CONCERT PROGRAMMES

There is something truly joyous about young people coming together to perform music and song – and nowhere is this more evident than at our annual Festive Concerts. We are in for a real treat as the next generation of talented musicians and singers from Birmingham schools take to the stage.

This year’s concerts are particularly special as we welcome Sarah Chatt, our new Head of Ensembles. Sarah brings great experience and energy to the role, and we are thrilled to have her leading our ensembles programme as we continue to nurture Birmingham’s young musical talent.

For many children performing tonight, this is their first concert with us. They follow in the footsteps of thousands of Birmingham schoolchildren who have performed locally and nationally. Last month, for example, our Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra (BSSO) represented Birmingham at the Music for Youth Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall, joining young performers from across the country. The BSSO were chosen to be the anchor orchestra for the night to perform the world premiere of Aileen Sweeney’s Causeway.

For me, this year is particularly meaningful as it marks my first year of concerts with Services For Education. Over the past twelve months, I have been inspired by the dedication of our young people, the passion of our music tutors, and the support of Birmingham’s schools and partners – including Arts Council England and, fittingly, the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre.

Our Festive Concerts celebrate not only the season but also the remarkable achievements of everyone involved. I hope performers, audiences, and organisers alike have a truly memorable evening.

Season’s greetings,

Richard Mabbott

Head of Music Service

Please ensure you purchase the right tickets.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Monday 23rd March 2026 – Concert 1

Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

6:30pm

Compere – Adam Hickman

Bournville Village Primary School

SFE Leader: Saphran Ali

Five Note Philharmonic Medley (Biscuit Club Boogie, Winter Garden Waltz, Friday’s Foxtrot)

Sarah Watts
Call Me Al

Paul Simon

Cofton Primary Ensemble

SFE Leader: Hazel Buller

A Village Wedding

Debbie Cracknell
He’s a Pirate,

Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer, Nick Chamberlain

 

King Edward VI Handsworth Boys School Brass Ensemble

SFE Leader: Naomi Stevenson

20th Century Fox Fanfare

Alfred Newman arr. N Stevenson
Eye of the Tiger

Sullivan/Peterik arr. W Belshaw
Pirates of the Caribbean

Hans Zimmer arr. N Stevenson (with St Francis Concert Band)

 

Lordswood School for Girls Woodwind Ensemble

SFE Leader: Mary Wakelam Sloan

Mamma Mia

Words and Music by Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, arranged by Michael Story
Voyage to Mars

Mark Goddard, arranged by A. Rawlins
He’s a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean

Badelt and Zimmer, arranged by Z. Marklew

 

Oasis Short Heath Academy

SFE Leader: Zoe Marklew

Chip Chop Charlie

Sarah Watts arr. Marklew
Ballad

Heather Hammond arr. Z Marklew
In The Jungle

Solomon Linda arr. Z Marklew

St Francis Concert Band

SFE Leaders: Naomi Stevenson and Chris Bowden

Lord of the Dance

Trad Irish arr. Taylor
The Simpsons

Danny Elfman arr. N Stevenson
Pirates of the Caribbean

Hans Zimmer arr. N Stevenson (with KEVI Handsworth Boys Brass Ensemble)

St Laurence Church Junior School

SFE Leader: Zoe Marklew

A Million Dreams

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul arr. Z Marklew
Defying Gravity

Stephen Schwartz arr. Z Marklew
Star Wars Theme

John Williams arr. Z Marklew

St Wilfrid’s School Ensemble

SFE Leader: Penny Lord

Pink Lady (Charanga)

Jan Utbult, arr: middle section composed by members of ensemble
Tango Cha Cha

D R Bellwood, arr: P Lord
Polaroid love

Enhypen, arr: P Lord

Swanshurst School

SFE Leader: Helen Robert

Imperial March

John Williams, arranged by Michael Story
Theme from the New World Symphony

Dvorak, arranged by H. Robert
The Wallace and Gromit theme

Julian Nott, arranged by C. Holmes

Tuesday 24th March 2026 – Concert 2

Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

6:30pm

Compere – Richard Mabbott

Bass Makers – Colmore Junior School

SFE Leader: Liz Cochrane

Japanese Celebration ( Mura matsuri)

