Ashby Mayes (bassoon)

Ashby lives with his mum in Hackney, East London. Ashby’s love of music began at Hackney’s Centre for Young Musicians where he first heard and was inspired by the bassoon. He began playing when he was eight and less than two years later he had passed his Grade 5. When his mother approached Future Talent for support, Ashby was in his second year at London’s Centre for Young Musicians. He had become a member of the National Children’s Orchestra in 2009 and was also the youngest member of the Hackney Borough Youth Orchestra. Ashby had also won a Music Scholarship to Forest School. A bursary from Future Talent meant he was able to take part in the National Children’s Orchestra Summer course 2010.

Ashby had a wonderful time on the course, which enabled  him to play with a full symphony orchestra again. Here’s what he had to say about the week:

“I thought NCO was brilliant this year and the concert sounded fabulous at the end of the week. The teachers were making it really fun and Louise Howden, the bassoon tutor, really helped us bassoons play well all week (especially in the concert). Last year on the course I was very homesick to start with, this year I wasn’t homesick because I knew what was going on. On the course I made loads of friends and when we weren’t doing music we were still having loads of fun and I am very glad I will see them again in under 12s next year (if I get in). I took part in the talent show again this year, playing my composition on the piano. The social staff put together a great performance of comedy which made us all laugh! The orchestra played a number of pieces, including the James Bond theme and Entrance of the Gladiators by Fučik and Elgar’s Nimrod. My absolute favourite has to be Entrance of the Gladiators because it’s fun to play and an exciting piece. I would like to thank Future Talent for paying for this brilliant course; I loved it and learned loads.” (Ashby Mayes)

Future Talent also put Ashby forward to audition for the Barbican Young Orchestra. He was successful in gaining a place in the ensemble and playing with this group was another amazing experience for him which he absolutely loved. Playing alongside older and more advanced players was a huge help and inspiration and really benefited his playing. Ashby was also one of five of the young musicians at a concert by the orchestra, to be interviewed by the BBC for the programme Inside Out, which was shown on TV in Autumn 2011.

“I am very grateful to Future Talent for providing the funding for this fantastic opportunity. Thank you.” (Ashby’s mum).