Relaxed Concert for Schools 2024

It’s official. Volunteering is good for the soul!

We were privileged to participate in Cheltenham Festivals’ Relaxed Concert for Schools at Cheltenham Music Festival last week, which Attivo co-sponsors. It was such a great experience. 170 children from seven SEND schools across the region attend this event, now in its third year and Attivo’s second time volunteering at the concert.

Attivo’s Claire Kidson was manning the foyer as the schools arrived. “It’s lovely to do something for other people, especially those who don’t have access to things like this. It feels like we’re really making a difference. Last year, my children (who were five and eight at the time) came along to watch, and they loved it – music is universal, and we can all enjoy it in different ways”.

Another volunteer, Tricia Cooke, said, “I’m new to the company, so when the invitation came round asking for volunteers to come along and help today, I jumped at the chance. I love the sense of being able to help, and I have volunteered a lot, which I find really rewarding. The music is great, and everyone should be able to hear it. It just transports you and is so moving.”

There was an excited buzz across the hall as the children filed in. The room is set ‘horseshoe style’ around the orchestra, and there is no tiered seating, so the children are free to stand, dance, sing along – and respond in any way they like.

And HOW they responded!

There are 18 musicians in the orchestra, many of them from Gloucestershire Academy of Music, and the children listen first to Blue Danube. There’s a noticeable hush on the Pizzicato Polka, and for a moment, a little boy takes centre stage with his carer – he’s interested in getting closer to the instruments. It doesn’t matter – that’s exactly what this concert is about.

Next up, the children are invited to find a partner for a tango, and there’s lots of commotion and fun while the children and teachers jump up and dance alone and together. Attivo’s Tom Billcliff said, “This event really brings home the day-to-day challenges of managing life with a disability. For once, with this event, the carers and teachers don’t need to worry because the children have the freedom to shout, run around and behave however they want”.

Towards the concert’s end, the mood quietens as the orchestra and singers close with a lullaby. The children are calmer now, and the atmosphere changes. It’s been quite a ride, that 45 minutes! The closing address is by Pip Claridge, who had the idea for the concert many years ago. She’s such a passionate advocate of the Relaxed Concert; her enthusiasm is inspiring.

The day doesn’t end here, with the children encouraged to handle or play the musical instruments and talk to the performers. It’s so heart-warming to mingle amongst them as they play the cello or pluck guitar strings; they’re having a ball!

The Relaxed Concert is a perfect example of one of the many fantastic community initiatives Cheltenham Festivals are involved in, and these events go on long after the excitement of the ‘live’ festivals has finished. As Jeremy Lewis, Attivo client and Lifetime festival patron, explains: “A lot of people don’t realise the Cheltenham Festivals is a charity. The big events with the headline acts pay for events like today, where we make a real impact on people in the community without the access or the ability to make it to music, book or science festivals”.

“Have you had a good time?” asks Pip of the audience.

And there’s a resounding ‘yes’ from everyone in the room. Including the Attivo volunteers!