The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is a Sing Up Flagship organisation that comprises two singing programmes: Boys with Changing Voices and the Whole School Training Programme.

Boys with Changing Voices

This programme introduces a new CBSO boys’ choir, in partnership with Barclays Wealth. Open to all boys in school years 7–13, it encourages an interest in singing as their voices change and develop, building confidence and enjoyment.

The programme objective is to identify and support novice singers in schools and offer singing workshops. To do this it must convince teachers and boys of the value of singing, and how it improves general life skills. Teacher-training workshops will be tailored around the National Curriculum to help teachers make singing accessible for school boys.

Whole School Training Programme

The second programme is aimed at all Key Stage 2 teachers, administrative staff and support staff within a primary school.

It aims to inspire and motivate head teachers to include singing as an integral part of their school action plan, and make it part of their daily routine.

The programme will incorporate two primary school visits that lead to a performance at Symphony Hall – the first visit involves Key Stage 2 teachers at one of their training days, the second visit involves CBSO staff in classrooms. Throughout the programme, teacher skills will be developed in specially designed workshops, providing creative ideas and resources to teach singing in the classroom.

Through both programmes the CBSO is inspiring and raising confidence in teaching singing in the classroom, and developing closer relationships with primary schools for the sustainable future.

For more information, please contact CBSO on 0121 616 6526.