CONCERT PROGRAMME

14th – 17th July 2025, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Services For Education’s Birmingham Youth Proms are a highlight in the musical year of Birmingham’s schools, bringing together more than 4,500 young instrumentalists and singers, aged 8 to 18.

These concerts will feature music from a variety of genres and are a culmination of the work SFE has been doing in schools and at ensemble centres throughout 2024-25. The concerts will have BSL interpretation.

Good evening,

Thank you for joining us at this year’s Youth Proms to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our fantastic ensemble members.

It’s been another inspiring year of music-making for our young musicians, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything they’ve accomplished.

I only moved to Birmingham, and Services For Education, in September but I have been absolutely amazed by the dedication, talent and resilience of the young people we work with every day, and I’m truly excited to see them shine on such a wonderful stage at this week’s events.

The last year has been eye opening for me in many ways! Seeing the quality of provision that our Music Service provides to the young people in our city is a privilege, and being able to represent our team across the great city of Birmingham is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.

Every week, our passionate team works with around 32,000 children, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact they continue to make. Our staff are truly an incredible group of people, and it is hugely rewarding for me to see them continue to thrive and help nurture the next generation of musicians in Birmingham.

The Youth Proms are the culmination of a year filled with dedication, creativity, and hard work. A sincere thank you to all our young musicians for their commitment, and to the parents, carers, families, and friends who continue to support us.

Lastly, to the headteachers, music coordinators, and school staff – especially those who host our ensembles each week – thank you. We couldn’t do it without you and we remain truly grateful for your support.

Image of Richard Mabbott

I hope you enjoy Youth Proms 2025.

Richard Mabbott

Head of Music Service

Our Compere – Des Coleman

Image of Des Colman

Des Coleman is a BAFTA winner and Royal Television Society Award recipient whose 30 years career spans film, theatre, and television. He first rose to fame playing the lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders, a role he held for four years during which the show itself earned a BAFTA. He’s also appeared on numerous TV programs and starred in the Sky cult classic Is Harry on the Boat. His powerful performance in the film Simple earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Santa Monica Film Festival.

Des has played lead roles in major West End productions including Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Rent (Shaftesbury Theatre), and Porgy and Bess (Savoy Theatre) under the direction of Sir Trevor Nunn.

A seasoned broadcaster he trained at the Met office for his role as a weather presenter with his engaging presence making him a fan favourite on Inside Out, and The Politics show. After presenting on The One Show for 3 years he joined ITV to win two more RTS Awards for ITV News Central and Good Morning Britain.

Des continues to inspire as a dynamic host and motivational speaker across the UK and is taking his ‘Swing and Musicals’ show to Derby Theatre: Coventry Albany: Tamworth Assembly Rooms: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and Wolverhampton Grand in July, Sept and November.

British Sign Language Interpreter – Sarah Butt

Sarah Butt  is a registered British Sign Language interpreter specialising in interpreting within the arts, particularly theatre and music.  Working all over the UK, Sarah is based in the Midlands, and provides BSL interpretation for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra family, schools and relaxed concerts series. 

Mon 14 July tickets

Monday 14th July 2025 – 7.00pm

Birmingham Schools’ Steel Band
 Conductor: Stephon Phillip

Wonderwall

Noel Gallagher arr. Stephon Phillip
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arr. Stephon Phillip
El Bimbo

Claude Morgan arr. Stephon Phillip

Birmingham Schools’ Percussion Ensemble
Conductor: Bethan Jones

Sand

Alan Keown
Big Adventure

Brian Mueller

Birmingham Schools’ Training Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Charlotte Buxton

Rio Bravo

Scott Watson
The Approaching Storm

Rob Wiffin
Steve’s Lava Chicken

Johnnie Vinson
See You Again

arr. Johnnie Vinson
Bye, Bye, Bye

arr. Johnnie Vinson

Birmingham Schools’ Primary Choir
Conductor: Sarah Mapp
Featuring:

  • Clifton Primary School
  • Colmore Junior School
  • Coppice Primary School
  • Cotteridge Primary School
  • Gossey Lane Academy
  • Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
  • Hill West Primary School
  • Kings Heath Primary School
  • Kings Rise Academy
  • Lozells Junior, Infant and Nursery school
  • St Francis CE Primary School and Nursery
  • St Laurence Church Junior School
  • West Heath Primary School
  • Woodthorpe JI School

