Good Neighbor Spotlight: Bay Area Youth Music Society (BAYMS)
They say that music is a universal language, a medium that connects those from all different countries, backgrounds, and walks of life. And the young adults who make up the Bay Area Youth Music Society (BAYMS) in West San Jose are using that language to make a real impact in their community.
Founded in 2006, the Bay Area Youth Music Society works to develop children’s musical talents through charity performances at senior centers, as well as benefit recitals to raise money for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The young adults meet regularly for training sessions and rehearsals before their weekly performances. Through working with the organization, enthusiastic musicians hone their musical skills and performance techniques.
“I think BAYMS is special because of its inclusiveness; for any student who has a passion for helping the community and is willing to work hard to present the best possible work, BAYMS is always welcoming. It holds students to a high musical standard,” said Cassandra Liu, a musician who's been with the organization since she was seven years old.
The organization also strives to push students out of their musical comfort zones, encouraging them to expand their repertoires and explore new genres of music. Phoebe Lin, a BAYMS flute player, had her own experience with venturing outside her comfort zone.
“When BAYMS performed at Carnegie Hall three years ago, we needed percussion players. I play the flute, but I was asked to play triangle. The echoey hall, the shimmery sound of the triangle, and playing with my friends all made the experience magical, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without BAYMS.”
While the musical training that BAYMS strives to provide is a triumph of the organization, perhaps even more special is the group’s deeply rooted sense of dedication to the Bay Area community.
“Many of us have been with BAYMS since we were very young, so we’ve grown up around people who share the same values. We don’t just play music; we also learn how to show respect, be considerate, and give back to the community,” said Phoebe.
Over the years, BAYMS has fostered strong relationships with several senior centers throughout the South Bay, from Lytton Gardens Senior Community in Palo Alto to Sunny View Bay Area Retirement Community in Cupertino. The eye-catching green T-shirts that BAYMS musicians wear have become a familiar sight around these facilities.
“The practices and community service performances [that BAYMS] holds offer students a chance to interact and have fun with each other, united with the purpose of bringing music to the senior citizens,” said Cassandra.
Angela Tsang, a BAYMS musician, said:
“After a performance at the Chateau of Cupertino, [a lady] came up to us and told us...that she taught high school for around 40 years, so she loves seeing us, as high schoolers, playing music and performing for the community. Her words really inspired me to keep pursuing my music studies so I can share this gift with more people.”
Cindy Wang, another BAYMS musician, also commented:
“We care about the people we meet and for whom we perform. Unlike other organizations which prioritize expanding their reach, we've kept the same senior communities that we've always visited for almost a decade. Our loyalty is meaningful because it allows us to form bonds and connections with all the [seniors] we meet.”
While the young musicians are the ones who grace the stages at the organization’s performances, the group’s impact wouldn’t be possible without a group of dedicated parents working behind the scenes. For BAYMS parents like Linda Lin, their efforts are all worthwhile when they see senior citizens enjoying the musicians’ performances.
“Many elders have expressed how comforted and inspired they feel after they watch a performance. BAYMS performances have allowed them to joyfully relive their past musical endeavors,” said Linda.
“All my three kids were active members of BAYMS since the inception of the organization.BAYMS's activities were a huge part of our family activities [every Saturday] for the past 11 years,” said Jason Liu, a BAYMS parent.