Birmingham Inclusive Choir is an amazing project which brings together young people with profound learning disabilities and fosters a sense of belonging, community and fun ¬through making music

A choir that started in lockdown which enables children and young people with severe and profound learning disabilities to enjoy music and singing is making a name for itself in Birmingham. Now in its fifth year, Birmingham Inclusive Choir brings together young people from across the city to play music-making instruments that include tambourines, maracas, xylophone and egg shakers for percussion.

The choir, which is run by Birmingham charity Services For Education with national charity Soundabout – recently staged a special Showcase concert at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). It was the first time the choir has held its own Showcase event having performed at Services For Education’s Outdoor Festival at MAC in May 2025, which featured its Music Services’ ensembles.

The choir is funded through grants and fund-raising and costs £15,000 a year to run. Sharon Bell, chief executive of Services For Education, said: “Birmingham Inclusive Choir is hugely important, fostering a sense of belonging, community and joy – regardless of musical background, physical, or cognitive abilities. An environment is created where choir members develop strong bonds and lasting friendships, where every voice is valued, and participants, regardless of their background or abilities, have equal status. We’re delighted our skilled and enthusiastic staff enable this choir to make such a contribution to the lives of young people.”

ENJOYMENT AND EXPRESSION

The choir holds face-to-face sessions during term time at MAC with additional online sessions happening as part of West Midlands Inclusive Choir. Participation is free, with no auditions or requirement to read music — the focus is on enjoyment and expression rather than performance skill. Experienced choir leaders and practitioners from Services For Education and Soundabout tailor activities to suit the needs of those attending. There are different ways to take part, from singing, vocalising sounds, playing percussion instruments, moving to music, or simply listening. Songs range from children’s favourites to pop classics, often chosen with input from members themselves. Some songs having physical actions and ‘call and response’ moments for everyone to join in with.

In addition to live gatherings, the choir can connect with the wider West Midlands Inclusive Choir network through online or hybrid sessions, helping participants engage even if they can’t be there in person. The choir also participates in performances and collaborative projects, sometimes working with other inclusive choirs across the UK.

STRONGER THAN EVER

Richard Mabbott, head of the Music Service at Services For Education, said: “The choir is just a brilliant way of bringing music to the lives of children and young people with complex support needs. They and their family, friends and carers really enjoy and get pleasure from singing and playing sound makers, listening, vocalising and moving to the music.

“It’s just amazing that nearly five years on from being established in lockdown, when the only way they could get together was online, Birmingham Inclusive Choir is stronger and more powerful than ever bringing joy to the choir members’ lives. Whether it’s Abba’s Dancing Queen – always a hot-favourite – or simply making music, the choir just loves performing.”

CONFIDENCE BOOST

Families regularly highlight the boost in confidence, connection, and enjoyment that choir members get from being part of the group. Naomi Stevenson is mum to eight-year-old Thomas, who joined the choir in 2023. She said: “At first Thomas was a little nervous (about attending), but now he absolutely loves it. I remember the first time – on his third visit – he actually interacted with people. It’s all about learning social skills and communication skills that he has struggled with but when it happened, it was just like being lifted. Thomas was going with one of the leaders, helping her with the microphone and taking drums round and giving instruments to the other children. I’d never seen him do that before. It was absolutely amazing.”

The choir is led by Helen Phipps, who has worked in the vocal department for Services for Education for the past 18 years; Emily Tully of Soundabout who is a Birmingham-based music specialist; and Martin Fisher, who has worked part-time for Soundabout since 2019, including three years at a school in Coventry for children of all school ages with a broad range of special educational needs. Helen said: “I find it a joy coming together with the participants every month – just seeing the smiles the songs bring to their faces.”