John Cutajar, 14, aspires to become a full-time pianist and trumpeter but he is not the type to be carried away, even when music teachers are full of praise and see exciting prospects.

Admittedly, most of the time he is on YouTube, watching music videos ranging from the classic repertoire of Mozart and Chopin to contemporary artists like country music sensation Taylor Swift.

Lately, he has been focusing on preparations for the annual concert, when youths attending La Vittoria Band Club academy in Mellieħa showcase their talents. The event, to be held tomorrow at the Mellieħa parish square, attracts a sizeable audience and forms part of the festivities to mark the feast of Our Lady of the Nativity.

John is very proud of his humble beginnings. He started attending music lessons at the age of nine at the band club. The main driver was family tradition, his father having been a trumpet player with the same band.

“I soon realised this would be no walk in the park. The level at the academy was on a par with, if not better than, those in private institution even though you get everything for free including the instrument,” he noted.

He did well, obtaining the only overall best Grade 2 result in the trumpets section awarded to upcoming musicians in Malta.

Musicians wanting to have a successful career need not snub band clubs

This year’s edition of the La Vittoria Youth Band Concert will feature selections from hits by Chubby Checker, John Williams, Taylor Swift and Joe Cocker.

Participating in the 11th edition of the concert this year will also be a number of debutants, including 12-year-old clarinet player Amy Grima. “I had initially joined the children’s choir but now I am relishing the opportunity to be on the big stage,” she said.

Amy Grima (left) and Audrey Vella.

Audrey Vella, 15, another clarinet player, ranks the event as the highlight of the year but admits that, at times, it is hard to sacrifice a day at the beach with friends to attend rehearsals.

“In reality, nowadays, the number of teenagers attending the academy is smaller when compared to what it used to be say 30 years ago,” concert organiser Ryan Mallia said. However, he was quick to add, in recent years there was a revival, thanks to the organisation of tailor-made events such as the annual concert, during which prizes are distributed, an event usually held around March.

John Cutajar at the keyboard during rehearsals.

“Though we have not reached the heights of the past, when we used to have about 40 students, we are more than satisfied with the present number, which has now reached 25,” he added.

Mro Mallia is a member of the highly popular Big Band Brothers, the majority of whose members, he pointed out, were the product of band club academies.

“This goes to show that, contrary to the perception in certain quarters, musicians wanting to have a successful career need not snub band clubs,” he said.

As in previous years, the concert will include the participation of professional dancers under the guidance of Christina Cauchi, singers Philip Vella, Julia Grima and the children’s choir Kor Vuċijiet Vittorjani. The event starts at 8pm and admission is free .

keith.micallef@timesofmalta.com