Joy Bome MBE

Joy was born and educated in Chelmsford. After leaving the Royal College of Music she became a primary school teacher and then a peripatetic teacher of the clarinet in many local schools, before becoming Instrumental Music Co-ordinator for Mid-Essex Schools and tutor to the Essex Youth Orchestra Wind Band. Her involvement with the young people playing in wind orchestras started when she became the conductor of the Chelmsford County High School wind band. During her ten years with this group they participated in the finals of The National Music for Youth Competition at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Many musicians, both young and old, have benefited greatly from Joy's vision and determination to form Caprice. It has given them the opportunity not only to continue playing, but also the chance to use their abilities to help less fortunate people. In 1999, Chelmsford Borough Council awarded her their Civic Award for Services to Arts in the Community and in June 2001 she was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, the citation reading “for service to music and the community in Chelmsford, Essex”. In April 2002, she received an honorary Master of Arts Degree from Anglia Polytechnic University. It is very gratifying that her hard work with Orchestra has been recognised in these ways, but Joy will be the first to admit that they have been accepted on behalf of her musicians, her hard working Committee and so many other people who have willingly given their time and support. Without this it would be impossible for Caprice to continue.