Inclusive Choir hits the right note at debut showcase at the MAC in Birmingham
Children and young people with severe and profound learning disabilities has delighted families and friends at its first-ever Showcase concert staged at Birmingham’s Midlands Art Centre (the MAC).
Birmingham Inclusive Choir, which first started in lockdown but which now meets in-person throughout most of the year, enables children and young people with severe and profound learning disabilities to enjoy music and singing together. The Choir, run by Birmingham charity Services For Education in conjunction with national charity Soundabout, staged the Showcase performance that was attended by Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Ken Wood and parents, carers and family friends.
Now in its fifth year, Birmingham Inclusive Choir brings together young people from across the city to play and enjoy using music-making instruments including tambourines, maracas, xylophones and egg shakers for percussion.
Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services For Education, thanked supporters and funders who had enabled the Choir to continue its vital work.
“Birmingham Inclusive Choir is hugely important, fostering a sense of belonging, community and joy – regardless of musical background, physical or cognitive abilities,” said Sharon.
“They create an environment where choir members develop strong bonds and lasting friendships, where every voice is valued and participants, regardless of their background or abilities, have equal status. We are delighted our skilled and enthusiastic staff enable this choir to make such a contribution to the lives of young people.”
Richard Mabbott, Head of the Music Service at Services For Education and a former choral scholar, said: “Birmingham Inclusive Choir is just a brilliant way of bringing music to the lives of children and young people with complex support needs. They and their family, friends and carers really enjoy and get pleasure from singing and playing sound makers, listening, vocalising and moving to the music.
“It’s amazing that nearly five years on from being established in lockdown, when the only way they could get together was online, Birmingham Inclusive Choir is stronger and more powerful than ever, bringing joy to the choir members’ lives. I know from singing in choirs that performing together is uplifting and brings great happiness to choir members,” he added.