David and Kathy Blackwell
African song (Meehan m’tsvene )

David and Kathy Blackwell
American Adventure

David and Kathy Blackwell

Colmore Junior School Choir

Kings Heath Primary School Choir

SFE Leader: Sarah Mapp

Stargazing

Myles Smith
Thina Singumlilo

trad. Zulu
Zoo

Shakira, Ed Sheeran & Blake Slatkin

Hamstead Hall Ensemble

SFE Leader: Rob Jones

Blue Triangle

Richard and Ed Duckett, arr. R Jones
Somebody I used to Know

Gotye, arr. R Jones

Lakey Lane Primary

SFE Leader: Laura Tabrett

Totally Blessed

Sarah Watts
Daisy Chain Walk

Sarah Watts
Night Light

Sarah Watts
Av’s Anthem

Sarah Watts

Our Lady of Fatima Ensemble

SFE Leader: Uta Mulenga

Ghost Train

Kathy and David Blackwell
Big Wheel Waltz

Kathy and David Blackwell
Rock’n’rollercoaster

Kathy and David Blackwell

Queensbridge Orchestra

SFE Leader: Craig Holmes

Taylor Swift on Tour

Arr. Michael Brown
Blinding Lights

The Weekend. Arr. C. Holmes

St. Michael’s C of E Primary School Brass Ensemble

SFE Leader: Helen Hadlington

Les Bouffons

Composer: Arbeau, Arr. D R Bellwood
Egyptian Groove

Mark Walker
Cowboys R Coming

Mark Walker

St Teresa’s Percussion Ensemble

SFE Leader: Euan Palmer

Amawole, Traditional song from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Collectively arranged
Jump Into The Fog

The Wombats
Wallkies

Vulfpeck

 

The Oaks Percussion Ensemble

SFE Leader: Suzie Reid

Jam Sambawich

Lee Stanley
Calypso Dream

Kevin Tuck

Westminster Primary

SFE Leader: Laura Tabrett

Supersub

Mark Walker
Chachachachacha

Mark Walker
We Found Love

Calvin harris arr. Laura Tabrett
Boogie Shoes

Mark Walker

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Concert 4

Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

6:30pm

Compere – Paul Douglas

Birches Green Primary Violin Ensemble

SFE Leader: Anna Vaughan

Something Just Like This

Coldplay, Anna Vaughan
Lovely

Billie Eilish, Arranged by pupils from Birches Green

Fairfax School Band

SFE Leader: Craig Holmes

Da Do Ron Ron

The Crystals. Arr. C. Holmes
California Dreamin’

Mamas & Papas. Arr. C. Holmes
Heaven

Bryan Adams. Arr. C. Holmes

Grendon School Ensemble

SFE Leader: Lilian Marks

Tango and Cha Cha

D R Bellwood
Heading South

Latin American arr. Edward Huws Jones
Broadway or Bust

Kathy and David Blackwell

 

Hillstone Primary School

SFE Leader: Verena Lauer

Hungarian Folk Song

Traditional
Twinkle, Twinkle little star

Traditional
Easter Blossom

Traditional

 

Holy Cross Primary School

SFE Leader: Ben Muirhead

Maggie In The Wood

Traditional
Tralee Jane

Traditional
Over The Waterfall

Henry Reed

 

Kings Norton Girls School

SFE Leader: Rebecca Wright

How to Train your Dragon

John Powell, arr. Miyori Toshiba
Cantique de Jean Racine

Gabriel Faure, arr. Trevor Wye

 

New Oscott and Whitehouse Common Guitar Ensemble

SFE Leader: Dean Noble

I’m Yours

Jason Mraz, arr. Noble
Whiskey In The Jar

Trad Irish, arr. Noble

 

Plantsbrook School Dhol Ensemble

SFE Leader: Jagdev Saini

Traditional Dhol Folk Medley

 

