5 reasons why becoming an Orchestras for All Trustee is the volunteer role you never knew you needed

Making a difference: Trustees and members of the core team gather for a meeting in London.

Ever considered becoming a charity trustee? Here are just some of the brilliant ways you could benefit…

At Orchestras for All (OFA), trustees play an integral role in our team, using their expertise to help us fulfil our mission: breaking down barriers to music-making for young people in the UK.

Our passionate volunteers bring invaluable support in areas such as fundraising, finance, HR, and digital marketing. Their contributions make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of aspiring young musicians and drive lasting change in society.

Joining the Orchestras for All family in this dynamic and inspiring role offers numerous benefits for you as well.

To learn more, we spoke with two of our former trustees—Emily, a Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, and Kate, Director at Western Jerwood Creative Bursaries—as well as our current Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees, Beth and Joelle.

Read more: Welcoming a new Co-Chair: Beth White takes up new role as Orchestras for All’s Co-Chair of the Board of Trusteees >

Pictured: Trustees, Ambassadors and OFA team members enjoy a group discussion during an away day.

1. You’ll experience the joy of live (and virtual) events

Emily: When our artistic events are live, the concerts and fundraising activities are hugely enjoyable. Talking to the supporters, young people and their families and seeing the performances themselves is a powerful motivator!

During the pandemic, being invited to OFA’s online events and viewing the videos created after the courses was definitely a lockdown highlight too.

Kate: The pride I feel when the orchestra plays to a packed audience of thousands at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, or when a player talks about the impact of OFA on their life, is immense.

Please donate today and make a difference to young musicians’ lives >

2. You’ll contribute to a great cause

Joelle: I’ve been part of Orchestras for All since 2016 and gained so much knowledge and musical appreciation from the charity, which I’m really grateful for. I’d like to take this opportunity to give back to OFA, an organisation that has given me so much.

Being a trustee is a great opportunity to make an impact within the charity and represent the young people as a young person.

Beth: I would like to bring the voice of the people that benefit from, or have benefited from, the programmes at Orchestras for All. I’m excited to support OFA to launch its new strategy in the best way possible.

Emily: Hearing from our Youth Board about the difference that Orchestras for All has made to their lives is key – and celebrating the successes of the young people OFA works with in a range of fields proves it is making an impact.

Kate: I feel I have played my part, however small, in helping to break down barriers to music-making for young people. Being an OFA trustee gave me a fantastic insight into what goes on behind the scenes to make the charity’s vision a reality. 

3. You can build your professional network

Emily: Being involved in recruitment for key positions is a very practical way of seeing how the charity’s strategy is being implemented and ensuring that it has the skills in its team to achieve it. Helping to build a super team is very satisfying! 

4. You’ll make friends for life

Emily: It’s so wonderful to meet like-minded individuals with a common goal. The thrill when you find out that applications to trusts, foundations and grants have been successful is wonderful and shows that other organisations share and understand our vision. The artistic update at every trustees’ meeting keeps you focused on the art and lets you know what the young people (and the audience) have to look forward to at the next performance.

Beth: When I joined Orchestras for All, I was 13 years old. Before then, I’d only had access to brass bands, so for me it was a great opportunity to join an ensemble and meet people from different backgrounds from around the country. It was my only source of diversity growing up, and I still benefit from this now as a trustee.

5. It looks great on your CV

Kate: I have learnt so much over my years as a trustee about how to make music-making accessible to all young people and this knowledge helps me with my day job promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.  It really is a two-way exchange of experience between the charity and its Board. 

Emily: As a volunteer, feeling like you are making a difference is vital – if you work for a very large organisation in your day job (as I currently do) you can feel like a tiny cog in a very big machine. But as a Trustee, you feel more like you are the sat nav or co-pilot on an exciting journey. Come and help drive Orchestras for All forward to its next destination!

Keen to become an OFA Trustee? Find out more and apply for our current vacancies >

11 ways playing music with others can boost your wellbeing

From feeling more confident to improving your mood, being part of a youth orchestra can work wonders for your mental and physical health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is an essential part of general health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

A recent study by Music Minds Matter, which explores mental health and the music industry, also found that 71.1 per cent of respondents believed they had experienced panic attacks and/or high levels of anxiety, 68.5 per cent said they had experienced depression, and 55 per cent believed they were “gaps in the provision of services for musicians.”

