Inclusive choirs 'born out of the pandemic ' launch in person
Five new choirs for the West Midlands that bring together young people of all abilities and that were created during the pandemic, are meeting for the first time in-person this Saturday.
The West Midlands has the largest number of choirs in the nationwide scheme - the Soundabout Inclusive Choir network - that celebrates that everyone, no matter their abilities or disabilities, has their own way of sharing their voice.
Supported by Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham charity Services For Education and national charity, Soundabout, the choirs ' first in-person gathering coincides with the release of Do What You Love - a new composition created in lockdown by choir members in the West Midlands.
Disabled and non-disabled musicians took part in a six-week online process that included song-writing workshops and vocal sessions overseen by renowned composer Alexander Campkin who has himself experienced disability and who, in the West Midlands, has worked with Birmingham Cathedral Choir and Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
MAC Makes Music, along with music charity Soundabout, joined forces with Services For Education and four other West Midlands ' Music Education Hubs in Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull and Worcestershire, to launch the five in-person choirs after meeting for the past 10 months via Zoom in people 's homes.
The choirs have been supported with funding by Midlands Arts Centre alongside Vinci, who have enabled them to buy the equipment to launch the choirs.
Stuart Birnie (pictured), head of the Music Service at Services For Education - responsible for the development of the Birmingham Inclusive Choir - said: “The pandemic has been devastating for so many young people - especially those with profound and multiple learning difficulties. However, out of challenging circumstances, have come new opportunities.
“If it had not been for the pandemic, we would not have been able to simultaneously create so many choirs to support so many people.
“Bringing together young people of all abilities is key to the development and success of the West Midlands Inclusive Choirs. Getting together, whether on-line or in-person, removes barriers, encourages inclusivity and celebrates that everyone, no matter their abilities or skills, can enjoy and benefit from music-making. ”
Holly Radford-James, producer for MAC Makes Music, said: “In recent years, MAC Makes Music has been developing inclusive vocal opportunities for children and young people in Birmingham, and noticed a need for more. We wanted to expand and ensure young people across the region had an inclusive and accessible way to share their voice.
“We partnered with Soundabout, to combine their experience working with people with complex needs with our musical provision and network, to launch the West Midlands Inclusive Choir online during lockdown.
“Thanks to support from our funders, Youth Music, it 's been possible to partner with local music hubs and create in-person choirs, launching soon for the local community. ”
The project is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England.