The Bournemouth Youth Marching Band (BYMB) appeared in the video for Mika’s latest single, Excuses for Love.
The video was released on February 4 and the band described the experience as both “delighted and honoured”.
The Bournemouth Youth Marching Band (BYMB) (Image: Bournemouth Youth Marching Band (BYMB))
Filmed in Dungeness, Kent, on January 12, the video shoot featured 30 senior band members, the youngest just 11 years old.
Holly Burrows-Kinch, assistant bandmaster, said: “As always, we are amazed by the professionalism and pride our members have in every performance.
“Every member puts their all in to putting on an amazing show.
“They show such flexibility when we have last minute changes to our display and have a very can-do attitude.”
Assistant bandmasters Blake Harmer and Ben Burrows-Kinch coordinated the band’s participation after producer Alex White approached them.
He had discovered BYMB while searching online for a youth marching band.
During filming, the band rehearsed marching formations before shooting several takes.
MIKA was incredibly kind and gracious, spending time with the band and even asking one of them to play him a little something.
Mika said: “Thank you so much!
“You made my video so much more special.”
After the video’s release, Mika’s team invited a small ensemble to perform with him in Paris at the French Music Awards on Friday, February 13.
Fifteen senior members will take part in the event.
Bandmaster Andrew Kinch said: “This is such an incredible achievement for our members and very well deserved after all the effort they have put in recently.
“We have always been proud to fly the flag, to represent Bournemouth and the wider county of Dorset.
“This enables us to hopefully open up further opportunities and showcase our members on an even bigger stage.”
Founded in 1989, Bournemouth Youth Marching Band is volunteer-led and holds the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The charity trains young people in music and marching, with members as young as eight years old.
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 9pm at Kinson Community Centre, with additional sessions monthly in Poole.
Find out more about the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band at bymb.org