Youth music

Some of my Belfast highlights have been concerts - many in the Ulster Hall, but in other venues too (schools, church halls, shopping centres at Christmas, competitions) - by youth groups: orchestras, jazz groups, brass bands, traditional music groups, from secondary schools, City of Belfast School of Music, Ulster Youth Orchestra, Ulster Jazz Orchestra, 1st Old Boys' Youth Silver Band. The talent on display has always been really evident and there have been many spine-tingling moments. And these performances bring in huge numbers of parents, family and friends, many of whom might not otherwise go to concerts of that kind. Behind each performance are hours of practice with tutors and leaders, weekly (and online during the pandemic).

It would be great to see youth music prominently celebrated and promoted in the bid for City of Music. Even better would be a commitment to provide music tuition / engagement to all children, especially children from underprivileged backgrounds. Music has such obvious benefits for children - emotionally, socially, educationally. But there's also just the sheer joy and excitement of performing (especially in a packed Ulster Hall).