“Music is about connecting with others and expressing yourself,” explains violist

The keen string player shares her thoughts as members of the public prepare to gather for a day of music-making at Musical Chairs 2022.

Orchestras for All’s winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, is just on the horizon – and our music-making family couldn’t be more excited to welcome this year’s diverse cohort of participants, who will be joining us from all across the country.

Taking place on Sunday 20 November 2022 at Westminster School, London, the inclusive event invites you – budding musicians and members of the public – to embark on a new challenge and experience what it feels like to perform with an orchestra for a day, regardless of your age, background or musical skill level.

What’s more, it’s all for a good cause – every single donation (whether that’s through sponsorship to participate or an individual donation to play) will be match funded by Harriet’s Trust, helping us to develop our three life-changing programmes that break down barriers to music-making for young people in the UK.

With our friendly team of NOFA members, alumni and orchestral tutors on hand to support you during rehearsals, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner – everyone is welcome to play.

Megan Jowett, who will be supporting the violin and viola sections at Musical Chairs 2022, said: “I’ll be helping each section by playing alongside our participants as well as supporting them with bowing suggestions or ways of performing different sections of music – hopefully making it much easier for them!”

Learn more about Musical Chairs 2022 >

Pictured: Musical Chairs participants gather at Cecil Sharp House, London, for a day of group music-making

Megan continued: “For me, music – and Musical Chairs – is about the connections you make with other people. It’s enjoying the process of learning new skills, the different sounds you can make on your instrument and how you can express yourself, while exploring the stories of each piece of music.”

However, it’s not the first time the string player has performed live with a large-scale ensemble. Sharing a few of her career highlights so far, she explained: “I feel very lucky to have been involved in musical projects with some brilliant musicians – some of my favourites have been performing improvised music in Berlin, recording for TV and film and playing in some amazing concert halls all over the UK.

Watch this epic live concert starring NOFA at Nottingham’s Albert Hall >

“I love the work I do outside of performance as well, like leading creative workshops for children and their families as well as teaching students the violin and viola. A fun fact about me is that I started weaving and macramé during lockdown, so now my house is full of looms!”

Comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins, leads the way at Musical Chairs 2016

In true Orchestras for All style, repertoire at Musical Chairs 2022 will be specially arranged for a mixed-ability ensemble and includes ‘Spoitoresa’ – a sprightly Romanian folk song that was performed by National Orchestra for All at Nottingham’s Albert Hall in the summer.

With many participants often taking up the challenge of picking up a new musical instrument just weeks before the event – which includes performing live in concert to an intimate audience – it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual list of New Year’s Resolutions.

Megan said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the participants, hearing how everything comes together on the day and playing ‘Allegro’ from Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A minor. I’ve never played this piece before, so I’m excited to learn it!”

Keen to join Megan in the Musical Chairs orchestra and support aspiring young musicians in the process? Find out more and sign up >

‘If you have ADHD, don’t try to fit the neurotypical mould – work with yourself instead,’ says National Orchestra for All ambassador, Phoebe

“Find unique ways to make you a happier version of yourself.”

In the UK, an estimated 2.6 million people have ADHD – with 1.9 million of those being young people, giving a childhood incidence rate of five per cent.

Also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults worldwide and is typically associated with lack of focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity. There is no one cause; it is considered to be the result of both environmental and genetic factors, with the latter being around 70-80 per cent responsible.

An individual can present with one of three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. Since it exists on a spectrum, everyone’s ADHD brain is different and so some people may require more support than others.

Despite the daily challenges people with ADHD often face, they are also creative problem solvers who thrive on variety and innovation as well as being capable of deep focus on tasks or hobbies that interest them. Famous musicians with ADHD, or thought to have had ADHD, include ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ composer, George Gershwin, pop singer-songwriter, Lily Allen, The Beatles star, John Lennon, and panel judge for The Voice UK, Will.i.am, to name but a few.

At Orchestras for All, we celebrate each and every one of the young people in our diverse, music-making family – this means championing members with ADHD as well as those who may be living with a physical disability, learning difficulty or other mental health condition. With ADHD Awareness Month celebrated nationwide this October, we caught up with National Orchestra for All (NOFA) ambassador and flautist, Phoebe, who has ADHD, to find out more.

Read more: 7 ways to support autistic musicians in your youth orchestra >

Phoebe (pictured left) supports the woodwind section at National Orchestra for All’s summer concert

Tell us what having ADHD means for you.

For me, having ADHD means that my brain just works a bit differently to other people’s and I experience the world in a slightly different way. I was diagnosed at 17 and it felt amazing to have an answer for why I was always a bit too loud and could never make myself finish schoolwork or any other tasks, even if I knew it was very important and needed to be done.

It also helped stop me from feeling like I was “lazy” or “didn’t try hard enough” – instead I could be a bit kinder to myself and start working with my ADHD brain, instead of trying to treat it like a neurotypical one and struggling.

Read more: 5 of the best ways to protect your wellbeing >

How does it feel to be part of the inclusive National Orchestra for All (NOFA) family?