At Orchestras for All, we understand just how comforting it can be to play music with others during tough times. If performing with other musicians is completely new to you or music education has been limited in your school or local community, joining a large group like National Orchestra for All might not be something you’ve ever considered doing.

But when you’re part of the Orchestras for All family – or any youth orchestra for that matter – the benefits to your health and wellbeing are endless. Here are just a few of the ways this magical musical experience could give you a boost…

Read more: ‘I’m a busy young carer – but National Orchestra for All is a place just for me’, explains violinist >

1. You’ll meet new friends

We’ve all been there: turning up to your very first orchestra rehearsal and not knowing a single soul. But stick with it and soon enough, you’ll be boosting your social skills, forging lifelong friendships and building happy memories with fellow musicians over forgotten pencils, funny stories shared during the break and of course, the conductor’s dramatic facial expressions.

2. Music enhances your memory

Although music affects people in different ways, previous studies have shown that musicians tend to have a better working memory and show less brain activity while carrying out a task than those who haven’t received any form of musical training. Listening to music or practising your instrument could even increase your alertness and improve your focus – if you’re revising for an exam, why not give it a try?

3. You can express yourself

When you’re part of an inclusive group like National Orchestra for All, you’ll always be encouraged to express yourself and your emotions in a way that works for you. Whether that’s showcasing your passion for woodwind with a pretty flute solo, enjoying a witty moment with your neighbour in the brass or trying something entirely new on your instrument, musical expression is truly for everyone.

4. Music is good for your heart

Did you know that listening to music can lower your blood pressure? According to Harvard Medical School, a nurse-led team at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes had lower blood pressure, slower heart rates and showed fewer signs of distress than those who hadn’t listened to music. Better protect that ticker and pick up your oboe…

5. You’ll feel more relaxed

It’s been scientifically proven that listening to music can promote a sense of calm and lower levels of cortisol, also known as your stress hormone. If you’re a young person and struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma or grief, music-making can be a powerful tool to aid your recovery and help you cope in difficult times.

6. You’ll develop your communication skills

Some of you may find communication to be a challenge in your daily lives – especially if you’re low in confidence or living with spectrum conditions such as autism – but music is a universal language. From learning how to read a conductor’s visual cues to connecting with others through pitch and rhythm, youth orchestras can teach you one of the most powerful forms of communication and enrich your life as a result.

7. Music improves your mood

This may come as little surprise to you, but hearing your favourite song can evoke feelings of happiness – and especially if it gives you the chills! When you’re performing a beautiful selection of repertoire in an orchestra, your brain actually releases more dopamine, the feel-good chemical. If you’re having a rough day and are in need of some uplifting music, there’s only one thing for it: head straight to that orchestra rehearsal.

8. Music can alleviate physical pain

Although the biological reason behind this remains relatively unknown, a study has shown that listening to music can ease the symptoms of people living with chronic pain. Plus, music therapists often use techniques such as playing instruments, improvisation and composing to help patients experiencing pain. Performing in a youth orchestra can be just as effective – immersing yourself in stunning sound can work wonders for your health.

9. You’ll sleep like a dream

While soothing melodies can make you feel more relaxed, they can help slower your breathing and improve your sleep quality too. By taking a breather and enjoying a moment of music and togetherness with your orchestra pals during those weekly afternoon sessions, you might just find yourself nodding off more easily at night.

10. Music boosts your emotional development

From leadership skills and emotional intelligence to self-regulation, music-making with others can develop all kinds of vital skills that you can take forward and apply throughout your life. Higher levels of empathy, higher academic achievement and higher social competence have all been connected with healthy emotional regulation.

11. And finally, you’ll grow in confidence

At Orchestras for All, our friendly team are always on hand to support you through each and every stage of your journey with us. We know that music heals – and for us, building your self-esteem and growing in confidence as a performer are equally important. So, what are you waiting for? Join our musical family!

Please support the wellbeing of young musicians across the UK and donate today >

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 > 

17 LGBTQIA+ musicians who totally rock our world

Ready to make your playlist more inclusive? Then read on…

Here at Orchestras for All, we value equality, diversity and inclusion. That’s why for us, it doesn’t matter whether or not our young musicians (and others, of course) are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex or asexual.

