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Introducing Oliver Toms

Oliver discovered music at the age of 5 and soon began piano lessons. He achieved a distinction in Grade 8 piano at 13, followed by a merit in his ARSM at 14. His brass journey started when he joined the Essex Scout Band at the age of 9 and began playing the cornet, while also taking up the trumpet. Soon afterwards, he joined 1st Class Brass, a community band, and worked his way up to principal cornet.

In 2018, Oliver joined the Tendring Brass Academy. He later progressed to the community band and then the concert/contesting band in 2019. In 2026, the band achieved fourth place in the Second Section Regionals, with Oliver playing principal cornet. He earned a distinction in Grade 8 trumpet in 2022 and is currently preparing for his ARSM diploma. Oliver also plays the organ. He achieved Grade 5 organ in 2022 and now takes weekly lessons at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Oliver has performed with several county ensembles, including the Essex Youth Orchestra, Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra, Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra, and Essex Youth Jazz Quintet. One of his highlights is the Essex Youth Orchestra’s annual European tour. Through these tours, he has visited the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany.

He also took part in the NYO Inspire programme. During the programme, he attended a residential week in Newcastle. There, he worked with members of the National Youth Orchestra and performed Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Oliver spent two years at Junior Guildhall, a conservatoire Saturday school. During this time, he performed at Regent Hall with the brass band, big band, and wind orchestra. In 2024, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain selected Oliver to perform alongside some of the country’s top young brass players. Since then, he has worked with leading conductors including David King, Martyn Brabbins, and Robert Childs. He has also studied with renowned cornet tutors such as Tom Hutchinson and Mark Wilkinson.

Oliver will perform Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto at the Young Soloists Concert on Saturday, 11 July 2026. The Hervey Benham Charitable Trust kindly sponsors the concert.

Sarah’s musical journey began at the age of 4, when she picked up her first recorder - an Early Learning Centre green recorder! She took up the violin at 7, followed by the clarinet at 10, partly inspired by her late grandfather, who also played the clarinet. She studied clarinet initially with Susan Boddy before moving to Sue Barber, and later returning to Susan Boddy. From 1991 to 2000, she attended the Saturday morning music school run by Essex Music Service, helping to develop her love of music from an early age.

Sarah first tried out for St Botolph’s Music Society around 2000-02. Although circumstances meant she was only able to attend one rehearsal at the time, she eventually found her way back to the Society, joining the second violin section in September 2016. She became section leader in 2023.

Alongside her musical activities, Sarah studied with the Open University, graduating in 2012 with a BA (hons) in Humanities with German and Music. She now plays an active role both on and off the concert platform as Secretary of the SBMS committee. She also looks after the Society’s website and ticketing, and leads its marketing and communications.

With both a love of performing and a passion for helping the Society thrive, Sarah enjoys being part of the team both on and off the concert platform.

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