Worcestershire’s new inclusive choir is meeting for the first time at Warndon Community Centre this Saturday, coinciding with the release of a new song and music video created in lockdown by West Midlands Inclusive Choir members. 

The choir to celebrate that everyone has their own way of sharing their voice, is open to young people of all abilities aged 25 years and under, and their families. It is free to join, there are no auditions, and you do not need to be able to read music notation.  

Worcestershire Inclusive Choir has been set up by Severn Arts (lead for Worcestershire Music Education Hub) in partnership with Soundabout and MAC Makes Music. It is one of five new inclusive West Midlands choirs which are meeting for first time in-person this weekend (Saturday September 18th) as part of a major UK initiative to give voice to children of all abilities in the region and provide more accessible musical opportunities.  

The first in-person gatherings of the new choir 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. 

MAC Makes Music, along with music charity Soundabout, have joined forces with Birmingham’s Services For Education and the West Midlands’ Music Education Hubs in Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull and Worcestershire to set up the choirs supported with funding by Midlands Arts Centre alongside Vinci. 

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.” 

Debbie Fawcett, Severn Arts Director of Learning said: “We’re delighted to working in partnership with MAC Makes Music and Soundabout to bring this exciting and unique opportunity to Worcestershire and are looking forward to meeting up on Saturday – everyone is welcome to join in! 

Twelve Soundabout Inclusive Choirs have been formed nationwide - all with the intent of welcoming all voices and actively removing barriers to participation from those with severe and profound learning disabilities. They will meet regularly in-person with virtual meetings in between. 

The project is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England. 

Sign up to Worcestershire Inclusive Choir 

 

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