City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

 

For the last seven years the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has worked with the Aston Performing Arts Academy (APAA) in delivering creative projects for students aged 5 to 19 as well as assisting in the formation of the Aston Youth Orchestra. The APAA services parts of Birmingham with severe social and economic deprivation – unemployment and crime rates are high, and there is a great need for the provision of positive activities for young people.

The CBSO collaborates with the APAA to provide an accessible music event of the highest quality for students and the wider local community. In the process the CBSO enables participants (both children and adults) to work alongside professional musicians and to develop their skills and confidence. This year’s project started before Easter with “Inner City Jam” - an open event where young people are able to come and play musical instruments. Led by CBSO musicians and experienced music leaders from APAA the event provided workshops for different types of instruments. The event was a great success with a very large turnout and a final group performance for 100 participants. From this activity several community ensembles have been created, which will be coached regularly throughout the year, in preparation for further major musical events.

It is an established fact that performing music has enriched the lives of many members of the community and provided a much needed focus and outlet for young people at risk from high levels of crime and social deprivation. The Tom ap Rhys Pryce Trust is proud to add its support to this exciting and beneficial project.