 

Motown Medley

Medley arranged by Sarah Mapp, Ruth Roberts, Andy Ross

Interval

Birmingham Schools’ Massed Ensemble accompanied by Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Charlotte Buxton
Featuring:

  • Whitehouse Common Primary School
  • Colmore Junior School
  • St Laurence Church Junior School
  • KEVI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
  • St Francis CE Primary School and Nursery
  • New Oscott Primary School
  • Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
  • Oasis Academy Short heath
  • Washwood Heath Academy
  • Kings Norton Girls’ School
  • World’s End Junior School
Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple arr. Buxton
Doctor Who Theme

Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire arr. Iain Farrington
Funky Town

Steven Greenberg arr. Buxton

Birmingham Schools’ Singers

Conductor: Thomas Lenthall

Accompanist: William Cheung

Running up that Hill                  Kate Bush arr. Roger Emerson
Sunday

Stephen Sondheim arr. Mac Huff
Unwritten

Natasha Beddingfield, Danielle Brisebois, Wayne Rodrigues arr. Roger Emerson

Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Daniele Rosina

Leader: Gughan Gill

Star Wars Suite

John Williams
1. Princess Leia’s Theme
2. Imperial March
3. Yoda’s Theme
4. Throne Room and End Title
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
Mon 14 July tickets
Tue 15 July tickets

Tuesday 15th July 2025 – 7.00pm

Birmingham Schools’ Training Percussion Ensemble

Conductor: Sarah Chatt

Red Rock Canyon from Three Scenes from the Desert

Alex Stopa
Blockheads

Nathan Daughtrey
I Just Can’t Wait to be King

Elton John and Tim Rice arr. Sarah Chatt


Birmingham Schools’ Double Reed Ensemble

Conductor: Lesley Morson

Waltz no. 2

Shostakovich arr. Alfie Pugh
Lord of the Dance

arr. Dt Lin


Birmingham Schools’ Junior String Orchestra

Conductor: Kirsteen Scott

Vanguard Overture

Brian Balmages
Gavotte (from Holberg Suite Op. 40)

Edvard Grieg arr. Jeff Bailey
Blue Rhythmico

Kirt N.Mosier
Golden Grove

Richard A. Stephan


Birmingham Schools’ Primary Choir

Conductor: Ruth Roberts

Featuring:

  • Barford Primary School
  • Bournville Village Primary
  • Chivenor Primary
  • E-ACT Mansfield Green Primary Academy
  • Featherstone Primary School
  • Kings Norton Primary
  • Mere Green Primary School
  • Pegasus Primary School
  • Penns Primary School
  • St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School
  • St John Fisher Catholic Primary School
  • St Peter’s Catholic Primary School
  • Star King Solomon Academy
  • The Meadows Primary School and Resource Base
  • Tiverton Academy
Motown Medley

Medley arranged by Sarah Mapp, Ruth Roberts, Andy Ross

Interval

Birmingham Schools’ Massed Ensemble accompanied by Birmingham Schools’ Brass Band

Conductor:  Saphran Ali

Featuring:

  • Fairfax Academy
  • St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School
  • Abbey Catholic Primary School
  • The Oaks Primary School
  • Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
  • St Edward’s RC Primary School
  • Mansfield Green EACT Academy
  • Featherstone Primary School
  • Mere Green Primary School
  • Bournville Village Primary School
  • Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School
Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple arr. Buxton
Doctor Who Theme

Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire arr. Iain Farrington
Funky Town

Steven Greenberg arr. Buxton


Birmingham Schools’ Guitar Sinfonia

Conductor:  Adam Hickman

Habanera from Carmen

George Bizet arr. Dan Jones
Yesterday and Lady Madonna

John Lennon and Paul McCartney arr. BSGS
Diabolo

Steve Marsh


Birmingham Schools’ Brass Band

Conductor:  Saphran Ali

Principal Cornet: Heather Cooper

Back to the Future

Alan Silvestri arr. Darrol Barry
Starburst

Dan Price
The Irish Blessing
(featuring ‘Our leavers Group’ 2025)

Joyce Eilers Bacak arr. Steven Bradnum
Light-Walk

Barrie Gott
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
Tue 15 July tickets
Wed 16 July tickets

