Meet National Orchestra for All musicians, Lola and Christian

From building their confidence to boosting their skills, two of our Coventry-based members share their NOFA story…

This week, the inspiring group of young people known as National Orchestra for All (NOFA) will be reuniting in the striking surrounds of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for their exciting summer residential.

Taking place from 1-4 August, the four-day event will be a non-stop celebration of inclusive music-making and togetherness, with each member of the diverse ensemble being fully supported throughout – both musically and emotionally, based on their individual needs and preferences – by a friendly team of professional tutors.

While NOFA’s lively gatherings have always been joyous and memorable in equal measure, with nearly 100 young people from across the UK now making their way to the Conservatoire, we’re pleased to share that the youth orchestra has finally reached its pre-pandemic numbers – making this residential especially significant.

Ahead of the musical festivities, we caught up with 12-year-old flautist, Lola, and 17-year-old euphonium player, Christian, who were both introduced to NOFA via Coventry Music Hub, to find out what it means to be part of our vibrant musical family.

Read more: In pictures – tour highlights from the summer Modulo Programme 2023 >

Sharing her thoughts on what makes NOFA so special (watch full interview above), Lola said: “Meeting new friends and building my confidence. I love the music we’re playing and I like seeing people who play the same instrument as me! When I first joined, when I first played, I felt like I wasn’t getting judged.

“I feel like people think in their own opinion that they're getting judged – but when you play, it lets it all out and you have confidence. If you mess up or feel like people are going to laugh or like you’re getting judged all the time, you’re not.”

Describing why other young people should join an orchestra like NOFA, she added: “Music, in my opinion, is about expressing yourself in your own way. I feel like you should definitely join an orchestra because it’s really helped me with talking to people and with playing my instrument. It’s helped me learn new notes and different dynamics. You get better at your instrument and you can hear all the other instruments. If you want to play another instrument, then you can hear that too!”

Lola isn’t the only young musician looking forward to the summer residential. Speaking about his experience with NOFA (watch full interview below), Christian told us: “In a lot of orchestras, the only person with the power is probably the conductor, maybe the concertmaster. I’m literally just a person on the euphonium, which a lot of people wouldn’t pay attention to, but at NOFA, I’ve had talks with people to try and see if I can learn new repertoire and even conducted the orchestra myself, so I think that’s pretty cool!”

Explaining why he feels diversity and inclusion is so important, he commented: “Back when we had Baroque, Classical, Romantic music… a lot of it was written by white composers, with white musicians playing it. A lot of the time you’d never see anybody else from different backgrounds in orchestras, or composing or playing the music.

Read more: 13 ways you can be kind to others in an inclusive youth orchestra >

“I think that if we have orchestras with more diversity, it can bring new ideas as music from around the world comes in all different forms. With African drumming, rhythm is given a lot more emphasis. Then if we go to Indian music, they have different scales, which Western music wouldn’t use.”

Highlighting some of the music in NOFA’s current season of repertoire, Christian said: “The first one I want to talk about is from a video game called Hollow Knight, which I think is quite interesting as compared to the other seasons I’ve played in, this is the first time we’ve done a song from a game, which I think is pretty good! There are a lot of game composers that get inspiration from orchestral music but you never really hear them played, unlike some of the bigger composers.”

Pictured: 17-year-old NOFA member, Christian, tries his hand at conducting during the spring residential

“The other piece is called ‘Ghost Town’, which is by a band who actually originated in Coventry! The song talks about what Coventry was like when it went through an era of everything going wrong. Everything was really bad then – and the song just talks about that time. The piece we’re playing is basically just an orchestral version of it, which is quite interesting because I don’t think I would be able to make an orchestral composition of a song like that!

“[NOFA] does help a lot of young musicians to build their musical ability; when I first started, I’d say I was terrible at euphonium. The repertoire they’ve given me, especially in the last season when we did ‘A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, was very challenging – but I’m able to play it now and I think that challenge is really good as it helps you to improve.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education and D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, as well as our individual donors and charity volunteers, for making this life-changing musical programme possible.

