Every voice deserves to be heard. Fundraising Manager, Sarah Caldwell, discusses the impact our Inclusive Choir project has had over the 2025/26 academic year…
At Birmingham Inclusive Choir, every sound, every movement and every contribution is celebrated. Whether a participant sings every word, joins in through movement, plays an instrument or simply experiences the music in their own way, everyone belongs and that sense of belonging has been at the heart of another wonderful year for our choir.
Taking place at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), our monthly sessions continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where children and young people with SEND can explore music-making in ways that work for them. This year we were delighted to welcome new members, with around ten families regularly attending each session. Parents, carers and siblings are encouraged to join in too, creating a truly supportive environment where everyone shares in the experience.
Led by Emily, Helen and Martin, every session is shaped by the needs and interests of the group. One member regularly brings along his trumpet, while others enjoy singing, experimenting with different instruments and ‘music makers’, or expressing themselves through movement, often a combination of everything. No two sessions are ever quite the same – and that’s exactly how the group likes it.
‘Together, we have built a rich repertoire of songs and musical activities, while remaining responsive to the needs and interests of participants. We are able to improvise, adapt and follow the musical direction of the group, creating sessions that feel collaborative, engaging and participant-led.’
– Emily Tully, lead facilitator.
A Year of New Opportunities
This year brought exciting opportunities for the choir to come together beyond their regular sessions.
Members loved taking part in two seasonal Soundabout Big Get Together events, meeting fellow West Midlands Inclusive Choir members they would usually only see online. Filled with music, laughter and familiar faces, the events highlighted the joy of belonging to a wider musical community and the shared fun this can create.
In March, the choir hosted its very first Informal Showcase at MAC, welcoming more family members, friends, and guests to experience a rehearsal first-hand. With a range of ‘music-makers’ available, and words on a giant screen, audience participation was actively encouraged, making the performance a celebration of inclusion as much as music. Even the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham joined in!
Every choir member received their own Birmingham Inclusive Choir T-shirt, helping everyone feel part of something truly special, while a professional photographer captured memories that families will treasure.
Pictured above: our Birmingham Inclusive Choir performing at its first informal Showcase at the MAC
The choir was pleased to be invited to perform at NHS England’s SEND Awards, after organisers discovered the group online. Performing in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham for a completely new audience including ministers and other professionals was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate inclusion through music and demonstrate what can be achieved when every child is given the opportunity to shine.
Pictured above left to right: our Birmingham Inclusive Choir performing at NHS England’s SEND Awards and Birmingham Disability Festival
These performances weren’t simply opportunities to sing. They gave participants the confidence to step outside their comfort zones, share their talents with new audiences and grow even stronger together as a choir, and as individuals.
More Than a Choir
For many families, Birmingham Inclusive Choir has become much more than a monthly music session.
One parent beautifully described what makes the choir so unique:
“I value the time and encouragement that every participant receives. It’s very moving when the microphone, or an instrument, is passed round, and each choir member gets their turn in the spotlight. The whole room gets behind each person and celebrates their contribution, which may be a small but very significant move of a head, a rare vocalisation, or the clear singing of one or more words. These special moments have bonded the group in a very unique way.”
Another parent shared how the choir has transformed her son’s confidence over the past six years:
“For the past six years, Birmingham Inclusive Choir has been so much more than a choir for Hugh – it has been a place where he truly belongs. From the very beginning, he has been welcomed without conditions and celebrated for who he is. He is gently encouraged to vocalise when he wants to, but equally supported to participate in the way that feels right for him, often through instruments and movement. There is no pressure to conform, only a genuine belief that every person has something valuable to contribute. That acceptance has transformed Hugh’s confidence, helped him build friendships, and given him the freedom to express himself in ways that bring him real happiness.”
Perhaps the choir is best summed up by another parent, who said:
“Birmingham Inclusive Choir creates belonging, builds confidence, opens doors and changes expectations of what disabled people can achieve. It is a place where differences are embraced, every voice matters, and where once a month, Saturday begins with fun, laughter, lots of noise, and a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated.”
Looking Ahead
As the choir enjoys a well-earned summer break, members are already looking forward to returning in September, with new instruments waiting to be introduced as well as more opportunities to perform together.
Every rehearsal, every performance and every shared musical moment continues to demonstrate how #MusicCan bring joy to everyone involved.
Our Birmingham Inclusive Choir costs around £15,000 each year to deliver and is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
If you’d like to find out more about Birmingham Inclusive Choir, how to join, or how you can help support this very special project, you can do so here.
About the Author
Sarah Caldwell – Fundraising Manager, Services For Education
Sarah Caldwell joined Services For Education in Summer 2023, bringing with her over 14 years fundraising experience. Working in the Birmingham charity sector, she has raised valuable funds for a range of projects impacting the day to day lives of young people with disabilities.
Sarah has experience across a number of fundraising streams (including Trusts & Foundation, Events and Corporate Fundraising), and brings this, along with a strong interest in building relationships with supporters, to her role at SFE.