It feels absolutely amazing! My favourite thing about it is that even though I’m now an adult and staff member, the fact I may need a quiet space to chill out in during rehearsals or other events, or the fact that I can sometimes feel overwhelmed, is still recognised. I feel just as supported now by the team of orchestral and wellbeing tutors as when I was performing with NOFA (the UK’s only inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra) as a young person.

I’ve been involved with NOFA for around six years – first as a flautist and now as an ambassador – and it’s been so special to watch so many young people learn and flourish. I just love to hear all their stories of what they’ve achieved both within and outside of the orchestra because they feel more confident and valued as a result of the incredible work we do.

Discover Orchestras for All’s three life-changing programmes >

“People with ADHD have things called “hyperfixations”, or special interests,” explains Phoebe.

What daily challenges have you faced?

My biggest struggles have definitely been organisation, motivation and emotional regulation. Organisation is very difficult for me as my brain thinks everything is very important, so I’ll spend as much time worrying about whether I need milk as I would completing schoolwork!

I also find it very difficult to start tasks that I don’t think are exciting enough, or mean I have to concentrate for a long time, which means I also push off things like schoolwork. One tip to work on this was to write “To-do” lists, however I usually think of more and more tasks to do until I end up with a long, overwhelming list that I don’t even want to start.

Read more: How Orchestras for All supports young people facing daily challenges >

Have you received any support to help with your ADHD?

I was very lucky to work with a lifestyle coach that focuses on people with ADHD, which gave me strategies like using a whiteboard or chalkboard to track my tasks, so I can see everything in front of me and it doesn’t suddenly become that long, overwhelming list. I can split it up into different days and move it around if I’m having a bad day.

I also struggle with sensory stimulation, especially noises, which is a bit ironic considering I study music! I use noise-cancelling headphones that I keep on my keys – they are quite small and subtle and mean that while I can still hear people speaking to me, they take the edge off loud noises that might upset me and allows me to keep doing the things I love!

At OFA, we believe that having ADHD is also your superpower! Do you have any hobbies that you feel are encouraged by your ADHD?

For me, ADHD means that I really love crafting! I like doing physical things like crochet, embroidery, sewing and whichever other interest I might have at the moment. People with ADHD have things called “hyperfixations”, which is basically a special interest that completely takes over our brain for a while.

These can last for days, weeks or months and can make it really difficult to think about anything else, which can be both a blessing and a curse! I’ve managed to make a whole cosplay prop in a night before just by hyperfocusing on it, but I also have a lot of other projects I’ve lost interest in – and promise myself I’ll get back to them one day! 

If you could share one message with others about ADHD, what would it be?

If I had to pick one thing, it would be this: if you have ADHD, don’t try and fit yourself into the neurotypical mould. Work with yourself instead! If you need an orange scrunchie to play with just to be able to do your schoolwork or practice your musical instrument, go for it!

Don’t try to change how your brain works – instead, find unique ways to make you a happier version of yourself rather than what other people might want you to be.

To support other young musicians with ADHD like Phoebe, please donate today >

If you’re aged 11-16 and keen to join National Orchestra for All, please visit our programmes page for full details >

Please note: National Orchestra for All applications close at 10am on 7 November 2022.

For further information about ADHD, or if you have ADHD and would like to find the right support, the NHS and ADHD UK websites share useful resources.

13 ways you can be kind to others in an inclusive youth orchestra

From sharing a tuning fork and exercising patience to checking in on your musical neighbour, it’s good to be kind…

Joining an inclusive youth orchestra and meeting a diverse group of musicians who share your passion for performing is an exciting experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.

But for newcomers or those facing significant challenges outside the rehearsal room, such as a physical disability or mental health condition, it can also feel very daunting.

To raise a smile and help others along on their musical journey, here are a few top tips from our National Orchestra for All ambassadors.

Read more: Watch young musicians’ plea as they urge public to break down barriers to music making >

1. Help each other when setting up the space

It’s a very simple thing but makes such a difference. I always find that everyone chipping in when taking out or putting away stands and chairs during a rehearsal helps me feel a bit more connected with the other musicians. – Isaac

2. Be aware of your neighbours (in all directions)

Always check that everyone knows what’s going on and that they’re feeling okay – and if you see someone who isn’t, try to help them or tell someone who can. We all have to work together to make such wonderful music! – Joe

Learn more: 5 of the best ways to protect your wellbeing >

3. Make sure everyone can see

Be aware of how you position yourself, so that both you and your orchestra friends can easily see the music and keep eye contact with the conductor. Music notations are great and are usually added mid-practice, but any notations should be clear to everyone. – Mars

4. Get to know people

Don’t be afraid to talk to others, even if it’s just something about the music. Being friendly with the people you’re playing with can make even the longest day of rehearsals more enjoyable – and you know that you’ve already got one thing in common with them… you all love music! – Phoebe

Meet Orchestras for All’s musicians >

5. Don't get worked up about technical mistakes

If someone fluffs up during a rehearsal, don't pressure them or make them feel bad about it. Rehearsals are a time for you all to identify the bits that need work – and if you create an atmosphere where it’s okay to make mistakes, people will feel more confident about experimenting with the important stuff in the music like colour and tone. – Isaac