To support the young people in National Orchestra for All and contribute towards our vital work, please donate what you can today:

In pictures: tour highlights from our summer 2023 Modulo Programme

Making powerful music with young people nationwide…

Earlier this month, the Orchestras for All team went on tour with the Modulo Programme for the first time to bring inclusive music-making activities to school students all across the UK.

From the University of York to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to the Royal Academy of Music in London, our venues for the Meets provided the perfect backdrop for the 330 young people in attendance – 171 of which had never played in an ensemble before.

By working in close partnership with these venues as well as engaging with their participation teams and inspiring students – many of which joined us as orchestral tutors during the Modulo Meets, we were also able to share best practice for running inclusive music-making sessions with our four brilliant ensembles.

Alongside improving their social and instrumental skills during sectional and full orchestra rehearsals, our diverse cohort of participants had the opportunity to perform an eclectic programme of music to special guests together as one large-scale orchestra – with Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’, Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ and Christopher Larkin’s ‘Hornet’ all becoming firm favourites.

During the York Meet, Modulo percussionist, Kiara, from All Saints Catholic College in Huddersfield, told us: “My favourite piece is ‘99 Red Balloons’ – it just sounds so good with everyone playing together! Also, a really kind thing that Modulo has done for me is donated a drum kit. It really helped me out because I needed a drum kit to practice with at home – I’m so grateful for it.”

In London, Modulo musician, David, from Harris Academy Morden, said: “I’m so excited about our live performance later today and I’ve really enjoyed my trips with Modulo and Orchestras for All. I hope that other people have enjoyed them as much as me!”

Scroll down to browse all the highlights…

Read more: Introducing the newest members of the Orchestras for All team >

York: University of York

Birmingham: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Manchester: The Royal Northern College of Music

London: The Royal Academy of Music

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, the Scops Arts Trust, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation as well as each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Please support aspiring young musicians across the UK and donate what you can today:

‘Our son, Xander, was desperate to play the bassoon – and Orchestras for All made it happen,’ says mum, Bec

Breaking down musical barriers, one gifted bassoon at a time…

For many parents in the UK, sourcing musical instruments for their children can often feel like a challenging task – not to mention the high cost often associated with purchasing them.

Research from the Musicians’ Union (MU) has shown that cost is currently the greatest barrier to a young person learning a musical instrument, with over two-fifths (41 per cent) of those from lower income families saying lessons are beyond their household budgets. This financial burden limits access to music education and prevents young people from exploring their creative interests.

Orchestras for All (OFA) exists to help tackle this issue and improve access to music-making. Our charity believes that all young people deserve equal opportunities to pursue their musical aspirations and enjoy the significant benefits that come with playing an instrument – from boosting their confidence levels, happiness and overall wellbeing to improving their social and communication skills.

To create new opportunities for those who are keen to kickstart their musical journey, donating and redistributing unused or unwanted instruments can be an effective solution and at OFA, we’ll always do what we can to find donated instruments a new home.

That’s why last winter, our Modulo Programme Manager, Sam, delivered a gifted bassoon to 11-year-old school student, Xander, after his family had struggled to source one. A few months later, we caught up with the budding musician and his parents, Bec and Peter, to see how he was getting on…

Read more: Orchestras for All’s Annual Report 2021-2022 >

Was it tricky for you to track down a bassoon?

Xander: “Yes, it was very hard to find! One of my friends plays a trumpet and the other plays the drums, but I think one of them got his trumpet from school and the other bought his drums from a percussion shop near us.”

Bec: “Definitely, it took us a long time! We were on a real quest to find one, just to see whether it was something that Xander would enjoy – he’d had an inkling that this was the instrument he’d like to play but finding a bassoon for him to try was so difficult. We eventually found a company that could loan us one for a short period but that wasn’t local to us. That trip was probably 45 minutes away from us, just to rent the bassoon, and we did that for a while.

“Then we got in touch with Orchestras for All, which is when we finally managed to source one for him! I was scouring the Internet, really, trying to find somebody who could help. Our son, Xander, was just desperate to play the bassoon – he knew that this was the instrument he wanted to play. For Xander’s dad, Peter, and I, being non-musical, we really wanted to embrace his enthusiasm and find a way to support him.”

