Youth Concert

The local Methodist Church, which was only re-built a few years ago on part of the land which used to be occupied by the old Methodist Church, is in the process of raising some money to improve the heating system, and this evening they put on the first of a series of three Youth Concerts under the direction of the R.A.Bobb Esq, MA, B.Mus., PGCE, FTCL, LRAM, LTCL - otherwise known simply as Mr. Bobb.

One might expect from the name and letters that Mr. Bobb would be a typical music teacher.  If so, one would be quite surprised on meeting him.   For Mr. Bobb is a shortish, stocky West Indian, with very precise speech and an obvious love of music, especially classical music.

Before the concert began, Mr. Bobb mentioned that there was a very special older person who was still working that he would like to congratulate, and I looked around to see if there was anyone who looked a hundred.   Then he announced that we would be singing the National Anthem in honour of the Queen.   All very fitting, as one doesn't hear the National Anthem much these days.   It used to be played in cinemas at the end of a film, but the only place I know of where that still happens is in either the Gate or Coronet cinema in Notting Hill Gate - I can't remember which.

The programme featured his students, ranging in age from 5 to 15.   The little ones were very cute and played very simple tunes on the piano, with Mr. Bobb sitting beside them and encouraging them; some of the older ones were very advanced, and also very musical, giving an adult standard performance.

The programme covered quite a wide variety of music, mostly classical but with a few fun pieces, such as Old Macdonald.

The children were all very professional; even the five year olds had practised their bows, and looked serious when they were performing.   I got the distinct impression that Mr. Bobb doesn't stand for any nonsence and that his students are expected to be hardworking and conscientious, striving to achieve the very best they are capable of.

In the interval there was food and drink, for which donations were invited if people wanted to give something towards the cost.   There seemed to be plenty of food; even though there was quite a crowd, with the church three quarters full, and most people seemed to have something, at the end everyone encouraged to take some food home, as there was quite a lot left over.    

Altogether quite an enjoyable evening - and although the money was being raised for the heating, and I had been warned to wrap up well, in fact the church wa spleasantly warm and I was able to take my coat off.