This July, primary schools across Salford were filled with the sound of music, laughter, and applause thanks to free Schoolabout concerts from the city’s Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS).
Part of Salford Community Leisure, MAPAS offers year-round music, drama, and theatre opportunities to children, young people, and even adults across the city. In schools, they deliver instrumental tuition, choirs, drama workshops and more, while their central MAPAS Centre (based out of Moorside High School) offers over 25 different ensembles and groups that members can join from just £8 per month.
The Schoolabout Tour has long been a highlight of the MAPAS calendar. The Tour offers a series of free concerts, designed to inspire and nurture budding talent. In 2025, members of the MAPAS Youth Orchestra and Senior Musical Theatre Company visited 9 local primary schools across 3 days, giving pupils a front-row seat to live music and performance.
From television favourites, such as the Doctor Who theme, to the powerful Mars from Holst’s The Planets Suite; The Orchestra had the children on the edge of their seats. The Senior Musical Theatre Ensemble followed with show‑stopping numbers from Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and more. It was a dynamic and unforgettable celebration of Salford’s young talent.
But don’t just take our word for it! Judging from the feedback we’ve received, our Schoolabout Tour was hitting all the right notes in 2025.
“The concert was AMAZING! All the children in Year 3 couldn’t take their eyes off the performances. It has definitely inspired the next generation of performing arts students.”
Offered one teacher, while another said
“It was amazing to see the children so engaged with the concert. There were so many children with huge smiles on their faces and dancing along.”
For many pupils, this was their first taste of live orchestral and theatre performance. It has clearly made a huge impression.
“I enjoyed it so much it made me want to learn how to play the violin!” – Ademola, age 7
“My favourite bit was when the choir sang and the brass played at the same time.” – Peggy, age 9
“The concert was fun and amazing! I enjoyed all the music and the singing was my favourite” -Royalty age 7
Schools across Salford have also been quick to praise the performances.
Holy Cross and All Saints RC Primary School said:
“The performance was exceptional and enjoyed by all our pupils and staff. The young people performing were kind, friendly, and a pleasure to have in school. Well done and thank you!”
Fiddlers Lane Primary School shared:
“Our children absolutely loved it! When I spoke to them about an orchestra visit, they were unsure what to expect, but it was lovely to see them joining in with the MAPAS team. We can’t wait for next year!”
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The Schoolabout Tour also offers our young performers valuable performance experience, while they make memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. Members of the Youth Orchestra and Senior Musical Theatre Company told us why the Tour was also special for them:
“I love seeing the little kids’ faces light up with inspiration. I love being the reason for that.”
“It’s nice to know we might be inspiring young people!”
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to visit different primary schools and performing — I’ve never done something like this before!”
The Schoolabout concerts are part of MAPAS’s mission to make music and the performing arts accessible to all. By offering these concerts free of charge, MAPAS ensures every child in Salford can experience the thrill of live performance, no matter their background.
For families with budding performers, joining the MAPAS Centre costs just £8 per month. Join today for unlimited access to groups, ensembles, choirs and more.
Find out more at: www.sclmapas.co.uk
To enquire about how your school can get involved in the Schoolabout Tour next year email: mapas@scll.co.uk
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