St Bernard’s School

SFE Leader: Nina Lin

Arriba
Power Rock
Uptown Brass

 

Whitehouse Common Orchestra

SFE Leader: Sara Wilson

Shrimp Society Samba

Sarah Watts
Steve’s Lava Chicken

Jack Black arr S Wilson
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Thursday 26th March 2026 – Concert 5

Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

6:30pm

Compere – Kate O’Malley

Acocks Green Primary School Orchestra

SFE Leader: Emily Baptiste

Jive

Sarah Watts, arr Baptiste
Beauty and the Beast

Alan Menken, arr Baptiste
The Pirates of the Caribbean

Hans Zimmer, arr Baptiste

Ark Boulton Academy

Ark Victoria Academy

SFE Leader: Pritpal Singh Rai

Samba Medley

Pritpal Singh Rai
Viking drums

Arranged by Pritpal Singh Rai

Bishop Vesey’s School String Ensemble

Boldmere Junior School

SFE Leader: Louis Robinson

Amavolovolo

Trad South African, Arr Buskaid
America Latina

Marcos Valle / Paulo Sergio Valle, Arr Louis Robinson
Dinah,

Harry Akst / Sam M Lewis, Arr Louis Robinson

Cockshut Hill School

SFE Leader: Chris Bowden

Cockshut blues

Composed by band
Unknown

Composed by band

Elms Farm Primary School

Lordswood Boys Percussion Club

SFE Leader: Jonathan Gaze

Own compositions by Percussion Club

Ninestiles Academy

SFE Leader: Inderjit Singh

Karan Aujla – for a reason

arranger – Inderjit Singh Bains
Folk rhythms

Pop Symphony Ensemble – Lordswood Boys

 

SFE Leader: Sally Hobbs and Maisie Stewart

This Is Me – Greatest Showman

arr Maisie Stewart
Ordinary

Alex Warren arr Sally Hobbs

St Augustines Flute Ensemble

SFE Leader: Emma Whitcroft

Strudel Waltz

Sarah Watts
German Tune

Traditional
Tango

D R Bellwood

The Rosary Catholic Primary School

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Tuesday 24th March 2026 – Concert 3

CBSO Centre

6:30pm

Compere – Helen Brookes

Abbey Catholic Primary School

SFE Leader: Hannah Nevins

 

Birmingham Schools Steel Band North

SFE Leader: Stephon Phillip

Brazil

Ary Barroso, arranged by Brent Holder,
Go Let It Out

Noel Gallagher, arranged by Stephon Phillip

 

Cherry Orchard Primary School Orchestra

SFE Leader: Jessica Lawrence

The Traitors

Sam Watts. Arr J Lawrence.
Ode to Joy

Beethoven. Arr J Lawrence.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Mozart. Arr J Lawrence

 

St Edward’s Catholic Primary School String Group

SFE Leader: Kate Sidhu

Fairy Dance

arr Huws Jones
In Dreams

Howard Shore arr k Sidhu
Drowsy Maggie

arr huws Jones

 

St George’s C of E school choir

SFE Leader: Rebecca Prentice

Many Shades Of Blue

Christopher Williams
Up, Up And Away

Al Start

 

St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Band

SFE Leader: Alicia Hillman

How to Train Your Dragon

Arr. A.Hillman
I.D.K.

Jim Evans
Star Wars Imperial March

A.Hillman

 

St. Mary’s CofE String Ensemble

SFE Leader: Kirsteen Scott

Prelude

Brian Balmages
Pizzicato Fizz

Stephen Rosenhaus
Fiery Fiddler

Thomas Gregory

 

The Dame Ellen Pinsent School

SFE Leader: Helen Brookes

I’ve got Peace like a River
Tango
Anna Lou

 

William Murdoch Primary School Brass Group

SFE Leader: Matthew Ludford-King

Weekday blues

Jock McKenzie
Down Georgia Way

Jock McKenzie
Township & Co

Jock McKenzie

 