Peter: “Lots of instruments are also very expensive, so Orchestras for All gives many young people the opportunity to learn something that they otherwise might not be able to.”

Pictured: National Orchestra for All bassoonists play together at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Why do you love the bassoon and how are you getting on with it so far?

Xander: “I’m getting on quite well with it! I’m going to do my Grade One exam soon. I think it sounds a lot deeper than other instruments and makes a more fluent noise. So far, I’ve been playing a book that’s called ‘The Standard of Excellence’ and lots of short pieces. Sometimes, I find getting the right pitch very difficult. Putting your fingers in the correct place on all the holes can be difficult too!”

Bec: “I would say another challenge is trying to dismantle the bassoon and pop it in his bag! Xander has a lesson each week at school and he's also allowed to take it into his music lessons, so he gets another opportunity to play it then. So, it’s a good few times a week that he’s practising it – actually every evening – and then we’re packing it up in the morning. At times, it can be a mad rush trying to get it back in the bag again to get it ready for school!”

Please donate what you can to Orchestras for All >

Would you encourage other young people to play a musical instrument?

Xander: “Yeah, it’s much easier once you get started and it seems difficult in the beginning, but you get going in about a few weeks and then it gets much faster! Now I’m considering joining the woodwind orchestra at my school, and I’m also doing the beginners’ woodwind ensemble (I think, or band?) – it's on a Thursday anyway, every lunchtime!”

Bec: “I’m not musical at all, so at first, I found the whole process quite daunting but once we got in touch with you guys, it made everything quite easy and straightforward. I guess it’s just knowing what resources to tap into. It’s been hugely rewarding seeing Xander grow! He is genuinely enjoying playing the bassoon at home and practising at school. He had a lesson earlier today actually and as soon as he got in the car, he was like: ‘Oh mum, I had a great bassoon lesson this afternoon!’ He is really enjoying it, so it's just brilliant.”

What do you love the most about music?

Xander: “For me, playing instruments is the best part about music. I think it’s very exciting and I really enjoy that part. I enjoy playing music even more than listening to it and it also helps with your memory. It seems very daunting at the start, but you hit a point where it’s not so difficult and then you can just get going with it! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to play the bassoon.”

Bec: “I want to reiterate what has been said there – thank you very much, Orchestras for All, for making it happen! We genuinely feel super privileged that you sorted out a bassoon for Xander and are giving him this opportunity. We can't thank you enough for that.”

Peter: “I think music also adds a unique element to a young person’s day. It's not just purely reading or playing through all the books; music allows young people to express themselves in different ways. I think it's really important that Orchestras for All is able to give this opportunity to young people and would encourage anyone to give it a try.”

To give other young people like Xander the opportunity to discover the joy of playing music, please support Orchestras for All’s vital work and donate what you can today:

Introducing the newest members of the Orchestras for All team

Spoiler alert: they’re all pretty darn amazing.

Over the past year, Orchestras for All (OFA) has continued to evolve as a charity and grown at rapid speed, reaching even more young people across the UK than ever before through its inclusive music-making programmes.

To support this demand and further develop OFA’s musical offering, its team has welcomed 10 inspiring ambassadors, who all started out on their journey as young musicians with National Orchestra for All. In these paid roles, ambassadors play a vital part in assisting the core team and championing OFA’s work across all programmes, while also boosting their skills and having the opportunity to focus on a specialty of their choice.

Joining them is OFA’s new Youth Leadership Coordinator, Elen, who will be creating and facilitating opportunities for young people – including current members, ambassadors and alumni – to be involved in the charity’s key decision-making, planning and delivery of work. We believe that young people are best-placed to tell us what they want and need, so it’s essential that their voices and opinions are heard, valued and actioned. Outside OFA, Elen is a member of the ABO board’s Musicians’ Advisory Council, which also ensures that the voices of orchestral musicians are heard at board and executive level.

Finally, OFA is pleased to welcome Sasha, who will be supporting the wellbeing of both staff and participants across the charity as Wellbeing Lead, alongside superb Associate Conductor, Rocco, barrier-smashing Programmes Coordinator, Jenny, and Production Manager, Chris, whose role is key to making our live events a success.

