the trumpet. Last Summer I toured with the band in Austria, previously we’ve been to the Lake District and Devon to play. We also play together in London during the February half-term. 

What was your musical highlight from the recent LYWB tour this summer?

I loved playing Candide – it was challenging but also fun! 

What was your non-musical highlight from tour?

Going to the beach was definitely a highlight – I really enjoyed it. 

What was your favourite piece of music that you performed on tour?

That’s tricky, but I think Conga was my favourite piece.

How was going on tour different to the LYWB concerts at home?

Away from home, the band feels more collaborative, more of a unit, as we have a chance to get to know each other better and are able to play in a more unified way.

What is one memory that will stay with you from tour?

The boat trip will stay with me forever. Ghent was really beautiful. 

 

Henry, clarinet

How long have you been a member of LYWB?

I have been playing the clarinet in LYWB since 2022.

What was your musical highlight from the recent LYWB tour?

Performing in a completely full church as part of the Ghent festival - it was an exciting atmosphere to play in!

What was your non-musical highlight from tour?

Taking friends to my favourite burger place in Brussels when we went there on a day trip.

What was your favourite piece of music that you performed on tour?

It's a tie between Pie in the Face Polka for its liveliness and Italian Rhapsody for the classic melodies.

How was going on tour different to the LYWB concerts at home?

The free time to explore foreign cities with my friends.

What is one memory that will stay with you from tour?

The last night playing cards in the hostel with the other members of the band. LYWB is like a family to me and is definitely one of the best things I've done!

Thank you both for taking the time to talk with us, it was great to hear about the tour!

Applications for the London Youth Wind Band 2025/26 are now open, and will close on 10 November 2025.

The LYWB is part of Guildhall Young Artists, Guildhall School's network of centres that provides inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people.