6. Share with your desk partner

You and your desk partner (if you have one) are going to be in close proximity to one another for a long time. If you show patience, share that rosin or tuning fork and find the ‘sweet spot’ where you can hear both parts equally, you’ll be fine. – Joe

7. Lead by example

Conductors are just as important as the music as they count you in and out, so they should make sure they always project their actions clearly for an inclusive group. Every leader has a different conducting style, so pay special attention to how they move and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure. All of the National Orchestra for All conductors are really nice! – Mars

8. LEND a pencil

Sounds daft I know, but we’ve all been there: digging into the bottom of your bag for the pencil you swear you put in there last night, only to end up empty-handed. Bringing a pencil gives you an easy way to introduce yourself to people and strike up a conversation. Plus, it makes everything sound better because you can all mark your sheet music! – Phoebe

‘Don’t put yourself down’: 18-year-old flautist shares her advice with other young musicians >

9. Check in between rehearsals

When you’re in an orchestra you can go a long time without seeing one another between events, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s always nice to check that people are doing okay when you see them but this goes for outside the orchestra setting too – stay in contact with your musical friends, it could brighten their day! – Joe

10. Count, count, count!

When you have a long rest or multiple bars of rest, count on your fingers – this is really helpful for both you and your partner if either of you ever loses your place. Sometimes when this happens in National Orchestra for All rehearsals, keeping an eye on the tutors who are counting really helps too. – Mars

Find out more about Orchestras for All’s tutors >

11. Stay professional

I know, it feels impossible not to constantly chat when you’re surrounded by all your friends – but you’re not in rehearsals to natter, you’re there to play music! I’m not saying you have to stay silent at all times, but being quiet when your conductor or teacher is trying to help others means they’ll be happier and makes getting through the music a breeze. Plus, easier rehearsals means shorter rehearsals – giving you more time to chat outside afterwards! – Phoebe

12. Give everyone their time to shine

If you’re learning tricky sections of repertoire, some members will take longer to master their part than others. If someone has been struggling with that epic trill, bowing pattern or reaching that top note for a while but perfects it later on, celebrate the wins! By encouraging others as you go along, you'll foster trust and have more fun.

13. And finally, treat everyone equally

It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from or what challenges you may be facing outside the rehearsal room – an inclusive orchestra is all about togetherness and when you arrive, you can leave your worries at the door. From pretty flute solos and catchy riffs on the bass guitar to soaring strings and booming brass, remember that each and every member has an important part to play. So without further ado, let’s make music!

Feeling kind? Please support diverse orchestras and donate today > 

Musical Chairs 2022: experience the magic of performing with a live symphony orchestra at this epic one-day fundraiser

Taking place in London this November, Musical Chairs 2022 aims to make a difference to the lives of aspiring young musicians nationwide.

Are you keen to try something new this winter and make a positive impact in the process? If so, join Orchestras for All (OFA) for its exciting forthcoming fundraiser: Musical Chairs 2022.

Taking place on Sunday 20 November 2022 at Westminster School, London, this spectacular one-day event gives members of the public the opportunity to experience the joy of playing with a full symphony orchestra, supported by National Orchestra for All members, alumni and a team of professional tutors.

Perhaps you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to dust off that childhood viola that’s been sitting under your bed, or maybe you want to challenge yourself to learn a new instrument and perform live with an ensemble before the year is up?

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a professional musician with years of performance under your belt, it doesn’t matter – Musical Chairs is fully inclusive and welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, from all backgrounds.

Read more: Orchestras for All relaunches programmes in a bid to improve access to group music-making for young people across the UK >

First, participants will spend a day rehearsing at the venue before putting their day of learning to the ultimate test – performing two pieces live in concert to an audience.

Specially arranged for a mixed-ability ensemble, the pieces include ‘Allegro’, taken from Alice Mary Smith’s stunning Symphony in A minor, along with ‘Spoitoresa’, a traditional Romanian folk song, which has become a firm favourite with OFA’s young musicians.

However, Musical Chairs isn’t just a fun day out – it’s also held for a good cause.

Each year, participants help OFA to raise money in sponsorship, with all funds contributing towards our life-changing musical opportunities for young people who may not otherwise have had the chance to play music with others due to the daily challenges they face.

Meet our musicians >

This year, OFA’s fundraising target is £30,000 and the suggested target for participants is £300. Those getting involved will also have the option to donate to play, with a suggested donation of £300, while further information on how to make the donation as well as sheet music and welcome packs will be provided after registering.

We are also very pleased to share that every penny raised (up to £10k) from this year’s Musical Chairs will be doubled thanks to generous match funding from Harriet's Trust.

This is a true highlight in the Orchestras for All calendar – and we hope that you can join us!

Pictured: National Orchestra for All rehearse at Westminster School, supported by a team of orchestral tutors.

Musical Chairs 2022 will run on Sunday 20 November, from 10:00 until 17:00, with food and refreshments provided throughout. The live concert will commence at 16:00, followed by a drinks reception from 17:00 until 18:00.