From Arsenal fans and filmmaking students to keen cellists and music-loving maestros, let’s meet the latest additions to the team…

Read more: National Orchestra for All’s barrier-smashing spring residential in pictures >

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Atse, Ambassador

Hi, my name is Atse and I’m an OFA Ambassador. I’ve been a part of OFA since 2014, when I joined as a NOFA member. As an Ambassador, my role is to help guide young people through the experience of being part of OFA, using my own knowledge of being a NOFA member.

I am also a member of the Youth Board, which is where we take the feedback of members and discuss how we can improve the OFA experience. Outside of OFA, I’m studying to be a music producer and sound engineer and I’m a big Arsenal fan.

Beau, Ambassador

Hello! I’m Beau and I’m an Ambassador for OFA. I’ve been with NOFA since 2016 and I’ve enjoyed every year I’ve been here. An ambassador helps young people feel more comfortable within OFA as we act as a bridge between staff and members as we were once members ourselves. 

Music has always been a big part of my life and I’m always doing something that has music. Outside of OFA, I love making my own music – OFA helped me gain the confidence to be able to do that. I’m also a filmmaking student in Brighton, specialising in production design, sound design and soundtracks for film. 

Chloe, Ambasssador and Trustee

I’m Chloe and I loved music from a young age – sitting in my Granny’s kitchen in Belfast, listening to my family have a trad session, I desperately wanted to join in. I felt then how music brought people together and created a feeling of community. Naturally I did the only reasonable thing… stole one of my uncle’s tin whistles and began to make a racket.

I then started learning the cello in school at age eight. There was very limited opportunity for ensemble playing and my idea of an orchestra was “serious and stuffy”. Joining National Orchestra for All in 2018 changed that entirely! There I felt that same sense of community but this time it was with 99 other young people that I’d only met three days prior! Most importantly, as an Ambassador and Trustee I’m looking forward to helping OFA achieve what the Youth Board likes to call… “world domination”!

Chris, Production Manager

Hi everyone, I’m Chris Tindall and I’m the Production Manager at Orchestras For All. My job is to make sure all the equipment, such as stands, chairs, power for guitars and so on, is set up and working for rehearsals. I also help with the lighting and sound for the recital evening.

I love working with musicians and have previously worked for lots of opera companies. The thing I’m most excited about with NOFA is hearing the orchestra play together for the first time! I also live in the North East of England, love cricket and am a trained umpire.

Elen, Youth Leadership Coordinator

I’m Elen and I am the Youth Leadership Coordinator at Orchestras For All. My role will be focused on amplifying youth voices and furthering the youth involvement in all areas of OFA. I have recently graduated from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama but prior to this, I was a member of OFA’s National Orchestra For All. My experience with music education, especially conservatoire, has meant that I have experienced first-hand the inaccessibility of the music industry, but these experiences have only made me more passionate about OFA’s mission.

My time with OFA has given me an insight into the lives of young musicians from all walks of life and has truly shown me the value of music-making opportunities. I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make music regardless of their background or personal challenges, so I am incredibly excited to be a member of the OFA team and to be part of the positive changes they are making!

Grace, Ambassador

Hi everyone! My name is Grace and I’m one of the NOFA ambassadors. A bit about me – I’m a violinist and auditioning for a conservatoire in November, but I also play piano and like to sing. I love buying clothes from charity and thrift shops – you will often see me in brightly-coloured clothes! 

I’m very excited to meet NOFA’s new musicians in the summer – I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic week! Like the other nine ambassadors, my job is to support the young people if they need anything or have any questions. Always happy to help! The thing I’m most excited about is seeing everyone play together at the end of the course as well as seeing how much progress everyone’s made! 

Haseeb, Ambassador

Hello everyone! I’m Haseeb, an OFA Ambassador. I have been with the organisation since 2015 and have loved every second (as you can probably tell as I’m still here). As one of the ambassadors and someone who only recently aged out of being a NOFA member, I essentially act as a bridge between members of OFA’s programmes and its staff.

