From barrier-smashing activities to diverse repertoire, here’s everything you need to know about National Orchestra for All’s upcoming residential…
As the sound of spring returns, so does the start of an exciting new season of music and togetherness for National Orchestra for All (NOFA)!
NOFA is our inclusive, non-auditioned, national youth orchestra. It welcomes around 100 young people aged 11-19 from all backgrounds, with a wide range of musical abilities, playing any instrument of their choice – including those not typically found in a traditional orchestra, such as guitars, saxophones and melodicas.
Next week, the Orchestras for All (OFA) team will be welcoming both new and returning NOFA members, who are based in all four corners of the UK, to the city of Birmingham for their first in-person residential of the year – and we can’t wait to show them what’s in store.
NOFA’s spring residential marks the start of a dynamic two-year season for the ensemble, where inspiring young musicians will be coming together for the first time to rehearse in sectionals (smaller instrumental groups) as well as with the full orchestra, supported throughout by our wonderful team of orchestral and wellbeing tutors.
Last season, NOFA cellist, Jess, said: “NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes”.
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NOFA alum and Ambassador, Kit, added: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people.
“NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity. Regardless of how nervous you might feel, you really enjoy it – and not many young people have the chance to do this, so I’m really grateful.”
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Being part of NOFA offers young people life-changing musical experiences they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy due to the daily barriers they face, while also developing valuable life and communication skills. NOFA creates a thriving, creative community and of course, it’s great fun too!
What music will NOFA be playing this season?
As well as creating their own pieces of music with professional composers, NOFA members get to play all types of music – from pop songs, classical works and film favourites, to jazz, video game soundtracks and dance anthems.
The ensemble’s diverse repertoire is carefully selected to reflect the diversity of the orchestra members themselves. Chosen in collaboration with our Artistic Director and Youth Board, this season’s repertoire will include Ghanaian call and response song, ‘A Keelie Makolay’, ‘Ritmos Ciganos’, written by Portuguese composer, Carlos Garcia, and an original composition by NOFA alum and current Trinity Laban student, Christian Dews.
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Christian told us: “It’s good at NOFA because there are a lot of video game music composers who are inspired by orchestral music, but you never usually hear their music being played.”
What will NOFA members be getting up to this spring?
National Orchestra for all musicians take centre stage in Birmingham for their summer 2024 concert.
During each day of the spring residential, NOFA members will be participating in lively rehearsals and workshops as well as games and social activities in the evenings.
We have a jam-packed schedule of workshops planned this time around, including workshops focused on improvisation, visual art, conducting, shadow puppetry and chamber music.
Speaking about her past experience with the ensemble, NOFA alum and former Ambassador, Grace, said: “I love NOFA because it is so inclusive, and we play all sorts of different genres of music. I get to learn other skills too, like public speaking, organising the quiz and social media.”
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Our commitment to wellbeing at NOFA
We love our fantastic wellbeing and orchestral tutors!
To ensure all young people participating in NOFA are able to access and enjoy our inclusive programme, we have a friendly wellbeing and safeguarding team on hand at each residential to offer bespoke support that caters to their individual support needs.
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Each NOFA member is also part of a group, led by two wellbeing tutors who check in with them throughout the day and support them to and from activities. Throughout the week, they will be making sure everyone feels comfortable, confident and safe. Plus, there is always a designated chill out space available at the venue if a young person ever feels overwhelmed in any way or is in need of some quiet time.
After joining NOFA last season, pianist Noah said: “NOFA is a second home for me – a second family, a safe space. I can’t recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard and it’s here that I’ve made some of my closest friends. The music is catchy and the staff are absolutely amazing!”
We couldn’t agree more and as we embark on this next NOFA season, we look forward to watching our new cohort of young musicians build friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Until then, let’s get our instruments at the ready and we’ll see you all very soon!
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