BOURNEMOUTH YOUTH MARCHING BAND

Introducing the Band

The Band is based in Dorset, England and was formed in 1989 as the Talbot Corps of Drums. We reformed as the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band in September 2013.  Our Band motto is Amici Per Musicam which means Friends Through Music. This year is our 35th anniversary. 

The Band is a registered charity. We have well over 50 Band members led by a small Management Team and supported by The Friends of BYMB. We are proud that the Band is entirely volunteer led, run and supported. 

We have the full range of brass and woodwind instruments plus percussion, bell lyres (glockenspiels) and bugles. We have a multi functional capability and perform in concerts, parades, arena displays, carnivals and ceremonials. BYMB is much more than just a marching band.

In November 2023 we were honoured to be awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service (equivalent to an MBE). We are the first youth marching band in the UK and the only band in the south to receive the prestigious King's Award.

We meet every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 9pm usually at the Bourne Academy in Hadow Rd, Bournemouth, BH10 5HS and once a month in Poole during a Sunday afternoon.

We have our own Academy Programme to train beginners in playing an instrument, band drill and understanding music. Beginners start with the Band on cornet, clarinet, percussion or bell lyre unless they already own an instrument themselves.

The Band uses brass, woodwind and percussion instruments to play great music from a wide range of genres. We are proud of our traditional British military style. Our repertoire is regularly refreshed for our various events throughout the year.

We provide a safe meeting place, instruments, music, uniform, tuition, training and the performance schedule all for just £10 per month.

Our Management Team have well over 150 years of experience in running youth bands and youth groups.

In addition to the Band we provide all the activities and facilities expected of a youth organisation. This makes us unique in the local area. Our youth members are at the heart of everything we do. 

We also have our supporters group called the Friends of BYMB. They are the parents and families of Band Members. The Friends help the Band by fundraising, chaperoning, helping and supporting us in so many ways.

Our youngest musicians are just 8 years old and many new recruits join the Band with little or no previous musical knowledge or experience. We teach them everything they need to know in a friendly and supportive environment. 

It's not all about the music. Recent social events have included an Awards Evening, Games Night, Ten Pin Bowling, a Water Park and a Beach Party.

We are always very grateful for the support and opportunities offered to the Band by the Royal Corps of Army Music and the Royal Marines Band Service.

During the last few years four of our members have been accepted into military bands. One is serving with the Band of the Household Cavalry, one is with the Band and Bugles of the Rifles and two are with Royal Marines Bands. Join BYMB and we can help you turn a hobby with us into a professional music career.

If you are interested in joining the Band please go to the Join Us page and then email [email protected]