Over 4 nights, 400 members of Wolverhampton Music Service represented 60 city schools and performed 50 individual pieces of music as part of Wolverhampton Summer Sounds, a celebration of musical talent held at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.
Organised by Wolverhampton Music Service, it included performances by the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock 'n' Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra and Youth Orchestra.
Head of Service Ciaran O’Donnell said: "It has been an aspiration to bring all 16 musical groups to the city's most iconic venue, and I am so proud of everyone who took part and made it happen.
"Many parents went for coffee or something to eat beforehand; in this way, alongside our educational ambition for our children and young people, the Music Service can also really support the city’s nighttime economy. I hope we can do it again next year."
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This concert series was a powerful showcase of the dedication, creativity and spirit of Wolverhampton’s young musicians.
“Their talent deserved to be heard and celebrated on the big stage and it was great that so many family and friends were able to watch on proudly as their young people took part in these very special performances."
The Summer Sounds concert series was made possible thanks to a generous donation of £10,000 donation from the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service.
Wolverhampton Music Service's team of 34 hard working staff provide high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.
Recent feedback from the Arts Council cited school engagement at 94%, with curriculum support the highest in the West Midlands.
The Music Service will be recruiting new members in September – to find out more, please visit Wolverhampton Music Service.
