EYM was formed in 2009 by Lewis McGuinness and John Starling as a volunteer led, not for profit youth band. In late 2009 EYM became part of the Elmbridge Community Music Society and today operates as a proud member of Elmbridge Music - UK registered charity #1129321.
Sharing a common passion for music, Lewis and John have worked together on a number of musical projects. Conscious of a lack of opportunities for young people in the area to play music together, they formed EYM. George Boote, a brass teacher in the local area kindly assists EYM as do members of the Elmbridge Community Big Band, as and when required
Lewis McGuinness has been interested in music from as early as he can remember. He started with singing and piano at home and moved on to play tenor horn and trumpet at school under the expert guidance of UK jazz trumpeter, Bruce Adams. He now largely concentrates on playing piano, clarinet, saxophone and flute and arranging music to suit the abilities of the children he works with. He has been involved with numerous choirs and groups including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus, the Philharmonia Chorus and the Glasgow University Cecilian Society . He plays Alto Sax with Elmbridge Community Big band.
John Starling has been playing the cornet since he was 8 after several years on the descant and treble recorders (but never at the same time). At the age of 15 he joined the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and played with them until he was kicked out (for being too old). At college, he played in a number of jazz and blues bands which culminated in a tour of Eastern Europe - a trip that cemented lifelong friendships with fellow band members. As a Dad he has supported the development of music at Cranmere Primary School and has recently started to learn the piano.
George Boote started playing the cornet aged 11 with the Dobcross Band. In 1978 he enlisted in the army as a junior musician. After serving with the Band of the Irish Guards he retired from the army in 2006. At present George is a freelance trumpet player and teaches at several schools in the Surrey area.
Liz Darby began playing the piano at age 5 and took up the flute when she was aged 10. She has enjoyed playing and performing a varied repertoire of both classical and jazz pieces with numerous ensembles, from secondary school, college and university orchestras, to amateur concert bands. She now plays flute for the Elmbridge Big Band and thoroughly enjoys her role in supporting the flute section of the Elmbridge Young Musicians.