William Murdoch Primary School Sitar and Tabla Group

SFE Leader: Gurdeep Singh Dharni

Kaafi Raga – Snake Dance beat

G S Dharni
Raga Pilu – Folk Bhangra Beat

G S Dharni
Raga Madhuvani – Gidha Traditional Punjabi beat

G S Dharni

 

World’s End Junior School

SFE Leader: Wai Yin Yeung

Over To You
Terrible twos
Who’s calling?
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Thursday 26th March 2026 – Concert 6

CBSO Centre

6:30pm

Compere – Ruth Roberts

 

Featherstone Primary School

SFE Leader: Ann-Marie Hopper

Shrimp Society Samba

Sarah Watts
Sweet Leaf

Sarah Watts
APT

Bruno Mars & Ros̩ Рarr. Ann-Marie Hopper

 

Hallfield Chamber Choir

SFE Leader: Ruth Roberts

How Many Stars

Sarah Coleman
Talking To The Moon

Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Albert Winkler, and Jeff Bhasker

 

Hallfield Guitar Ensemble

SFE Leader: Simon Matthews

Mild Thing

J. Longworth & N. Walker
Gallop

P. Nuttall
Boom Boom

John Lee Hooker

 

Harborne Primary School Choir

SFE Leader: Mrs Louise Al-Chalabi

Janie Mama

Traditional calypso
Sing Like Never Before

Words and Music by Mark and Helen Johnson

 

King Edwards Sheldon Heath School Band

SFE Leader: Alexander S Cottrell

Mamma Mia

Abba, Arr : Alexander S Cottrell
America

Bernstein, Arr: Alexander S Cottrell
All that Jazz, – Joint Item with St Cuthberts

John Kander, Arr: Alexander S Cottrell

 

Priestley Smith School

SFE Leader: Helen Phipps

A medley of songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber

 

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

SFE Leader: Stephon Phillip

Trombone

Frank Francois, Irwin R Johnson, arranged by Stephon Phillip
Glad You Came

Steve Mac, Wayne Hector, Ed Drewitt, arranged by Stephon Phillip

 

St Cuthberts Brass Group

SFE Leader: Alexander S Cottrell

Food Glorious food

Lionel Bart, arr: Alexander S Cottrell
All that Jazz, – Joint Item with KE Sheldon Heath

John Kander, Arr: Alexander S Cottrell

 

St Michael’s C of E Primary Handsworth Steel Pan Ensemble

SFE Leader: Owen Clarke

Autumn Leaves

Joseph Kosma Owen Clarke
Pure Imagination

Lesley Bricusse & Anthony Newley / Owen Clarke
The 12th of Never

Jerry Livingston . Owen Clarke

 

Waverley Clarinet Ensemble

SFE Leader: Alicia Hillman

I.D.K

Jim Evans
The Wellerman Theme

Arr. A.Hillman
Paint it Black

Arr.A.Hillman
This information is for concert attendees who do not work for Services For Education.

  • Services For Education will not take and use identifiable images of children and young people (under 18 years old) without permission from a parent/carer to do so.
  • Parents/carers are asked annually to accept our SFE filming and photography policy. Changes can be made to the permissions at any time in the year using the ensembles portal.
  • At events we ask parents/carers to be mindful of other children and ensure photos are only for personal use. Should you wish to share a photograph on social media, it must be a long-range photograph that doesn't clearly identify any other children/ young people.
  • Please check your privacy settings on your social media account to understand who else will be able to view any images they share.
  • Where photographs are taken at an event attended by large crowds (a concert or awards event for example), this is regarded as a public area, so it is not necessary to get permission of everyone in a crowd shot. However, we will always gain permission from parents/carers for any children who appear and are identifiable in these images.
  • If you have any concerns about images being shared, please contact us at marketing@servicesforeducation.co.uk or if you have any questions relating to data protection please contact the company's Data Protection Officer, tel: (0)121 366 9950, email dpo@servicesforeducation.co.uk

our concerts are supported by:

Page Last Modified:  18/02/2026 11:06