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Aber Valley Male Voice Choir has been helping youngsters with additional learning needs to make music.

The choir, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, started its project during the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, working alongside Abertridwr’s Ysgol Ifor Bach.

Following that, the choir began working with pupils at Penarth-based Ysgol y Deri last year, leading up to a fundraising concert for the school.

More recently, it has worked on a similar initiative with Trinity Fields school in Ystrad Mynach. As part of the school’s Welsh week in late February, three sessions were organised.

A fundraising concert with the school was held on Wednesday March 13, in nearby Lewis Girls School, Ystrad Mynach. 

“It’s been both inspiring and moving to see how the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves”, said Geraint Evans, the choir’s musical director.

“Despite the profound barriers faced by many, the pupils sang, clapped, flew flags, and swayed alongside the choir. Some pupils even had a go at conducting the men.

“However, engagement comes at a cost”, emphasised Mr Evans.

“Some of the technology used to bring music alive for those facing the profoundest of barriers is both expensive to purchase and to maintain.”

Choir chairman Paul Newman, who is also vice-chairman of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs, said the association has “taken an avid interest in the work pioneered by Aber Valley Male Voice Choir”.

He continued: “As a result, many choirs are taking the opportunity to make similar links with schools in their areas.

“Choirs are rightly associated with concerts and competitions, but we have a vital role in building bridges within our respective communities, bringing music and instilling confidence to the lives of the disadvantaged and differently able.”