Baveen’s Story
Baveen’s mum, Sabat, always knew that she wanted her children to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, so when she heard about Nucleo from a friend she didn’t think twice about enrolling Baveen’s sister Seena. Seena started when she was in reception, however Baveen joined when he was even younger, meaning that going to Nucleo has been a lifelong commitment for him! At first, he was so young that he would often need to have a nap before his sessions:
“Sometimes he would be sleeping in the car and we would say, “Baveen, Baveen, it’s your time!” But we like it, and we are so proud of them.”
Baveen has similar happy memories of his early years at Nucleo: “We got this wooden viola, and then we put stickers on and coloured on it.”
Now aged 9, Baveen attends Stripes three times a week, which is the most advanced string orchestra group that students attend before advancing to the Junior Symphony Orchestra. “It’s fun but it’s also hard.” Baveen said, “My favourite thing is when I can learn new songs and then show them to my family.” Baveen’s mum comments: “Whenever anyone in the family has a birthday, they play the birthday song.” But Baveen wasn’t always confident enough to play to other people. “When he was little, he was so shy,” said Sabat. “I remember the first concert: he didn’t want to go. But recently in school they had a concert, and he proudly said, “OK, I’m playing viola.””
Baveen’s teacher, Lucy, who Baveen describes as “funny and kind,” commented on the dynamic between him and his sister in lessons: “They’re quite good friends, they’re always having a joke with each other. They’re close in age and play the same instrument but they don’t seem to be competitive which is really a testament to how their parents are treating them and how everyone’s happy to be on their own path.” As well as gaining confidence through his viola lessons, Baveen has shown determination and good humour when tackling challenges: “He’s positive in his approach to challenges, he’ll say ‘oh this is really hard,’ and then he'll laugh about it and keep trying. He’s not easily discouraged or fazed.” (Lucy).
Going to Nucleo three or four times a week means that Baveen has created a real sense of connection with students who attend other schools. “He’s friendly,” said Lucy, “and he’s confident in a way that’s appealing – it means that people follow his example as a leader.” Sabat is pleased that he has met students from other schools and comments that he even bumps into them when they are out in the local area!
With both Baveen and his sister Seena attending Stripes, going to Nucleo is an operation for the whole family, including his parents who dedicate a lot of time to getting them there and back. Baveen and Seena’s dad rearranged his work schedule to help them attend Nucleo in the week, and in and amongst caring for their younger brother, Sabat dedicates herself to getting the siblings to their classes on time: “Sometimes I’m very tired. Sometimes it’s very hard for me, but I can still manage to bring them three days. I forget about all my time when I see them playing, especially in the concert. It’s a really good feeling – you can’t put it into words.” Baveen is looking forward to his youngest sibling joining Nucleo and hopes he will become a viola player like him and his sister!
Both Baveen and Sabat think that playing at Opera Holland Park are Nucleo highlights: “I did not get scared at all. I like playing in the concerts, because I can hear the wind and brass.” said Baveen. When Sabat talks about the concert she is beaming: “I was proud to say: ‘my son’s here and he’s playing.”
Nucleo is such a constant in Baveen’s life that when asked about the future, he expressed concern that three orchestral rehearsals a week may not fit around adult commitments such as having a job! Sabat is more focused on the near future, and is ambitious for Baveen and his sister, encouraging them to apply for the National Children’s Orchestra and for scholarship places at secondary schools. “I am looking forward to them becoming more responsible and loving the music more,” she said.
Baveen wholeheartedly recommends Nucleo to other children: “I would say you can join because it's fun. And you can learn new songs and you can hear different types of instruments in real life.”
“Nucleo is the best thing that’s happened in my life for my children. The best thing. I can never imagine anything better than that.”