To find out more, you can contact the OFA team via email at info@orchestrasforall.org or by phone on 020 7267 4141. If you would like to participate in Musical Chairs 2022, please complete the sign-up form below:

Orchestras for All relaunches programmes in a bid to improve access to group music-making for young people across the UK

The life-changing programmes aim to break down significant barriers to music-making for young people who need it the most.

With a new season of musical activity just on the horizon, Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that it is now recruiting young musicians and schools nationwide as it relaunches two of its core programmes: Modulo and National Orchestra for All.

Specially designed to kickstart a fun culture of inclusive music-making in maintained schools and local communities, Modulo assists under-resourced teachers and music leaders to set up or develop their own ensemble (known as a “Modulo”) of between four and 15 young people aged 11-18, before they team up to play with other groups as one epic orchestra at “Modulo Meets”.

All young people are welcome to join a Modulo regardless of their musical ability, previous experience or chosen instrument – so whether they’re tab-reading guitarists, open string players, keyboardists or simply keen to play a traditional orchestral instrument with other like-minded individuals, there’s room for everyone to thrive.

A recent Modulo participant said: “I feel more confident after this experience because I’ve played in front of a lot of people, so now I feel like I can do anything!”

Another commented: “Go to Modulo if you want to learn how to play a new instrument – but even if you already play one, it’ll still help you to build on your skills.”

Read more: Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director Emma Oliver-Trend announced as host of new webinar for music leaders >

Pictured: Young musicians from schools across the country play together during a Modulo Meet.

A Modulo teacher added: “Watching the pupils supporting each other was such a joy. Although they’re all from the same year group, they’re not necessarily from the same classes but I can see new friendships forming.”

Find out more about the Modulo Programme >

Meanwhile, the charity’s non-auditioned, inclusive national youth orchestra, National Orchestra for All (NOFA), is open to 100 young musicians aged 11-19 who face significant barriers in their daily lives – whether that’s due to physical disability, a mental health condition, rural isolation or economic deprivation.

NOFA harnesses the orchestra as a catalyst for social change, offering transformative experiences that build a young person’s social and communication skills, while also boosting their confidence and introducing them to diverse new communities.

For both NOFA and Modulo, repertoire is carefully selected to represent the season’s theme, with last year’s ‘The Way We See It’ represented by Britten’s iconic ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, an uplifting musical crossover written by Jack McNeill celebrating club culture, an infectiously catchy arrangement of a Romanian folk tune and a beautiful symphonic poem from Alice Mary Smith. For this next season’s theme, OFA’s repertoire celebrates music and change, along with an exclusive new piece written by members of NOFA.

National Orchestra for All (NOFA) members play the melodica at their 2022 summer residential.

During NOFA’s spring 2022 residential, NOFA oboeist, Lily, said: “I love all the different music we play – I wouldn’t perform this type of music in my orchestra back home, so it’s nice to have that balance between classical music and dance music like ‘Crossfade’ and ‘Spoitoresa’. It’s great to have the variety.

“Being part of NOFA has also helped me to develop as a musician – the music we’re learning takes you out of your comfort zone but not to the point of breaking you, so it’s good to have that little push.”

Meet NOFA’s inspiring musicians >

Seventeen-year-old keyboardist Troy commented: “In secondary school, I didn’t have much going for me and didn’t have many opportunities, but then my teacher found NOFA and suggested that I should apply.

“I’m so happy that I did – it’s amazing and has made my life much more interesting! I can brag about being in an orchestra to my friends but it’s also really fun as there’s loads of activities happening and more opportunities to perform and connect with other people as well.”

NOFA musicians and ambassadors enjoy an evening of games and activities at their spring 2022 residential.

Polly, parent to keen NOFA trumpeter, Cameron, added: “The work OFA does is amazing and there is no other setting where Cameron feels as happy, included and valued as with the NOFA family. Thank you so much for everything your team do to give Cam a place to belong, just the way he is and for bringing out the very best in him.”

Orchestras for All would like to take this opportunity to thank its loyal funders, individual donors and advocates for their ongoing support towards NOFA and the Modulo Programme.

Are you a maintained secondary school with limited access to music-making, or perhaps you’re looking for inspirational events for your students to participate in? Find out more about Modulo and sign up here.

Are you a musician aged 11-16 facing daily barriers, who wants to experience the magic of playing in an inclusive orchestra? Learn more about National Orchestra for All here.

Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director Emma Oliver-Trend announced as host of new webinar for music leaders

“If you’re keen to energise the musicianship and community of your ensemble through thoughtful rehearsal practice, this session is for you!”

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that its Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, will be hosting a live webinar as part of the charity’s Music Leadership Training programme.

Titled Flip the Script: Redefining Rehearsals, the one-hour session – which is the third event in OFA’s dynamic online series – is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Wednesday 21 September 2022 at 16:15 GMT and will explore the theme of critical listening when leading a young ensemble in classrooms and music hub contexts.

The National Orchestra for All conductor explains: “In the conventional rehearsal model, the ensemble plays a few bars, they stop, the conductor tells them what went wrong and how to fix it and then they try again. Okay, that’s a blunt description and perhaps unfair as this rehearsal practice can easily bring musical progress and great concerts. What’s not to love?

