Sheffield Youth Orchestra’s conductor will be completing the Ultra Tour of Arran Challenge next weekend, where he will be running 100km over two days in Scotland. 

River Edis Smith has been the conductor of Sheffield Youth Orchestra for two and a half years, and is committed to the succession of the young players within the orchestra. 

The money he raises will aid funding for equipment, such as percussion instruments, and reducing the costs for the young players. 

He said: “We’re looking to get as much funding as possible so that our percussionists can enjoy performing the wide variety of music that’s out there.” 

This fundraising happens at a time when funding for music education is in a difficult place. 

A new report, by think tank Demos, found a £161.4M funding shortage in the government’s budget for music education.

The report claims that if this is not fixed within the next five years then the ‘black hole’ of hidden costs could pose a threat to music education in England. 

River added that the situation is “very challenging in schools at the moment because a lot of cuts have happened as a result the music education especially in the public sector is limited.”

Due to these cuts it emphasises the importance of organisations like Sheffield Youth Orchestra, which aims to make music accessible for everyone. 

Mr Smith said: “The whole ethos of Sheffield youth orchestra is to give those opportunities to younger people in and around the Sheffield region to enjoy music and to live it.” 

Sheffield Youth Orchestra is the longest running independent youth orchestra in South Yorkshire, being founded in 1964. 

They provide music development for those aged up to 18. 

Mr Smith highlighted the significance of the organisation to the younger players, “our players are very diligent and fantastic players who want to get the best out of their instruments.”

As well as making music accessible for the players, the organisation is dedicated to making music available for those wanting to listen. 

The orchestra provides free concerts in order to bring together those interested in music. 

The orchestra is still fundraising for Rivers challenge is still ongoing the link for his go-fund me can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sheffield-youth-orchestra?_gl=1*pnifd2*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAtNK8BhBBEiwA8wVt91r0X-KTdrJR1cyo1XwD2n5ugM_xbe7kfbWL2YucnSR_sensHw93thoCIU4QAvD_BwE