This year, as part of #SFECan, we are launching our #MusicCan fundraising campaign.
Behind the campaign and really at the heart of what we do at Services For Education, are the following statements…
#SFECan change lives through the power of music and learning.
#MusicCan create opportunities
#MusicCan build confidence
#MusicCan remove barriers
But this isn’t just an SFE campaign. #YouCan change lives through the power of music too, by supporting SFE’s Music Projects.
SFE’s mission is to bring music and learning to life for children, young people, adults and communities across Birmingham.
But, through our work, #SFECan impact a person’s life in ways that go beyond the music…
Our work is vast, engaging thousands of people across the city, from different areas and backgrounds, with different ages and abilities, bringing free music opportunities to those who need it the most.
Every day, we see the impact our work has, the joy it brings and the difference it makes.
We see how;
#MusicCan create opportunities for young musicians, some of whom would otherwise have limited opportunities due to their circumstances and barriers faced.
Along with the thousands of young musicians we work with in our Music Ensembles, our Music Cares programmes supports around 100 children in care across Birmingham, each year.
”She has been really enjoying her lessons over the last 5 years and has gone from being very shy, and nervous about playing (and also socially) to being a really confident individual. She hasn’t taken any exams yet, but is playing around grade 2 standard and we’ve been playing lots of music that she has chosen herself.” – Music Cares Teacher
Through our Music Ensembles, we bring together nearly 4,000 young musicians from across Birmingham, to form over 100 free ensembles each year, covering all genres and abilities from percussion and woodwind, to jazz, symphony orchestras and Concert Band.
As part of our Ensembles activities, we provide amazing performance opportunities on iconic stages, locally and nationally, showing how #MusicCan build confidence.
”Through SFE’s dedication to music, the children have sharpened their technical skills and deepened their understanding of rhythm and harmony. They have truly grown immensely as individuals. The safe, creative space of the ensembles has become a sanctuary—helping ease anxieties, boost their mental well-being, and build lasting friendships rooted in shared passion.” – Ensembles Parent
Cost can be one of many circumstances that prevent people from participating in activities such as music.
Providing our music-based projects free of charge, means #MusicCan overcome barriers, enabling people who would otherwise miss out on learning an instrument, performing on stage, sitting in the audience or taking part in fully inclusive music session can do just that.
”Involving the Birmingham Inclusive Choir in mainstream events is a great way to reduce barriers. Children interact with/react to Archie in different ways. He intrigues and confuses people. He is very small for his age and has some facial features that are distinctive to his syndrome… some children are scared the first time they meet him.
Including him introduces him as a person who loves music, can do things, and be part of something. He may use his quiet voice on stage, but he’s not afraid to be centre stage and that’s another boost for us all and something his brothers can watch and be proud of.”
– Inclusive Choir Members Archie’s Mum, Natalie.
Together, we can continue to deliver our work in the community, and ensure that #MusicCan change lives.
#YouCan help make this possible by supporting us and donating here;
donate
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.