As one of many senior year students preparing to leave the Island for university in the fall, I have had a chance to reflect on my education here in Bermuda. For me, one of the most important and fulfilling aspects of my life has been the musical education I have received over the past 10 years, revolving around Friday evenings with Mrs. Marjorie Pettit and the St. John's Youth Choir.

Every Friday evening, just before 6 pm, cars and bikes pull up to St. John's in Pembroke and over 50 children aged seven to 18 race into the hall for weekly choir practice. The students come from all over the island, from Somerset to St. George's and everywhere in between, representing schools throughout Bermuda, brought together by the enjoyment of making music together for an hour. It must be said, however, that some of the younger kids are suspected of ulterior motives; snacks are provided after practice, and there is a veritable stampede to get to them after practice is done!

Even those who (like my kid brother) initially join the choir for the choir snacks, soon grow to love the choir for the sense of teamwork, the friends made, and of course, the wonderful music. We learn music from many different genres, including gospel, classical, and blues. We are trained to a very high standard of performance. Mrs. Pettit ensures that we are on par with the best youth choirs in the world.

We once performed Benjamin Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols' with a professional harpist accompaniment – a very challenging piece. But we have also learned that there is nothing quite so satisfying as singing Brahms' 'How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings' in three-part harmony, and singing it perfectly the first time.

Joining St. John's Youth Choir is free, fun, and an added bonus – as a registered charity it counts toward community service hour requirements. I know I'll always remember my time with the choir; the music, the friends, and the experience last a lifetime.

Our Annual Heritage Concert is this Saturday and Sunday at St. John's Church at 7.30pm. If you are a student interested in joining the choir, or you simply want to enjoy an evening of music, come and see us: there's always something for everyone to enjoy. Featured artists are Matthew Ross, trumpet, Jordan Robbins, soprano and Christine Allison, violin.

Tickets, $30 for adults, $20 for students, are available at the door.