NATIONAL ORCHESTRA FOR ALL
Our inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra.
What is National Orchestra for All?
National Orchestra for All (NOFA) is our inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra. It welcomes young people from all backgrounds, with a wide range of musical abilities, playing any instrument of their choice.
NOFA is made up of around 100 young people aged between 11 and 19 who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to play with others in a national orchestra.
Being part of NOFA offers young people life-changing experiences that develop their life skills, while also creating thriving, creative communities – and of course, it’s great fun too!
As well as creating their own pieces of music with professional composers, NOFA members play all types of music – from pop songs, classical works and film favourites, to jazz, video game soundtracks and dance anthems. We also love world music and during our 2023-24 season, the orchestra was introduced to the mesmerising sound of Gamelan music from Indonesia, in collaboration with community musician and composer, Emily Crossland.
For NOFA’s season finale in April 2024, members performed ‘Ghost Town’ by The Specials, ‘Hornet’ and ‘Reflection’, taken from Christopher Larkin’s original soundtrack for video game, Hollow Knight, ‘Strength in Numbers’, written in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist, Joe Broughton, and the ‘Allegro’ movement of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor. They also premiered their exciting new composition, ‘Sounds of Change’.
“NOFA is a second home for me – a second family, a safe space. I can’t recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard and it’s here that I’ve made some of my closest friends. The music is catchy and the staff are absolutely amazing!”
National Orchestra for All members on stage at CBSO Centre during their summer 2024 public concert.
Frequently Asked Questions
National Orchestra for All musicians enjoy social time during their summer 2024 course at CBSO Centre.
Who is NOFA for?
NOFA is for you, if you:
• Love music
• Want to experience music by playing in an orchestra
• Are creative (you can also get involved in composing, conducting and other musical activities!)
• Might not feel confident auditioning for an orchestra
• Want to make music in a supportive environment
• Are not yet confident on your instrument or are at the start of your musical journey – (don’t worry, we’ll support you!)
• Are already confident and want to develop as a musician and performer
• Are aged 11-16 on 11 September 2024 (please note: only those reapplying to NOFA can be aged 17 on this date)
• Play any instrument – not just a ‘traditional’ one usually found in an orchestra – and have any level of experience or skill
• Want to boost your wellbeing by playing music and participating in social activities
• Don’t have access to ‘inclusive’ musical opportunities (see below to understand what we mean by this).
“It’s nice to go somewhere independently and find yourself. You get to meet other people from all across the UK.”
National Orchestra for All musicians perform on stage at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
What do we mean by ‘inclusive’ musical opportunities?
We want to make sure that NOFA reaches young people who will most benefit from taking part. Previous NOFA members have not been able to participate in other musical opportunities as they live in a remote area, can’t afford the fees, need extra support or for various reasons, don’t always feel confident or welcome enough in other environments.
This may be due to mental health or because they’ve faced discrimination as a result of their disability, skin colour or ‘difference’. At Orchestras for All, we celebrate differences and take huge pride in working with people from all walks of life, who can come together in a friendly and supportive environment to have fun making powerful music together.
NOFA alum, Cameron, said: “I feel that NOFA really gives back to others who haven’t had as much access to music before – and I have personal experience of this. NOFA helped me develop in loads of areas as a musician and I loved being part of an inclusive orchestra. Anyone would be welcome.”
Can any instrument be part of NOFA?
Yes, absolutely! We can create music parts for any instrument and are proud to be an orchestra that welcomes all instruments.
Please note that if you play piano, we may ask you to play a melodica (a small keyboard instrument played by blowing through a mouthpiece) for some pieces of music, or join the percussion section. However, each pianist will have the opportunity to play a piano or keyboard for at least one piece.
National Orchestra for All’s brass section performs live in concert at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre.
What does membership involve?
NOFA members experience being part of an orchestra, supported by professional orchestral tutors and wellbeing staff. The focus is on playing music together in ensembles. NOFA members play a crucial role in choosing the music that we play.
At the end of each in-person meeting, they will also have the chance to perform – whether that is a sharing of the work or a public concert.
The forthcoming season is set over 18 months and will include:
- Online preparation sessions via Zoom, prior to residentials, plus one-to-one sessions where needed
- Four in-person residentials that last for four days and three nights
- One regional meet in the city closest to the member
- End-of-season finale concerts, open to the public
In 2025, we will be taking up residency in Birmingham. The whole orchestra will travel from across the UK to rehearse and perform together. We will all stay in accommodation nearby.
All travel, accommodation and food is covered for NOFA members. They are supported by an experienced and friendly team of wellbeing tutors and staff.
As well as learning how to play in an orchestra and improving musical skills, NOFA members take part in other fun activities and games, boost their confidence and make new friends along the way.
For those members who are aged 16 and over, we offer further opportunities through our Young Leaders Programme. Through this, the young person can choose which area they would like to develop whether this would be in composition, conducting, leading a section or another area they would like to explore. This may also include the possibility of gaining an Arts Award qualification.
The string section performs at CBSO Centre during National Orchestra for All’s summer 2024 residential.
What is a residential?
A residential is a trip that takes place over a few days where you travel away from home, stay overnight and take part in activities. At NOFA, a residential usually lasts for four days and three nights. We all stay in the same accommodation and have our meals together. We support you to travel to residentials, either by coach or whatever mode of transport works best for you.
During the residential, you will take part in music rehearsals throughout the day as well as in games and social activities in the evenings. Each residential ends with a recital evening and/or live concert.
There will always be a chill out space if you need some quiet time, or a place to go if you feel overwhelmed in any way. Each NOFA member is also part of a group, led by two wellbeing tutors who check in with you throughout the day and support you to and from activities. Throughout the week, they will make sure you feel comfortable, confident and safe.
Our friendly group of wellbeing tutors will provide support for NOFA members throughout each residential.
Why should I take part in NOFA?
There’s so much to gain from being part of our musical family! Here are a few quotes from NOFA members who shared their personal experiences with us:
NOFA pianist, Troy, said: “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!”
NOFA alum and former Ambassador, Grace, commented: “I love NOFA because it is so inclusive and we play all sorts of different genres of music. I get to learn other skills too, like public speaking, organising the quiz and social media.”
NOFA guitarist, Kit, added: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people. NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity. Regardless of how nervous you might feel, you really enjoy it – and not many young people have the chance to do this, so I’m really grateful.”
Celebrating the end of a spectacular end-of-season summer concert with musical friends
Is it free to take part in NOFA?
Yes! We want to make sure that cost isn’t a barrier to participating. Everything is covered for you to join us, including food, travel, accommodation and tuition.
“NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes.”