16th July 2025 – 7.00pm

Birmingham Schools’ Azaad Dhol Group

Leader: Harjit Singh

Dhol Medley

Harjit Singh
Bhangra Medley

Lember arr. Inderjit Singh

 

Birmingham Schools’ Recorder Sinfonia

Conductor:  Michelle Holloway


Birmingham Schools’ String Sinfonia

Conductor:  William Cheung

Serenade No.13 in G “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
i. Allegro
ii. Romanze
Highlights from Moana

Lin-Manuel Miranda arr. by Larry Moore

 

Birmingham Schools’ Primary Choir

Conductor:  Sarah Mapp

Featuring:

  • Ark Victoria Academy
  • Glenmead Primary School
  • Heathlands Primary Academy
  • Ladypool Primary School
  • Lakey Lane Primary School
  • Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School
  • Severne Primary School
  • Slade Primary School
  • St George’s Church of England Primary School
  • St James CE Primary School
  • Victoria School
  • Warren Farm Primary School
  • Water Mill Primary School
  • Westminster Primary School
Motown Medley

Medley arranged by Sarah Mapp, Ruth Roberts, Andy Ross

Interval

Birmingham Schools’ Massed Ensemble accompanied by Birmingham Schools’ Wind Orchestra

Conductor:  Sara Wilson

Featuring:

  • Boldmere Junior School
  • Lordswood Boys’ School
  • Swanshurst School
  • Saint Bernard’s RC Primary
  • St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School
  • Acocks Green Primary School
  • Hamstead Hall Academy
  • Bournville School
  • Queensbridge School
  • Lakey Lane Primary School
  • Westminster Primary School
  • William Murdoch Primary School
  • Lordswood Girls’ School
  • Elms Farm Primary School
  • Waverley School
Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple arr. Buxton
Doctor Who Theme

Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire arr. Iain Farrington
Funky Town

Steven Greenberg arr. Buxton

 

Birmingham Schools’ Training Guitar Ensemble

Conductor:  Tom Reed

Desert Sunset

Tony Mizen arr. Tom Reed
Watz in A Minor – D145 No. 6

Franz Schubert arr. Tom Reed
Flamenco & Flamingo (Soloist-Arthur Alexander)

Andrew Hobler
Encanto Medley

Lin-Manuel Miranda arr. Tom Reed


Birmingham Schools’ Wind Orchestra

Conductor:  Adrian Taylor

Dance I (from Jazz Suite No. 2)

Dmitri Shostakovich arr. Johan De Meij
Eldfjall (World Premier)

Ben Rindl
MacArthur Park

Jimmy Webb arr. Philip Sparke
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
Wed 16 July tickets
Thu 17 July tickets

Thursday 17th July 2025 – 7.00 pm

Birmingham Schools’ Guitar Ensemble

Conductor:  Nick Chamberlain

Frevo

Jürg Kindle
Funky

Jürg Kindle
Treveni

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero arr. Nick Chamberlain

 

Birmingham Schools’ Raga and Tala Ensemble

Leaders: Gurdeep Singh-Dharni and Harjinder Singh Matharu

Raga Yaman Vilambit Gat

G.S Dharni and H.S Matharu
Raga Yaman Drut Gat

G.S Dharni and H.S Matharu
Raga Peelu – Tala Keharawa

G.S Dharni and H.S Matharu
Raga Peelu – Jhala & Jugalbandi in Fast Teental

G.S Dharni and H.S Matharu


Birmingham Schools’ Training Brass Band

Conductor:  David Taylor

Michael Jackson Hit Mix
(Part 1)                                    

Michael Jackson arr. Johnnie Vinson
i. Billie Jean
ii. Beat It
Choral Fantasy

Alan P. Marlow
When I grow Up

Tim Minchin arr. David Edmonds
Michael Jackson Hit Mix
(Part 2)        

Michael Jackson arr. Johnnie Vinson
iii. Bad
iv. Thriller


Birmingham Schools’ Primary Choir

Conductor:  Ruth Roberts

Featuring:

