University News Last updated 25 July
SoundLab was invited to open the main stage of the Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival in Moseley on Sunday 13 July.
The festival is a highlight in the SoundLab calendar, marking the end of a creative and rewarding year for the programme. SoundLab participants composed and arranged a 30-minute set of original music, inspired by this year’s festival line-up, which was received enthusiastically by the festival audience.
SoundLab is one of the RBC Learning & Participation Department’s programmes, offering 11-18-year-olds from across the city the opportunity to create their own music in the way they want to make it.
These performances boost their self-confidence, build resilience, are an opportunity to connect with others and develop their self-expression and musical identity by supporting young people with real and perceived barriers to music engagement.
The work of the young musicians in the programme is supported by professional musicians and RBC students, as well as being generously supported by Signatur and Birmingham Music Education Hub.
Reflecting on the performance, SoundLab leader Aaron Diaz commented: “It’s been such a joy to watch the set grow full of energy, creativity and collaboration.
“We are grateful to Festival Booker John Fell and the Mostly team for inviting our ‘SoundLabbers’ to perform, as well as welcoming their families to support them, celebrate their achievements and enjoy a brilliant day of live acts in the sunshine.”