Symphony Hall’s Education/Community department aims to provide a stimulating programme of concerts and events that will appeal to as many members of the local and national community as possible.

The SoundWorks programme was launched in 2000, featuring the following regular activities:

School & Public Tours

Tours of the auditorium and behind the scenes can be based around curriculum topics for primary, secondary and special needs students including subjects such as the science of sound, pneumatics and hydraulics and music performance.

Primary School Concerts and Events

Several concerts and events are staged for primary schools throughout the academic year ranging from Music for Youth’s Primary Proms and Blackadder Brass’s musical pantomimes to World Music Days and massed singing events. Outreach projects, such as Romany Wood and the new Pipe-Up project, give children the opportunity to perform on stage after a series of rehearsals in school.

Secondary School Concerts and Events

GCSE and A level music students are actively encouraged to attend Symphony Hall concerts by offering a schedule of pre-concert talks and complimentary or reduced price tickets. Performance opportunities can also be arranged in the form of long term projects with visiting musicians such as ensemblebash. In addition, summer schools for 12 to 14 year-olds are arranged with the University of the First Age and other Birmingham-based arts organisations.

Out of School Programmes

Youth Clubs, playgroups and other out-of-school organisations are encouraged to join in community-based participative arts projects, which are regularly featured in the SoundWorks programme.