July Junior Scholar of the Month – Bobby
Since becoming a London Music Fund Junior Scholar in 2022 with Havering Music Service, Bobby has shown exceptional commitment to his musical development. He has embraced every opportunity available to him, has never missed an LMF Playing Day or workshop, and consistently shows dedication and enthusiasm in his music-making.
Bobby with his Palladio music signed by Sir Karl Jenkins CBE
Bobby is currently working at Grade 6 level on violin, Grade 1 piano and saxophone, and has also taken the initiative to teach himself the drums. Bobby is also an active ensemble musician, performing in groups such as the Lyre Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Improv, World Music, Junior Brass Band, and Junior Wind Band with Havering Music Service.
Since 2022, Bobby has taken part in over 120 concerts, performances, courses and workshops, demonstrating an exceptional level of commitment and enthusiasm for music. Highlights include workshops with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and performing at the BBC Youth Proms opening night concert in 2024. He has also explored music technology through LMF and the Guildhall Easter Production Course.
Bobby is a member of the London Symphony Orchestra Next Generation Programme (since 2025) and has taken part in the Youth Advisory Panel workshops this year. Most recently, Bobby had the pleasure of meeting Sir Karl Jenkins CBE at our 15th Anniversary Concert rehearsal on 26 April, where Sir Karl kindly signed his music. The following day, Bobby performed Palladio, conducted by Sir Karl, as part of LMF’s 15th Anniversary Concert at Smith Square Hall.
We asked Bobby how he has been finding his Junior Scholarship:
What do you enjoy most about playing your violin right now, and why?
“Music is freedom to me. Playing my violin gives me a feeling of calm. I love how many genres of music I can play on my violin, everything from Baroque to Heavy Metal!”
Can you share a musical moment from the past year that made you feel especially proud or inspired?
Bobby with his violin
“Meeting Sir Karl Jenkins was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I can’t even put into words what it felt like to play his music with him conducting. I will never forget that day.”
What’s your favourite piece of music to play, and how does it make you feel when you perform it?
“I LOVE playing the musical scores from Phantom of the Opera. Playing it alone is great but when I played it in a full orchestra it was something else. I never knew that music could feel so intense that you get butterflies!”
What new musical experiences or opportunities are you most excited to try?
“I would love to try more courses at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I tried the Music in Logic Pro course this year and it was hard work, but brilliant. I would really like to do another course where it expands on what we learnt.”
How did it feel to meet Sir Karl Jenkins CBE at our 15th Anniversary Concert rehearsal in April?
“Again, I can’t put it into words. I got so starstruck that I didn’t know what to say! I had played a lot of variations of Palladio in the past and I love Adiemus. Saying hello to the person who wrote them was incredible. Sir Karl was so nice to sign my music, and I will keep that forever in a frame.”
It has been a genuine pleasure to see the passion and dedication Bobby brings to all his musical activities, and we are immensely proud of everything he has accomplished during his time as a Junior Scholar. We were delighted to celebrate his graduation on 21 June and look forward to following his continued musical journey with great anticipation.
We are so pleased Bobby has been making the most of his Junior Scholarship. Go, Bobby!