US jazz vocalist Lillian Boutté and her band hit the UK this summer for some inspiring workshops, thanks to Youth Music funding. Lillian is the official Musical Ambassador for New Orleans and is only the second performer to earn the honour after the great trumpet player Louis Armstrong.

Lillian and her musicians headed to Pitcheroak School in Redditch for a series of workshops with the students there. Pitcheroak is an all-age special school serving 140 children and young people with a range of learning difficulties. Mike Genders, Head of Music commented: “The opportunity for the children to work alongside professional musicians and artists of international renown is of enormous value, enriching the lives of some of the poorest young people in our community".

“The affirming nature of Lillian’s work reached all the students regardless of age or ability. She instilled a sense of worth and confidence that brings benefits to the whole school and has been key in the progress of individual students development of language, singing, dancing and social skills. The whole school community at Pitcheroak value the Lillian Boutté workshops as a highlight of our school year. Thanks are due to all who made it possible for us.”