Tommy Foster - Percussion

Tommy is an EYO alumnus who played timpani and percussion with the orchestra from 1998 to 2001. From his first experiences of large-scale orchestral music to the unforgettable Italian tour of 1999, EYO opened up a whole new world of musical possibilities. Today, Tommy is Director of Music at James Allen’s Girls’ School in London, continuing to inspire the next generation of young musicians.

When were you in EYO, and what did you play?

“I was a member of EYO from 1998–2001 and I played timpani and percussion.”

What did EYO mean to you?

“The EYO was a transformational experience for me. I was not from a musical family and I went to a state school and the EYO opened up a whole new universe of music making.”

During his time in the orchestra, Tommy had the opportunity to perform some of the great works of the orchestral repertoire, experiences that would leave a lasting impression.

“I was fortunate to play for Christopher Adey in Mahler 1 and Rachmaninov 3 and it left a huge impression on me. I had a great deal of respect for his musicianship and depth of understanding. It was also at EYO when I first met Pamella Dow who would go on to be my teacher.”

And, of course, there was the legendary Italian tour of 1999…

“The highlight though was definitely the Italian tour of 99. Bagpipes at 2am anyone….?”

Where has music taken you?

Today, Tommy is Director of Music at James Allen’s Girls’ School in London, whose predecessors in the role include Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Alongside this, he works as a freelance choral and orchestral conductor, plays the organ, arranges music and teaches on the LRAM course at the Royal Academy of Music. He also still occasionally returns to the timpani and percussion, particularly with period instrument ensembles.

From a young musician discovering the possibilities of orchestral playing at EYO to leading music education at a major London school, Tommy’s journey reflects the lasting influence of those early musical experiences.

Tommy’s advice to young musicians?

“Treasure your time making music! It’s so precious and I would simply encourage anyone to make the most of it.”