“At Orchestras for All, we value the discipline of ensemble rehearsals and we love it when they’re full of music-making and not too much talking. However, overall this rehearsal practice is not entirely fit for purpose. It’s simply not effective enough in delivering our aims and supporting young people’s musical, personal or social development.

“We are experimenting with rehearsals where active critical listening is owned, explicitly, by everyone. So, if you are interested in energising the musicianship and community of your ensemble through thoughtful rehearsal practice, this session is for you! We’re redefining rehearsals, we’re on a journey and we’d love to share your ideas, so do join the discussion.”

Read more: Watch this epic live concert starring one of the world’s most inclusive youth orchestras >

Pictured: Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, leads the way at National Orchestra for All’s summer concert

It will surely be a memorable evening both for attendees and the Cornwall-based musician – a keen classical and folk violinist, whose previous roles have included Principal Guest Conductor of the Harlow Symphony Orchestra, Founder Director of the Ware Community Orchestra and a performing member of the Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia, among others.

Emma has also produced several operas and arts programmes for Welsh National Opera and Dartington Arts, and collaborated with Belgian singer, Nele Van Den Broeck, to pen the stage musical ‘How to fail at being perfect’ – a Young Lyric Production performed at the Lyric Hammersmith in August 2017 and Latitude Festival 2018.

Meanwhile, her current role as Artistic Director at Orchestras for All includes orchestral conducting, creating large-scale inclusive arrangements, leading conducting training for music leaders and contributing towards the artistic programme of the organisation.

Discover Orchestras for All’s programmes >

While Emma’s forthcoming webinar is free to attend, participants are invited to donate what they can to help the charity continue its life-changing work with young people and music leaders nationwide.

It comes after British DJ and composer, Jack McNeill, and music education consultant, Professor Nate Holder, hosted the first two webinars in the online series.

Students from across the country team up with Emma in Manchester for a day of Modulo music-making

Music Leadership Training Programme Manager, Sam Williams, said: “This webinar will focus on an extremely important topic – how to ensure every member of your ensemble has a voice, is listened to, and feels able to contribute. Although the expertise often lies with the conductor or ensemble leader, no group should be a dictatorship, where only one person makes the decisions. To be truly inclusive, a musical ensemble should be flexible enough to accommodate the views of its members, and we really have fostered a culture of this across our programmes at OFA.”

She continued: “Our wonderful Artistic Director, Emma, really lives for inclusivity when she works with young musicians. She is always interested in hearing what people have to say, valuing their contribution and making their feedback mean something in the way she develops artistic themes each season. I couldn’t think of anyone better to deliver this session, which is suitable for music educators and ensemble leaders at any stage.”

Reserve your seat at the webinar >

Watch this epic live concert starring one of the world’s most inclusive youth orchestras

It’ll brighten your day.

In July 2022, National Orchestra for All’s diverse young ensemble treated a Nottingham audience to an afternoon of powerful orchestral music – and it was pure joy.

Titled ‘The Way We See It’ (a tribute to the season’s theme), the one-hour concert was held at the city’s prestigious Albert Hall and celebrated all that the orchestra, better known as NOFA, has achieved over the past two years – and in spite of global uncertainty following the coronavirus pandemic.

While NOFA’s inspiring members each face significant challenges in their daily lives – from physical disability and mental health conditions to rural isolation and economic deprivation – they can leave their troubles at the door when taking centre stage and instead, focus on doing what they love the most: making epic music together.

During the show (watch video above), we see the musicians – who come from all corners of the country – team up with NOFA’s squad of tutors and alumni to perform an eclectic programme of music, accompanied by newly-written spoken word produced in collaboration with witty Nottingham-based poet and comedian, Ben Macpherson.

NOFA cellist and Orchestras for All youth board member, Chloe, told attendees: “Playing in an orchestra is playing with pieces of puzzles. These pieces are like a well-lit forest: enormous and sometimes scary. It’s super important to keep counting.”

Read more: ‘The Way We See It’ – National Orchestra for All’s Nottingham concert in pictures >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All performs a powerful end-of-season concert in Nottingham.

She continued: “One musical family, playing equally important roles, working in unison to create and develop an atmosphere: diverse and talented, very colourful and fast, forgetting to count to four.”

NOFA violinist, Alasdair, added: “Synchronised swimming in sound form. A triangle of unity, mistakes and waves. All of it feels good. The power of an orchestra when everyone works as a team. Work harder, challenge myself more, sitting next to a great musician, forgetting to count to four.”

They were joined by esteemed conductor, José Salazar, who first rose to fame after participating in Venezuela’s prestigious El Sistema programme and was coined by the media as “the world’s youngest conductor”.

It was surely a memorable occasion, with each piece of music specially selected to reflect the season’s modern theme as well as one of Orchestras for All’s key values: harnessing the power of youth voice.

Repertoire included a stunning rendition of ‘Andromède’, a symphonic poem drawn from the myth of Greek goddess, Andromede, which was penned by French-Irish female singer, pianist and composer, Augusta Holmès, in 1883.