I’ve also been a member of the Youth Board, so if you have an idea on how we could improve something, I would love to hear it and feed this back to the Board, who can take it further up the ladder. Outside of OFA, I've completed my A-Levels and I'm currently a Medical Engineering Apprentice at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Jenny, Programmes Coordinator

Hello! My name is Jenny and I’m the Programmes Coordinator for Orchestras for All. My role is new and was created because OFA’s programmes are reaching more people than ever before! I support the lovely Sam (Modulo and MLT Manager) and Paula (NOFA Manager) in the delivery of OFA’s three innovative programmes. Something I am particularly looking forward to is attending OFA events, meeting the young people involved and experiencing their incredible performances!

Music has been a part of my life since I started learning to play the violin aged eight. My favourite part of learning an instrument was playing in ensembles – particularly orchestras! If I hadn’t participated in orchestras while growing up, I wouldn’t have the skills, friendships and life experiences I am fortunate enough to have today. I am delighted to be joining the OFA team and contributing towards inclusive music-making opportunities in the UK.

Keefe, Ambassador

Hi, I’m Keefe and I come from London. Music has been a large part of my life for a long time now, ever since I started playing the piano in Year Three. I love it because although music can vary massively, it has always been a universal language for everyone. Music has always been a sort of safe place in my mind that I can retreat to when I’m nervous or overwhelmed, almost a sort of second language. I can't imagine a life without it now.

I’ve been with OFA for three years now (although it seems a lot longer than that!) and it has given me invaluable experience, many unforgettable memories and great friends. I’m absolutely honoured to be an Ambassador for OFA! Outside of music, my biggest interest is medicine and I’m aiming to become a doctor in the future. I will also never say no to a game of chess, although I’ll probably lose very quickly!

Nell, Ambassador

I’m Nell and I’ve enjoyed playing music since I was little, bouncing around between instruments until ultimately settling on the clarinet. I joined NOFA back in 2015 and they’ve yet to manage to get rid of me. OFA were the first to introduce me to the joys of playing with others, especially on a large scale. My hope as an Ambassador is that I can play a part (get it?) in helping the current generation to experience all the opportunities OFA has given me.

Outside of music, I study physics at university. I’m also always on the lookout for another sport to try; the current list includes trampolining, netball and gymnastics. I try to find the time to play in an orchestra but none of them ever quite match up to NOFA (we’re just that good!).

Noah, Ambassador

I’m Noah and I’ve been a part of OFA for nearly six years – and every year has been better than the last. Over the years, OFA has helped me to improve my confidence and musical ability. I can play things now that I thought were impossible for me to do. I have been playing double bass for the past eight years and thanks to OFA, I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. I have always had a passion for music as it allows me to imagine and create from my mind, something which I am very grateful to be able to do.

I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity of being an Ambassador as I would like to be able to give back to the orchestra and organisation that I have been a part of for so long. Outside of OFA, I enjoy programming – especially in the field of cyber security, as well as making robots and machines. I also enjoy outdoor sports like bouldering and kayaking.

Rocco, Associate Conductor

My name is Rocco and I am the Associate Conductor of Orchestras for All. I was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy, where I started playing the trumpet aged seven. I immediately fell in love with ensemble playing – that hasn't changed yet! I studied classical trumpet, jazz trumpet and music education, and have played in 1,500 concerts all over Europe, Asia and Oceania.

After a few years travelling around the world, I settled in North London, where I work for several music services. I truly enjoy seeing so many young musicians and colleagues every week. I conduct all sorts of musical styles (symphonic, jazz, big band, wind band, choir and brass band) and I love the challenges that this role is offering me every single time. It’s never-ending fun! I also love coffee, painting, cooking, reading and my dog Frank.

Sasha, Wellbeing Lead

Growing up, I was taken to a local brass band concert and my mum asked me what I would like to play. I vividly remember choosing the drum kit, which I think surprised even me as my mum and brother both played a brass instrument! Later on, I volunteered with a community theatre company in Toronto, where I learned about the different access points of music, before studying psychology at Goldsmiths, specialising in musical ability in children who are neurodivergent. We explored the positive sides of neurodiversity and I loved it!

