Who are we?
BayLynn Youth Band inc. (BLYB) is a community ‘bandchestra’ based in the Blockhouse Bay area for students from Year 5 to university age. Having a unique instrumentation made up of woodwinds, brass, strings, keyboards, drums, guitar and bass, we play a wide range of genres from classical, to light orchestral to pop tunes.
BayLynn Youth Band was founded in 2015 by Miss Zyia-Li Teh, alongside Mr Bernie Allen QSM, a respected musician who has been at the forefront of the New Zealand music scene since the 1950s. This idea started when Miss Teh and Mr Allen realised that many students were giving up playing their instruments in high school as the opportunities could be limited at schools. Wanting to create an inclusive environment for musicians of all ages, BayLynn Youth Band was formed with students from different schools such as Blockhouse Bay Primary & Intermediate, Waikowhai Intermediate, Lynfield College, Green Bay High School, Mt Albert Grammar, Marist College, Avondale College and the University of Auckland.
Currently, the band is in its 9th year and rehearses weekly on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm during the school term. We have over 40 members who regularly attend, as well as alumni and mentors who often sit in at rehearsals to guide our budding musicians. The current musical director is Miss Teh, with the support from Mr Allen and Nathan Allen.
What we do?
Our philosophy is to give all budding musicians an opportunity and experience to express themselves and get involved in various expects of music in a supportive environment. We arrange and compose pieces specifically for the instrumentation of BayLynn Youth Band, keeping all members in mind when writing for the ensemble. Everyone in the band has the opportunity to solo, either just in front of the band or to an audience.
The band has played at a variety of events over the years. Some highlights include:
- Performances at Retirement Villages (Waitakere Gardens, Hillsborough Heights, Selwyn Village)
- Relay For Life Auckland
- Combined Concert at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate with the Bernie Allen Big Band
- Kids4Drama Productions
- Blockhouse Bay Carnival and Santa Parade
- 5th Anniversary Concert at the Point Chevalier RSA
The band has also been involved in some recordings for renowned British composer Graham Lyons, playing compositions and arrangements of his pieces.
Our Committee
Chairperson
Secretaries
Treasurer
Musical Director
Marketing & Promotion
Committee Members
Tina Koulianos
Heather Sutton
Freda Chui
Zyia-Li Teh
Celesti Tan
Nina Satrio
Stella Sun
Vien Luis
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm at Blockhouse Bay Primary School Performing Arts Centre during school terms
For general inquiries: baylynn.youthband@gmail.com
For marketing and promotional requests: blybpromotional@gmail.com