National Orchestra for All members take a moment from playing to enjoy spoken word at the event.

This was followed by ‘Crossfade’, British composer Jack McNeill’s unique take on a musical crossover that expertly fuses traditional orchestral instrumentation with electronic influences and boasts a steady beat reminiscent of popular club culture.

Listen to other music by Jack McNeill and NOFA >

And of course, no summer concert would be complete without an iconic masterpiece from one of the late great composers – this time, Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’.

Also known as ‘Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell’, the spectacular 1945 work is based on the second movement of the Abdelazer suite, ‘Rondeau’, and was originally intended to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra – making it just as relevant with classical fans today.

On the surface, we hear variations played by a whole host of instruments and groups, with the style of each section telling us about a particular quality of that instrument, while characters tell their stories through the music within a unifying theme that celebrates the diversity of the orchestra itself.

Grand finale: Audience members take to their feet and cheer on NOFA’s bright young musicians.

Finally, a lively performance of ‘Spoitoresa’ – arranged by Mahala Rai Banda, OFA’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, and Jack McNeill – had audience members up on their feet as NOFA trumpeter, Tashan, encouraged a memorable moment of crowd participation with a good-humoured lesson in body percussion.

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank each of our loyal funders – Arts Council England, Association of British Orchestras – Sirens Fund, Finzi Trust, Foyle Foundation, Headley Trust, Promenaders’, Musical Charities, The Radcliffe Trust, Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust, Sarum Hall School Parents' Association, University of Warwick and Youth Music – as well as our individual donors, advocates, Trinity Catholic School, photographer Will Pace, Broaden Films, orchestral and wellbeing tutors as well as our team of volunteers for making NOFA’s summer residential and live concert possible.

Please support us in breaking down barriers to music education and donate today >

Ben Macpherson: ‘Put the notes in the instruments of musicians, not those who can pay to hear them’

The British writer and performer recently collaborated with National Orchestra for All, so we caught up with him to find out more…

1.     Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do.

I’m Ben Macpherson, a writer and performer based in Nottingham whose work stretches from serious theatre all the way through to nonsense poetry aimed at children and their families. Within that work is sketch comedy that has been heard on Radio 4, improvised plays from the Star Wars universe and much more.

Linking all of these together is a feeling of playfulness and the role of individuals in relation to their community. For over a decade I’ve been a part of the Nottingham creative scene, making connections in theatre, comedy and spoken word circles. This has led to a career that thinks across medium, building works that draw on many different disciplines for a pretty unique writer and performer.

2.     Who (or what) inspired you to become a writer and performer? 

My route to becoming a creative came through nonsense poetry and sketch comedy. I fit this around a normal job for seven years after university but the opportunity to go full-time came up in 2020 and I took it.

It was a bit scary making that choice during a pandemic but well worth it now. As I worked at my craft I got involved with improv (improvisational) theatre, scripted theatre and more serious spoken word, so I am now excited to work in any range of fields that I get to explore words in.

Read more: ‘The Way We See It’ – National Orchestra for All’s Nottingham concert in pictures >

Pictured: Spoken word artist, Ben Macpherson, runs a creative workshop with National Orchestra for All

3.    What have been some of your career highlights so far?

With such a wide range of work, it is hard to choose any one particular highlight. Working on my first full length play earlier in 2022 was wonderful. It is called Horsemen, and tells the tale of the four horsemen of the apocalypse immediately after the world ends when they are stuck in a limbo of their own creation.

It was dark, funny and ultimately hopeful about choosing the right path for yourself. I’m also very proud of working with Michael Rosen at the Nottingham Poetry Festival.

4.    You recently collaborated with National Orchestra for All in Nottingham – could you tell us a little about that?

I was recently brought in to work with NOFA members as a spoken word artist to create new spoken word sections for Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.’ The piece originally takes its audience through the sections and instruments of an orchestra step by step but the plan for this work was to capture the spirit of an orchestra.

We explored what it means to the young people who are part of it. The group I worked with created so much and shared so freely, exploring their relationships with each other, their instruments, their sections and the expectations put on them as musicians. I was so proud of what they had achieved, the full symphony of personal, poignant and playful.

Learn more about National Orchestra for All >

5.    What did you enjoy the most about working with NOFA?

It was delightful to see these musicians show their creativity in a different way. Skills in rhythm and timing came so naturally to them and the pieces were so varied and creative, from an acrostic poem exploring the panic of a musician performing to the back and forth of two performers ribbing each other’s sections for being too loud or egotistical. Everyone shared their words courageously and got a brilliant response.

“The group of young musicians I worked with at NOFA created so much and shared so freely,” says Ben

6.    Comedy writing is your “first great love” – did you try to incorporate this into your work with NOFA?

Absolutely! Often people get intimidated by spoken word and poetry because it feels like it needs to be serious, worthy or introspective. As a comedian I have learnt to take comedy seriously and as for whether something is worthy or not, it is our job as performers to decide what is worthy for an audience.

Who says what we examine in ourselves has to be painful? Sharing and exploring fun naturally creates comedy, because we laugh at the connection we recognise in others. The NOFA members who shared their words invited audiences into their world, where we could connect with familiar relationships and feelings – no wonder that got laughs!

