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| National Children’s Choir of Great Britain’s Blue Choir & Soundabout in workshop (Photo: Milly March) |
A collaboration between the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain (NCCGB) and Soundabout is now in its fourth year. The collaboration brings the two organisations together for workshops: the NCCCGB, an auditioned choir for talented young singers aged 9 to 19 from all over Great Britain, and Soundabout, a UK charity that uses music to create meaningful opportunities for Learning Disabled people of all ages, particularly those with complex support needs [see my article on Soundabout].
The workshops have taught valuable lessons to the next generation of young people. Both organisations discovered common ground in their respective missions: feeling strongly that working together in a shared space that is equitable for everyone taking part is key to success.
NCCGB’s Blue Choir (those of secondary school age) take part each year in a workshop with Soundabout whilst they are on a week-long residential course in the Easter school holidays. Many children who are in the NCCGB have little or no experience of interacting with Learning Disabled people with complex support needs, and yet the impact of this unique partnership – one of the first of its kind in the UK – is clear to the young singers in NCCGB.
Soundabout’s person‑centred approach to accessible, interactive, and creative music‑making is easily transferred into a mainstream setting. The workshop begins with Soundabout’s Hello song, and closes with their Goodbye song, which helps create a sense of structure and familiarity to the workshop for everyone involved, and helps everyone connect and feel part of a group. The content of the workshops includes favourite songs from both groups, singing games, hand-held percussion, sensory toys and plenty of interaction between music practitioners and participants. At the end of the workshop, plenty of time is given for socialising afterwards.
Verity, who has been in Blue Choir for two years, said: “We don’t have many people with disabilities in and around my community at home, so I was a bit nervous before my first session with Soundabout. But seeing so many amazing people in a room all singing together was so much fun! It is such an enjoyable and inclusive experience, I don’t know what I had to worry about. This is my second year with NCCGB and Soundabout is now one of the highlights of my week; it’s the first thing I tell my family about when I get home!“
The partnership is set to continue in 2027. It is currently being funded by Soundabout and the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, however in order to grow it in future years, the organisations are actively seeking funding.
