A Birmingham choir that started in lockdown and which enables children and young people with severe and profound learning disabilities to enjoy music and singing together, is to stage a Showcase performance before family, friends, carers and supporters.

Now in its fifth year, Birmingham Inclusive Choir brings together young people from across the city to play and enjoy using music-making instruments that include tambourines, maracas, xylophone and egg shakers for percussion.

To celebrate its continuing success, the Choir – which is run by Birmingham charity Services For Education in conjunction with national charity Soundabout – is staging a special Showcase concert at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) on Sunday March 8, 2026.

“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,” said Richard Mabbott, Head of the Music Service, at Services For Education.

“It’s just amazing that nearly five years on from being established in lockdown, when the only way they could get together was on-line, Birmingham Inclusive Choir is stronger and more powerful than ever bringing joy to the Choir members’ lives. Whether it’s Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ – always a hot-favourite – or simply making music, the Choir just love performing. I know from singing in choirs, that performing together is uplifting and that it brings great happiness to choir members,” added Richard.

It is the first time the Choir has held its own Showcase event having performed at Services For Education’s Outdoor Festival at the MAC in May which featured its Music Services’ ensembles. Face-to-face sessions are run during term time at the MAC with additional online sessions happening in between as part of West Midlands Inclusive Choir.

Birmingham Inclusive Choir is funded through grants and fundraising – costing around £15,000 a year to run.

Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services For Education, thanked the supporters and funders who 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’re delighted our skilled and enthusiastic staff enable this choir to make such a contribution to the lives of young people.”

Further information is available from Sarah Caldwell, Fundraising Manager at Services For Education, sarah.caldwell@servicesforeducation.co.uk

ENDS

   

Above: Young people from Birmingham play and enjoy using music-making instruments

Below: Birmingham Inclusive Choir has performed at Services For Education’s Outdoor Festival in May at the MAC

About Services For Education

Services For Education is an education and training charity based in Birmingham, that brings music and learning to life. The organisation employs around 200 staff who deliver music tuition to children and provide expert training and development to teaching and school support staff. It has an annual income of £7.1m (2023/2024). Part-funded by Arts Council England, it also operates its own fundraising and subsidised commercial activities. Services For Education works with more than 90% of Birmingham local authority schools.

Services For Education’s Music Service, teaches music to more than 28,000 children each year, reflecting Birmingham’s diverse population. It runs 113 free ensembles and provides more than 18,000 musical instruments free of charge, ensuring that children can access and enjoy making music together.

A highlight of the year is Services For Education’s annual Youth Proms at Symphony Hall that enables nearly 3,000 young musicians from schools throughout Birmingham to perform to an audience of more than 6,000 over four nights.

Services For Education’s School Support Service delivers expert training and development to teaching and support staff in schools across the West Midlands and increasingly across England. It helps improve practice and ensures teachers are equipped to respond to changes in curriculum and policy. In 2024/25, 94% of head teachers rated its training as either as good or excellent.

The organisation also delivers innovative programmes that support the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and young people through its Health for Life initiative, which has been running for more than a decade.

Learn more at www.servicesforeducation.co.uk

ENDS

For further information:

Public and media relations for Services For Education:
David Clarke
E: david-c@clarke-associates.co.uk;
M: 07808 735255

Issued on behalf of:

Services For Education
Unit 3 Holt Court
Holt Street
Birmingham Science Park
Aston
Birmingham B7 4AX