Crescendo is a child centred, community-led, and evidence informed programme being delivered in Good Shepard Primary School, Malvern Primary School, Wheatfield Primary School, and Holy Evangelists’ Primary School.

It brings together and transforms the lives of young people and families from the Shankill and Colin communities in Belfast through their shared love of music. The Colin Neighbourhood Partnership and Shankill Children and Young People Zone lead the initiative with the Ulster Orchestra leading its delivery. Queen’s University Innovation Zones supports the partnership with theory and evidence, which includes rigorous evaluation evidence of the positive outcomes of the programme.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“It has been great to see first-hand the positive impact the Crescendo Project has had on all the children who have participated in it. I am delighted that The Executive Office, through the Urban Villages Initiative, has been able to support the programme. I look forward to seeing what is next for the project and the children who have taken part.”

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said:

“It is so important that all children are given opportunities like the one provided through the Crescendo Project and it is fantastic to be here to listen to them play their instruments. It has also been encouraging to hear that this great project has brought benefits to the wider community as well as the children involved.”

Hugh McCaughey, Chair of the Crescendo, said:

“We are delighted to have the First Minister and Junior Minister Cameron visit Crescendo today. Our goal is to transform the lives of children through music and the evidence shows it is having a very positive impact for children, schools and the local communities. The success of Crescendo is founded on the partnership of the schools, local communities and the Ulster Orchestra supported by Queen’s University Belfast. We believe the results are not just short term, but Crescendo will have a positive impact for years to come. We would also like to explore how this could be scaled to benefit more children in other schools and communities.”

Find out more about the Crescendo Project here.