I found my early 20s quite hard mentally, so started exploring different ways of looking after my wellbeing. Music, dancing, family, friends and being outside were all helpful for me during difficult times. After my dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, I also became an advocate for my family, keen to challenge systems that did not put the person receiving the care or support first. My dad shared all his music with me throughout this period and it held us together. Then, I found Orchestras for All. It showed me that there are places that value wellbeing completely. It makes me excited that I can use the skills and knowledge that I developed to contribute to creating spaces that support wellbeing.

Shannon, Ambassador

I’m Shannon and I joined NOFA in 2018. It changed my life as a musician – NOFA’s approach to music-making was different to anything else I’d experienced and made me realise just how much music could connect people. Since first picking it up in secondary school, my cello and I have been inseparable. I ended up studying music at college and I’m now studying Actor-Musicianship at a drama school.

I’m so excited to be joining the OFA team as an Ambassador and supporting their mission towards making music education more inclusive. I’ve been so inspired by the way OFA empowers young voices and by their commitment to making music accessible – giving me an opportunity that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Tashan, Ambassador

Hey! It’s Tashan here. I’ve been part of OFA for quite some time actually – it’s been seven years. As an Ambassador, I feel that it’s important to assist the core team to make sure all OFA courses, sessions and events run smoothly. I also believe that being an Ambassador puts me in a position to be the bridge between the staff and the young members of OFA, to gain insight on what the young members like and how these OFA courses can be improved for them in the future.

I’m just another guy who really likes music and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate how much music touches people and brings them together. Outside of music, I’m also studying physics at university, which is another interest of mine. It’s challenging but it’s quite fun too.

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On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our individual donors and funders for their kind generosity; without them, these opportunities to strengthen our team wouldn’t be possible.

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Keen to support aspiring young musicians across the UK? Please donate what you can:

National Orchestra for All’s barrier-smashing spring residential in pictures

“It’s energetic and a really good experience!”

National Orchestra for All’s summer extravaganza is just on the horizon and we couldn’t be more excited to reunite with this year’s diverse new cohort – but first, we wanted to share a few highlights from the ensemble’s energising spring residential.

In April, NOFA members travelled to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire from all four corners of the UK, with many of the young musicians being introduced to returning members of the ensemble for the first time and in many cases, quickly making lifelong friends.

The inclusive event was defined by powerful sectionals, rip-roaring full orchestra rehearsals and expert one-to-one tuition for this season’s eclectic repertoire, which includes ‘Ghost Town’ by The Specials, ‘Hornet’ and ‘Reflection’, taken from Christopher Larkin’s Hollow Knight video game soundtrack, the first movement of Florence Price’s stunning Symphony in E minor and a ‘Strength in Numbers’ collaboration with Birmingham-based composer and multi-instrumentalist, Joe Broughton, who runs the Conservatoire’s Folk Ensemble.

We also heard inspiring words from our ambassadors and a memorable series of performances during the recital evening (both moving and witty in equal measure). Plus, in true OFA style, there was plenty of focus on boosting wellbeing as well as fostering a happy, safe and collaborative environment, alongside opportunities for the young musicians to share their feedback and take ownership of their learning throughout.

In the words of new NOFA member, Jess: “I play the cello and this is my second day at NOFA. It’s a really good experience – it’s loud (but not too loud) and energetic. It’s a fun, friendship-building thing; you stay overnight and get to meet some really interesting people!”

Scroll down to view our barrier-smashing event gallery…

Read more: University of York’s spectacular concert hall hosts the Modulo Programme’s final meet of the spring >

On behalf of everyone at National Orchestra for All and the OFA team, we would like to thank our individual donors for their kind generosity; without them, this life-changing programme wouldn’t be possible.

We would also like to extend this thanks to our funders – including Clore Duffield Foundation, Three Monkies Trust, Austin Hope Pilkinton Trust, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Wingate Foundation. In addition, National Orchestra for All’s spring residential was the first course part-funded by NPO funding from Arts Council England and the Department for Education.

We’re making great strides in improving access to music for young people nationwide – please join our movement and together, let’s continue to make a positive impact!

