The grant awarded to Barnsley Youth Choir is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and South Yorkshire Music Hub, as part of wider investment in creating opportunities for young people to engage with music across South Yorkshire. This is the second of two larger grants supported through the programme.
The funding will support the Choir’s new Secondary Schools Partnership Project, running from September 2026 to July 2027.
The project will bring high-quality singing and music workshops directly into secondary schools and special schools across Barnsley. The aim is to work with at least 10 schools, reaching up to 2,000 young people.
Workshops will be delivered free of charge by experienced music leaders, with schools also receiving specially created music resources, including rehearsal tracks, instructional videos and supporting materials. These resources will enable teachers to continue developing music activities with their pupils beyond the initial workshops.
The programme will be inclusive and designed to support young people regardless of their background, previous musical experience or additional needs. By taking opportunities directly into schools, the project will also help reduce the financial and geographical barriers that can prevent young people from accessing music outside their local communities.
Alongside giving young people the opportunity to experience singing and develop their confidence, the project will support teachers with new skills and resources, helping to strengthen music provision within schools for future pupils.
The charity is pleased to support Barnsley Youth Choir through this grant and to contribute to the wider ambition of increasing access to high-quality music opportunities for children and young people across South Yorkshire.
Find out more:
Barnsley Youth Choir CIO
South Yorkshire Music Hub
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)