Who is the Modulo Programme for?

The Modulo Programme has been specially designed for young people aged 11-18 and suits a wide range of groups, including (but not limited to):

• Classroom ensembles, KS3, GCSE or BTEC-level, suitable for all students
• Small groups of mixed-ability players
• Schools with no other music ensemble opportunities
• Groups made up of mixed-skill levels and instruments (think guitars, clarinets, keyboards, harmonicas and many more)
• A community youth group with a wide range of musical experience

All music groups are unique, so whatever your ensemble we would love for you to get involved and join our music-making community.

What are the benefits?

• Resources to get your Modulo started, including scores, parts and backing tracks
• Unique arrangements and bespoke scores to suit all instruments and skill levels
• Youth leadership opportunities
• Access to Music Leadership Training and CPD, online and face-to-face for all Modulo leaders
• Online and telephone support from the Orchestras for All team
• Orchestral workshops in your school/community group, supported by professional musicians
• Modulo Meet attendance in person, throughout the year and at higher education/arts venues across the country
• Bursaries are available (means-tested) to support the cost of the programme and travel to Modulo Meets

Who can lead a Modulo?

If you’re working in a state funded school or a community group and would be keen to start or develop an instrument ensemble for 11-18 year-olds, you can lead a Modulo. No prior conducting experience is necessary and we offer support for leaders through our Music Leadership Training programme. Previous Modulo leaders include:

• Trainee and early career classroom music teachers
• Experienced classroom music teachers and heads of department
• Instrumental teachers
• Music hub/service ensemble leaders
• Youth group leaders

What music will be played in 2025?

At Orchestras for All, we enjoy exploring a wide range of musical styles – from popular songs to classical music, film music to jazz, video game music to dance anthems as well as music from around the world – and we involve young people in every stage of our decision-making when selecting repertoire.

Examples of our previous repertoire include:

• ‘99 Red Balloons’ by Nena
• ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’, composed by Joe Hisaishi for Japanese animated fantasy film, Howl’s Moving Castle
• ‘Hornet’, featured in Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack for popular video game, Hollow Knight
• ‘Allegro ma non troppo’ – the first movement of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor
• ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder

Young musicians from the 2023-24 Modulo cohort put forward their repertoire ideas for the upcoming season. The OFA team and Youth Board are currently discussing these ideas and the new programme will be announced very soon!

When are the Modulo Meets in 2025?

Spring 2025 Meets

10 February 2025 – Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

6 March 2025 – Glasshouse, Gateshead

13 March 2025 – Cecil Sharp House, London

14 March 2025 – CBSO Centre, Birmingham

Summer 2025 Meets

7 July 2025 – Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

8 July 2025 – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

9 July 2025 – Royal Academy of Music, London

11 July 2025 – Glasshouse, Gateshead

How much does it cost?

We ask schools and community groups to contribute £250 to participate in our Modulo Programme for one season. This £250 fee reflects less than 10 per cent of the actual cost per school or community group to run the programme.

However, we’re aware this may be a barrier for some groups’ budgets. If you can’t contribute £250, this will not impact the success of your application. Instead, we’ll explore fundraising ideas with you (previous groups have put on concerts or held sponsored practice sessions to raise money!) and if necessary, waive the fee to take part.