Keen to help us provide musical activities to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity? Please donate what you can today:

University of York’s spectacular concert hall hosts the Modulo Programme’s final meet of the spring

We’re already counting down the days to our summer sessions…

Following a successful series of events in Birmingham, London and Manchester, Orchestras for All (OFA) took its fourth and final Modulo meet of the spring to the picturesque city of York.

Taking place in the grand surrounds of the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall at the University of York, which boasts a peaceful riverside setting for its music students, the programme welcomed 60 young people to enjoy its inclusive music-making activities this time round, led by Associate Conductor, Rocco Brunori.

A superb effort from each of our mixed-ability participants – who joined us from Heworth Grange School, Parkside School, Immanuel College​, All Saints Catholic College, Woodham Academy and St. Bede’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic College – as well as OFA Ambassadors, Nell and Grace, who kindly supported young musicians in the string and woodwind sections.

Despite having only met each other for the first time on the day, the newly-formed ensemble played Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’ and Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ beautifully, rounding off this year’s spring sessions in good spirits and leaving us all feeling energised for the summer Modulo meets ahead.

We look forward to seeing you again soon – but first, please enjoy our York snaps below!

Read more: Royal Northern College of Music welcomes 83 young people for a day of group music-making with Modulo >

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

Royal Northern College of Music welcomes 83 young people for a day of group music-making with Modulo

Making lifelong memories at our third meet of the spring…

After kickstarting our spring Modulo meets in Birmingham and London, the Orchestras for All team took to the road once again to bring the charity’s powerful music-making programme to students in and around the city of Manchester.

Held at the Royal Northern College of Music, the third Modulo event of the season was attended by 83 young people from six maintained schools in the UK – including Hathershaw College, Bellerive, Bridgewater, Philips, St Patrick’s and Ullswater – and with bassoons, drum kits and electric guitars in the room, what a wonderful sound they all made.

With a revitalised push for more music in schools following the national plan for music education, the Modulo Programme exists to support teachers and community music leaders in setting up a small, inclusive ensemble of their own, before inviting participating students to team up with others from across the country to play together as one giant orchestra.

From soothing warmups with our Artistic Director, Emma, and a friendly greeting from Ambassador and former National Orchestra for All member, Haseeb, to an energising orchestral rendition of of an 80s pop classic, our Modulo meet in Manchester was surely a day to remember. Scroll down for a few of the highlights!

Read more: This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need >

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need

Pure joy in the form of young people and their musical instruments…

As part of our spring meets for the Modulo Programme, 108 students from schools all across the country joined Orchestras for All in London for an energising day of group music-making.

Taking place at Camden music venue, Cecil Sharp House, the inclusive event came following a successful first Meet of the year at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, kicking off an exciting new season of activity with our mixed-ability ensembles.

Modulo’s main aim is to create a warm environment where young people from any background can thrive and enjoy making music with others – regardless of their musical ability, experience, personal circumstances or the instrument they choose to play – and the London leg of our spring Modulo tour certainly left both participants and staff members with fond memories.

All students did a fantastic job of playing through Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’ and Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’, with schools in attendance including Oak Wood​, Gable Hall, Southborough High School, Oasis Shirley Park, Thames Park as well as Harris Academy schools from Bermondsey, Merton, Morden and Orpington. Scroll down for all the highlights!

Read more: Modulo in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet >

Modulo Programme in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet

What a wonderful start to live activity in 2023…

On Tuesday, Orchestras for All welcomed 120 school students to the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham for its first Modulo Meet of the spring – and it was pure joy.

From calming stretches during group warmups and energetic sectionals to conducting demos with young people and full orchestra rehearsals, it was surely a day to remember and we’d like to extend our thanks to all those involved (including two of our inspiring Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah!).

Next week, we’ll be taking the Modulo Programme to Cecil Sharp House in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester but before we do, scroll down for a few of this week’s musical highlights!

Read more: 504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme >

Orchestras for All Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah

Here come our Modulo musicians!

Modulo participants head to the Theatre

Ambassador Chloe sets up the space

Xylophones at the ready

All about that bass...

Happy smiles with the glockenspiel

Hands up if you think percussion is the best section?