Read more: “The final performances were astounding!”: National Orchestra for All’s Manager reflects on her year >

7.    Why do you feel that diversity, inclusion and youth voice are so important in today’s world?

The decision makers in the arts so often fit a particular mould. They often come from a degree privilege with traits that align with a western patriarchal optimum. That is increasingly not reflective of society where, as the world shrinks more voice can be heard.

By putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of your creative work, you help tell new and exciting stories. You hear songs that you don’t know the words to and you discover something new. Of course, new can be scary and challenging but by embracing this an engine of collaborations get discovered.

Youth voice is the fuel that drives the engine. If young voices aren’t included then arts go extinct and you see a shrinking cultural literacy and interest of the population. If that diminishes it becomes harder for everyone, from programmers to performers, to keep the arts alive.

Ben Macpherson prepares National Orchestra for All’s young musicians for their final summer performance

8.    If you could share three top tips with aspiring writers/performers, what would they be?

If you want to write it, it’s worth writing about. If you want to perform it, it is worth performing. The only person you have to please with what you create is yourself. Audiences and praise are fun (really, really fun), but if what you are doing doesn’t matter to you then it will slowly take the joy from it.

Find your community. They will help you grow and teach you more than you could imagine. If performing is your thing then try a theatre group or comedy open mic night. If writing is more your speed, then there are dozens of writing support groups and you can find these both online and in person. The barriers are coming down.

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. As creatives it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfect. The problem with that is perfect is subjective. Our memories make things perfect so write the terrible first version of an idea, recite your poem and forget your words. You can always edit and fine tune later.

9.    And finally, why should people join Orchestras for All’s mission in breaking down barriers to music-making?

Orchestras for All is vital for the future of orchestral music. It directly challenges the paradigm of elitist music by putting the notes in the instruments of the musicians, not the hands of the people who can pay for it. In one of our writing sessions we talked about how the group engaged with orchestral music outside of the NOFA setting and one of the most popular ways was the music of film and video games.

These routes have broken down barriers to hearing the music of an orchestra, so why should the barriers to making orchestral music be any higher?  If great young musicians are gradually blocked out then the musical world shrinks and creativity withers until audiences are stuck hearing the same canon of canons, symphonies and fugues as the art fossilises. With the amazing talent and dedication of NOFA’s performers, tutors and organisers that will not be allowed to happen.

Please support our life-changing work with young musicians and donate today >

‘The Way We See It’ – National Orchestra for All’s Nottingham concert in pictures

A colourful selection of memories from our youth orchestra’s summer extravaganza, courtesy of photographer Will Pace.

1. Trumpeter, Tashan, welcomes audience members to National Orchestra for All’s end-of-season concert.

2. National Orchestra for All (NOFA): the UK’s only fully-inclusive, non-auditioned youth orchestra.

3. Setting up our instruments at iconic Nottingham venue, the Albert Hall Conference Centre.

4. Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, prepares to lead the way.

5. Emma was joined by special guest and internationally-recognised conductor, José Salazar.

6. Brass at the ready…

7. Our marvellous woodwind section!

8. NOFA collaborated with writer Ben Macpherson to produce spoken word for the event. (Pictured: Kali)

9. Sharing powerful messages through music, humour and rhyme. (Pictured: Vanessa)

10. Our young people blew everyone away with their inspiring words. (Pictured: Alasdair)

11. NOFA keyboardist, Troy, truly makes an impact.

12. Inclusivity means welcoming all kinds of instruments – even melodicas! (Pictured: Kali, Matt, Jesse)

13. Breaking down barriers: guitarist, Kit, rocks out to Britten.

14. The bassooner the better… (Pictured right: Isabelle)

15. Say hello to the strings!

16. Orchestral tutor, Andres, creates a powerful sound with keen percussionist, Abz.

17. We’ll never tire of hearing the cello.

18. Fluttering flautists…

19. Thomas (pictured left) flew all the way from Northern Ireland to perform at the event!

20. The cheerful colours of our ensemble’s t-shirts were chosen by our young people.

21. We’ll always make time for sweet violin solos.

22. Our wellbeing tutors always know how to light up the room.

23. Being part of this wonderful community makes us smile! (Pictured: Tom)

24. Musical highlight: an energetic rendition of Mahala Rai Banda’s Balkan folk tune, ‘Spoitoresa’.

25. Trumpeter, Cameron, making memories with his pals in the brass.

26. Standing tall at the Albert Hall. (Pictured: Tashan and Ricardo)

27. National Orchestra for All alumni, Elen and Declan, were buzzing after the show!

28. Wellbeing tutor, George, was on hand to congratulate our inspiring young performers.

29. NOFA trombonist, Haseeb, bids farewell to his orchestra friends after an epic summer of music-making.

30. “Hip, hip, hooray!” – NOFA cellist, Michael, celebrates the end of a fantastic concert with our audience.

Thank you to all who attended ‘The Way We See It’ – our young musicians had a blast and it wouldn’t have been the same without you!