  • Alston Primary School
  • Brookfields Primary school
  • Cherry Orchard Primary School
  • Cofton Primary School
  • Harborne Primary
  • Highfield Junior & Infant School
  • Minworth J+I School
  • Montgomery Primary Academy
  • Nonsuch Primary
  • Oasis Academy Short Heath
  • Our Lady of Rose & Lima
  • Raddlebarn Primary School
  • Regents Park Community Primary School
  • St. Cuthbert’s
  • Turves Green Primary

Interval

Birmingham Schools’ Massed Ensemble accompanied by Birmingham Schools’ Concert Band

Conductor:  Saphran Ali

Featuring:

  • King Edward Vi Sheldon Heath Academy
  • Cherry Orchard Primary School
  • Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School
  • St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
  • The Rosary Ensemble
  • St Cuthbert’s School, Stechford
  • Cofton Primary School
  • Raddlebarn Primary School
  • Cockshut Hill School
  • St Augustine’s Primary
  • Archbishop Ilesley Catholic School
  • St James’ Catholic Primary
  • Birches Green Junior School
  • St Mary’s CofE Primary School
  • Hillstone Primary School
  • St Michael’s Primary Academy
  • St Michaels’s C of E Primary School
  • Lea Forest Primary Academy
  • Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
  • Grendon Primary Schoo
Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple arr. Buxton
Doctor Who Theme

Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire arr. Iain Farrington
Funky Town

Steven Greenberg arr. Buxton

Birmingham Schools’ Piano and Keyboard Ensemble

Conductor:  Andrew Ross and Wayne Duffell

Forget You

Thomas Callaway, Phillip Lawrence, Peter Hernandez, Ari Levine and Christopher Brown arr. Wayne Duffell
I’m Still Standing

Elton John and Bernie Taupin arr. Wayne Duffell


Birmingham Schools’ Jazz Band

Conductor:  Ashley Buxton

The Simpsons

arr. Les Hooper
When I Wish Upon a Star

Leigh Harlene
Chameleon

arr. Jay Chattaway


Birmingham Schools’ Concert Band

Conductor:  Saphran Ali

Into the Clouds!

Richard L. Saucedo
Metal!

arr. Sean O’Loughlin
Whispers from Beyond

Rossano Galante
It’s Raining Men

Jabara/Shaffer arr. Scott Richards
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
Thu 17 July tickets
Download Complete Programme

** NEW this year – dining offers **

To help people make the most of an evening at our Youth Proms, we’ve built relationships with some local restaurants, who have kindly offered some *discounts which we have listed below.

 malmaison logo Where: Chez Mal @ Malmaison  (1 Wharfside Street, B1 1RD)

Website: Enjoy Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar in Birmingham | Malmaison Birmingham

Discount: 15% off food and drinks.

Book via: email Money mchopra@malmaison.com

Code: SFEProms

 
Hotel du Vin Where: Hotel du Vin Bistro  (Church Street, B3 2NR)

Website: Menus for Birmingham Bistro | Hotel du Vin & Bistro

Discount: 15% off food and drinks.

Book via: email Money mchopra@malmaison.com

Code: SFEProms

 
 Alberts Schloss logo Where: Albert’s Schloss (Paradise, One Chamberlain Square, B3 3AX)

Website: Bar, Restaurant + Beer Hall – Albert’s Schloss Birmingham

Discount: complimentary drink with every main course.

Book via: email Sophie sophiep@albertsschloss.co.uk

Code SFEProms

 
Gusto Italian Birmingham logo Where: Gusto Italian (Unit 10, Grand Hotel, Colmore Row, B3 2BS)

Website: Birmingham Italian Restaurant | Gusto Italian

Discount: Special Theatre Menu: Two courses £25 / Three courses £30  plus get a free drink.

Book via: email Charlotte birminghamesm@gustorestaurants.com

Code: SFEProms

 
Box BMH logo Where: Box Brindley Place (1-2 Waters Edge, Brindley Place, B1 2HL)

Website: BOX Brindleyplace | Sports Bar & Kitchen In Birmingham

Discount: 20% off food and 10% off drinks

Book via: email Saskia Saskia.Keatman@arcinspirations.com

Code: SFEProms

 

*Please note, these are all subject to booking directly with the venue using the contact details and codes below. These are all at the discretion of the individual restaurants, may not be valid in conjunction with other offers and are not the responsibility of SFE.

our concerts are supported by:

Page Last Modified:  20/06/2025 13:27