Our first Modulo ensemble of the year!

What a wonderful place to be

Breaking down musical barriers

Our brilliant conductor for the day, Emma!

All together now

Time for sectionals

Guitar tutor, Ralph, leads the way

Guitars rehearse '99 Red Balloons'

Our woodwind sectional, led by conductor Rocco

A snapshot of the brass

Fluttering flautists

Orchestral tutor, Lawrence, meets the strings

Pals in percussion

Melodicas work with orchestral tutor, Matt

Picking up the beat

Our orchestral tutors perform a surprise rendition of 'Spoitoresa'

Making new Modulo friends

Our inclusive orchestra welcomes keyboards too!

We do love a pink guitar

Rocking out

Is there anything better than a room full of musicians?

Ready to roll

Soaring strings

Time for a quick conducting demo!

Our superb woodwind section

Booming brass

So many shiny instruments!

Melodicas master 'Merry-Go-Round of Life'

Playing beautiful music

A Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student guides the percussion

Our magnificent Modulo ensemble

They looked and sounded spectacular

After a great day, it's a thumbs up for Modulo from Trystan!

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme

Modulo participants will also be teaming up to play a popular film theme penned by esteemed Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi.

The 2023 spring season of musical activity is well underway at Orchestras for All (OFA) and for the Modulo Programme, this means working with a keen new cohort of students and music leaders from maintained schools across the UK.

Due to growing demand for participation in its music-making activities, the Modulo Programme was oversubscribed for the first time in OFA’s 10-year history, with a total of 43 applications. The team are now pleased to welcome 504 students from 35 schools, from Croydon to County Durham – 26 of which are new to the programme and eight returning.

Of these schools, 11 are from Arts Council England’s Levelling Up for Culture Places​, six are from its Priority Places, 22 have more than the national average claiming Pupil Premium (27 per cent) and seven have 40 per cent of pupils eligible due to economic deprivation.

A participating teacher said: “I am developing my music department and need support – every year, we are getting more and more students picking up an instrument or wanting to learn; however, we do not yet have an established orchestra or ensemble as I don’t have the time or resources to set up and lead an accessible ensemble.”

While the majority of Modulo ensembles are based in schools, we are delighted to share that one of this year’s ensembles has also been set up for young people who are home-educated, making our charity’s work even more inclusive as we strive to reach those who are otherwise unable to access group music-making opportunities.

Read more: BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All >

Modulo’s inclusive arrangements have been specially designed to cater for all levels of experience and abilities – from beginners right through to Grade Eight musicians – as well as different instruments, including non-traditional instruments. Some participants have physical disabilities, others are young people with SEND and throughout the season we will be collaborating with a member of OFA’s wellbeing team, Xia-Leon, to produce parts using Braille music for visually impaired members of the youth orchestra.

This year, OFA’s Modulo Meets will be taking place in four vibrant city locations, at arts venues and higher education institutions each boasting a prestigious reputation as we seek to inspire the young musicians participating in our programmes.

Learn more about Orchestras for All’s impact >

In Birmingham, we’ll be heading to the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, while London Meets will be held at Cecil Sharp House and the Royal Academy of Music. Further north, participants will be teaming up at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester as well as the University of York.

Repertoire is based around the theme ‘Sounds of Change’ and will include the 1984 chart hit and protest song, ‘99 Red Balloons’, which was made famous by German singer-songwriter Nena, along with ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ – the stunning main theme for anime movie, Howl’s Moving Castle, written by Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi. With several bass guitarists, alto saxophones, drummers and French horn players joining the ensemble in 2023, our new cohort of young musicians will surely be making a powerful sound.

Alongside Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, a team of professional orchestral tutors – including BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, Ralph Porrett (watch video below) – and conservatoire and university students will be on hand to support each section of the ensemble.

They will be joined by OFA’s core team, 10 inspiring new Ambassadors (former Modulo and National Orchestra for All members) and Modulo Leaders, who will also be supporting participants throughout.

While each event will provide a similar structure – including full orchestral rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, a creative project and time for performing and social activities – each participant can expect to enjoy a bespoke musical experience based on their individual needs.

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.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today: