Pupils from South Yorkshire are set to make history as the youngest performers at this year’s prestigious Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Silkstone Common Junior & Infant School in Barnsley and Balby Central Primary Academy in Doncaster are the only two primary schools from across the UK selected to take part in the event, which will feature over 1,000 young musicians performing on Monday and Tuesday.
The performances, held in London, will showcase a range of musical groups, including orchestras, bands, and choirs, offering an exceptional platform for young talent.
Catherine Smith, the music lead at Silkstone Common, said: “I want the pupils to enjoy every moment – it’s a massive achievement for a small village school in the middle of nowhere. I’ll be bursting with pride when I step onto that stage with them.”
Music for Youth, a national youth music charity founded in 1970, aims to ensure every young person in the UK can reach their full musical potential, providing opportunities for them to perform the music they love. The organisation is committed to nurturing young musicians from all backgrounds, encouraging them to showcase their abilities on some of the world’s most famous stages.
Silkstone Common’s string orchestra and Balby Central’s choir were chosen to perform at the Royal Albert Hall after excelling at both regional and national Music for Youth festivals. Their selection marks an important milestone in their musical journeys.
Catherine Smith, who has been teaching at Silkstone Common for 23 years, expressed how proud she is of her pupils’ achievement, despite facing challenges such as a lack of funding for instruments. “For me personally, if it hadn’t been for music, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in life. I only had six O-levels, one A-level, and I scraped into music college. Music has the power not only to inspire a love for music but to provide children with career opportunities,” she explained.
Simon Tabner, headteacher at Silkstone Common, added: “Music gives everyone an opportunity to succeed. We know that the arts and music aren’t always prioritised, and the budgets aren’t always there, but we truly believe music should be a priority in education.”
Among the excited performers is Matilda, a Year 4 violinist, who shared her excitement and nerves about performing at the Royal Albert Hall: “I feel so excited and nervous. My heart will be pounding when I step on stage,” she said.
The choir at Balby Central Primary Academy consists of 41 children aged between seven and eleven. Emma Cooke, the headteacher at Balby Central, who has been in the role for 11 years, explained how important it is for the children to experience the magic of singing together: “We take them on a residential trip to London every year, and we always walk around the outside of the Royal Albert Hall. But we’ve never been inside, so to be able to take the children inside to perform is incredible. We are so proud.”
She continued, “It’s a great opportunity for children of all ages to come together, share their love of music, and work as a team.”
As these talented young musicians prepare to take the stage at one of the world’s most iconic venues, their achievements serve as a reminder of the profound impact music can have on children’s development—fostering confidence, creativity, and teamwork. For these South Yorkshire schools, the Music for Youth Proms will not only be a celebration of their musical abilities but also a moment of pride and joy for their teachers, families, and communities.