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank each of our loyal funders – Arts Council England, Association of British Orchestras – Sirens Fund, Finzi Trust, Foyle Foundation, Headley Trust, Promenaders’, Musical Charities, The Radcliffe Trust, Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust, Sarum Hall School Parents' Association, University of Warwick and Youth Music – as well as our individual donors, advocates, photographer Will Pace, Broaden Films, orchestral and wellbeing tutors and team of volunteers for making NOFA’s summer residential and live concert possible.

Missed out? Don’t fret – an exclusive recording of NOFA’s summer concert is coming soon, so watch this space…

To fund a life-changing programme like National Orchestra for All, please donate today >

“The final performances were astounding!”: National Orchestra for All’s Manager reflects on her year

The end of a truly special season…

At the start of 2020, National Orchestra for All’s core team of staff had no idea that all their plans for the next cohort of young musicians would swiftly be scrapped and re-imagined in a way that the season had never been delivered before.

My name is Paula Morgan and I joined Orchestras for All (OFA) in February 2022 as NOFA’s new Programme Manager – a role I proudly took on. Shortly after, we would be delivering two residentials in person for the first time since the effects of the pandemic swept the nation.

No easy task. However, my motivation was spurred on by the NOFA members who had kept the orchestra alive via Zoom in spite of the world rapidly changing around them.

When planning the residential in April, a lot of thought and consideration went into how these young people would feel after being placed in a room of more than 100 people and, for some of them, playing their instrument outside the safety of their own home for the first time ever.

Read more: National Orchestra for All comes to Nottingham this summer with a powerful end-of-season concert >

National Orchestra for All musicians gather during their spring residential in Birmingham

Making music during a global pandemic

We’re all aware of the devastating impact the pandemic has had – especially on our young people – and so, for NOFA, our wellbeing programme was more important this year than ever. Artistically, they had been learning online for the past two years and finally had the opportunity to bring it all together.

We were so lucky to host our spring residential at iconic music venue, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Our young musicians travelled from every corner of the UK on buses, trains, planes, and taxis.

While there were a few anxious faces meeting us for the first time, many excited members were glad to be reunited with old friends. Others were curious about what the next few days would entail. We had a huge, friendly support team on hand to help guide them throughout as well as our wonderful team of orchestral tutors, wellbeing tutors, core staff members, volunteers and of course, NOFA’s influential Young Ambassadors.

We spent the next few days rehearsing the season’s diverse selection of repertoire, honing our skills and spending time socially to bond as a cohort.

The famed recital evening, a tradition enjoyed by young people and adults alike at each NOFA residential, had us all in tears as usual. The final performances (watch below) were astounding! Despite some of our young musicians struggling during the week and having to take time out, they all got on stage in the end and it sounded incredible.  

Experiencing for the first time – and in person – what NOFA is able to achieve in a few short days blew me away and spurred me on even more to prepare for our next residential.

A summer to remember

NOFA’s summer residential was hosted in Nottingham at Trinity Catholic School (also known as the school of the Kanneh- Mason siblings) and provided the perfect space for our ensemble to gather together.

With NOFA’s end-of-season public performance just on the horizon at the Albert Hall Conference Centre, we all made the most of our fun-filled week of playing music together, rehearsing the repertoire and welcoming young people who had attended in-person for the first time.

We were also thrilled to have José Ángel Salazar-Marin, Director of El Sistema Greece, to work with our young people, alongside OFA’s brilliant Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend.

Throughout the season, the level of commitment, dedication, patience and participation shown from everyone involved was astounding. This paid off after witnessing the orchestra’s memorable final performance – featuring striking new words written by NOFA members and spoken word artist, Ben MacPherson – at the end of our summer residential.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes from our young musicians before the final performance:

NOFA trumpeter, Tashan, said: “We’ve got a concert coming up! I’m super excited – we’re gonna play quite a few fun pieces at the Albert Hall. I can’t wait!”

Another NOFA member said: “I’m looking forward to the adrenaline rush that we get when we finish playing our pieces. [After the course], it’ll be sad though to see all our friends go back to wherever they came from!”

National Orchestra for All performs live in concert at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham

A keen percussionist added: “Guys, just remember: percussion is the best section! Make sure to listen out for our amazing solo during ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’.”

The OFA team were also really pleased to have received so much positive feedback from our audience members:

• “As parents to sit in the audience and watch [our daughter] being part of this truly amazing and talented orchestra was one of our proudest moments!”

•  “I saw your recent concert at the Albert Hall, Nottingham. It was brilliant. Good enough for the London Albert Hall!”

• “Inspiring. Elevating. Fun.”

Final thoughts

To get through a pandemic and wrap up the season in the way that we did was truly special.

One NOFA member took to their feet to shout, “Hip hip!”, to which we responded, “Hooray!”. So, I say hip hip hooray to many more events with NOFA and would like to thank anyone reading this who helped us make this season happen or came to see us perform.

We’ll be sharing an image gallery of our favourite moments very soon and for anyone who missed out, or for those who would love to see it again, a video recording of NOFA’s final concert will also be available to view in full – watch this space!

To fund a life-changing musical programme like NOFA, please donate today >