Blog
Hi! I’m Harri, I’m 19 and I’m an Ambassador for the National Orchestra for All. I spent four years in the Orchestra, and I play trombone. I currently live near Durham, but spent most of my year at university in Lancaster.
Building on the success of NOFA’s online spring course (find out more here, from trumpeter Kate), Orchestras for All’s Modulo programme - designed for schools - went online as well. The programme provided a well-needed sense of normality for both members and tutors. This gave everyone a boost because it meant each person could see their friends and also meet new people. The Modulo programme was run on Zoom, so everyone could contribute and be seen via video. Each day started with an energetic warm-up from conductor Emma Oliver-Trend, helping everyone get set to to play their instruments properly.
Emma Oliver-Trend leads an action-packed warm-up session
Then, like a normal NOFA rehearsal, we were split into groups depending on instruments. In total, there were six different sessions going on simultaneously, ranging from traditional orchestral instruments to kitchen appliances as percussion. The piece being explored was Gospel Train as part of the current season’s topic, Roots. Everyone was wholly engaged in the sessions, whether it be working through the music or talking about their experiences at home during the past few months.
This practice was then taken into a full orchestra rehearsal, where further techniques and advice was given to complete the piece. Later on, each member was tasked with recording their part to the backing track to produce their own version of Gospel Train. Keep an eye out for its premiere performance online in the near future.
As usual, the music did not always take centre stage. Each Modulo member had sent in a short excerpt played on their instrument, and a composer - Daniel Bickerton - had drawn all the parts into one short track. The premiere viewing of this piece was shown within a composition webinar with Daniel. This session was potentially the most interesting and important for everyone because Daniel gave us many tips and tricks to think about when composing. This led to everyone jamming out to the created song, with many compliments to Daniel’s dancing!
As part of his composition webinar, Dan shares his screen to show how the Modulo recordings have been overlaid to create Roots.
The final part of the day was left to orchestra games, where everyone got to mix together and relax before heading off to record their parts. I thought this was very useful as recording can be quite stressful and it gave everyone time to see others from their school or their sectionals.
It’s been a difficult time for everyone. Despite the fact that we need to be careful, it’s now incredibly important to have some social interactions with friends. I know I’m guilty of not organising things with anyone, but I’ve realised that there’s no match for human interaction. Stay Safe! :)
Orchestras for All is delighted to announce Nick Thorne as our new Executive Director. Nick joins us as we approach our 10 year anniversary and launch of new 2020-2025 strategy after leadership roles at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Dorset Music Hub and most recently as Head of Partnerships at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Orchestras for All is delighted to announce Lucy Hale has been appointed its inaugural Young Composer-in-Residence for the 2019-2020 season. Hale will work with the 100 young members of the National Orchestra for All (NOFA) to create a brand new piece of music to be premièred at the spectacular season finale concert on 9 April 2020 at LSO St Luke’s in London.
“The impact of Modulo and our work with Orchestras for All has been enormous. The visit to the Royal Academy of Music and the opportunity to work with musical professionals has inspired our young people to get more involved in ensemble playing and this is already paying dividends in their performances.”
“It is vital in this day and age that people across the country continue to support programmes such as NOFA in order to continue the existence of personal development through music. Perhaps results are expected to prove validity of such programmes in which case, look no further than myself and other NOFA alumni.”
