SFE’s Fundraising Manager, Sarah Caldwell, highlights the positive impact #MusicCan have on young musicians in our SFE Ensembles…
Every week, 4,000 young musicians across Birmingham come together through SFE’s Music Ensembles – building confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of music.
From training orchestras, to grading exams and full symphony orchestras, our Ensembles offer a range of musical opportunities to achieve great things, including stepping on iconic stages such as Birmingham Symphony Hall and Royal Albert Hall.
Although members may join due to their love of music, or desire to learn to play a specific instrument, being part of an Ensemble goes beyond developing their musical talent.
#MusicCan have the power to teach, and develop, a range of life skills including the obvious literacy, numeracy and communication.
Creative expression flourishes, and a natural sense of rhythm naturally falls in place as young musicians learn to listen to their instrument, their fellow musicians and their conductor.
But being part of an Ensemble also fosters a sense of community, a sense of belonging.
By offering Ensemble places completely free of charge, we remove the barrier of cost so that young musicians from every background can take part. They interact with peers they may not meet or engage with otherwise, sharing excitement, nerves and passion as a team, not just an individual.
A young musician’s own personal development is something else that can thrive by being part of an Ensemble.
From learning to correct mistakes, overcome nerves and anxiety, take on nerve-wracking solos to supporting newer, junior members, #MusicCan undoubtedly help an individual build their confidence, by doing something they enjoy.
SFE Ensembles’ Impact
Don’t just take our word for it. Parents know their children better than anyone, and they see first-hand the difference being in an Ensemble makes:
‘An Ensemble is a special place where he can meet and share his musical journey with other kids outside of school. SFE provides what can only be described as an incredible opportunity for children and young people in Birmingham – I wish there had been something similar when I was a child.’ – Ensemble Parent
‘The SFE team no doubt looks after many musicians; but I have never felt that he was just a number, indeed his personal journey and needs as an individual musician have seemingly always been of paramount importance to the team’. – Ensemble Parent
‘As a single mother, I couldn’t have hoped to provide them with the exceptional facilities and teaching- and yet, we are eternally grateful to SFE – a charitable organisation- for this opportunity at no financial cost to us; without which, they would never have found the joy of music.’ – Ensemble Parent
Supporting Our Ensembles
It costs up to £400 per Ensemble placement, per year which covers the cost of instrument loan and repair, dedicated rehearsals with trained staff and amazing performance opportunities.
We are proud to offer Ensemble places free of charge for all our young musicians, but as a charity, fundraising is vital in making opportunities like this possible.
Although the Arts Council England provides valuable support it doesn’t cover all the costs, #YouCan also support our Ensembles by donating here:
DonateBehind every rehearsal, performance and musical breakthrough is support from people who believe every young person should have the chance to experience music. Whether you give £5, £25 or help fund a full placement, #YouCan help another young musician experience the joy and confidence that music brings.
Support Our Ensembles
At Services For Education (SFE) everything we do is to support our mission to bring music and learning to life. With your support, #WeCan achieve this mission.
#SFECan bring music to life for more people. #MusicCan change lives. #YouCan help to change lives by supporting SFE.
If you would like to get involved in any way, email us at [email protected] or if you would like to make a donation, use the button below.
MAKE A DONATION TODAY 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.