From rock stars to pop divas, and everyone in between, many of the world’s best-loved singers and composers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community – and we celebrate each and every one of them.

Are you in need of inspiration for your next playlist? Here are just a few musical icons who happen to be out and proud…

Read more: Watch this mesmerising digital work created by 100 young musicians >

1. Benjamin Britten

This late, great composer and pianist penned the score for several classical works, including 1945 opera, Peter Grimes, and ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ (1946) – a playful piece that was recently adapted for the 100 young musicians in National Orchestra for All.

Although Britten lived in a time and place where homosexuality was illegal, the Suffolk-born composer was an openly gay man. His many love letters to tenor, Sir Peter Pears, were later used in an exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of The 1967 Sexual Offences Act, the law that started the revolutionary process of decriminalising homosexuality in England and Wales.

2. SOPHIE

Scottish singer-songwriter and DJ, SOPHIE, is best known for releasing the avant-garde pop tracks ‘Bipp’, ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Faceshopping’, and producing new music for a number of high-profile artists – from Madonna and Kim Petras, to Charli XCX and Lady Gaga.

Despite having a loyal fanbase, SOPHIE had remained largely anonymous until releasing the single ‘It’s Okay to Cry’ in 2017, which was the first time the singer’s voice and image had been shared online. SOPHIE, who preferred not to use gendered or non-binary pronouns, used the video (see below) to come out as a trans woman. At the 61st Grammy Awards, the singer made history as one of the first openly transgender artists to be nominated in the category for Best Dance/Electronic Album – a huge step forward for the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Jamie Barton

Quirky mezzo-soprano, Jamie Barton, has established herself as one of opera’s most exciting young artists, with her velvety rich tone and commanding presence. The nose-studded singer’s career highlights have included singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for Macy’s annual 4th of July fireworks display, performing at 80th birthday galas for Sherrill Milnes and Marilyn Horne, and debuting a new work at Tanglewood with musicians Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Colin Jacobsen.

Jamie has also become a role model for those experiencing body shaming or issues over their sexuality. She told The Guardian, “I came out later in life, not because I was in the closet but because I didn’t know. I was doing Rheingold in Houston, Texas, in 2014 when I realised I was attracted to a woman. Six months later I came out fully. Bisexuality is too often seen as fake. Dearest friends said maybe you’re really a lesbian. And if you date someone of the opposite sex, it’s as if you’re straight again. Neither is the case for me. It’s so important to speak out.”

4. Sir Elton John

Legendary English singer, songwriter and composer, Sir Elton John, first started playing the piano at the early age of four. Since then, he has achieved record sales of over 300 million worldwide. His catchy singles, ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Your Song’ and ‘I’m Still Standing’, have all become household favourites with music fans and in 2019, the singer’s life was played out by Welsh actor Taron Egerton in musical biopic, Rocketman, which is based on Sir Elton’s song of the same name.

When asked what message he would share with young LGBTQIA+ people who are struggling with their sexuality or gender identity, the 74-year-old singer told Variety: “Just be yourself. It’s wonderful to be gay. I love being gay. I really do. I think I wouldn’t have had the life I’ve had if I hadn’t been gay. And I’m very proud of that.”

5. Halsey

Born in New Jersey, Halsey (Ashley Frangipane) first started writing music aged 17. In 2012, the electropop singer took to social media to share her songs and these soon caught the attention of other YouTube and Tumblr users – in particular, a parody of Taylor Swift’s song, ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. Since then, Halsey has sold over a million copies of her chart-topping albums, which include Room 93, Badlands and Manic.

As well as regularly donating to pro-LGBTQIA+ organisations, Halsey often weaves her bisexuality into her music and speaks out about the challenges that come with this, such as erasure and the misconception that it’s just a phase. During a GLAAD Media Awards speech in 2018, she said: “I'm a young, bisexual woman, and I've spent a large part of my life trying to validate myself – to my friends, to my family, to myself – trying to prove that who I love and how I feel is not a phase. It’s not part of some confusion that's going to change or could be manipulated.”

6. Kim Petras

German pop star, Kim Petras, is another singer who recorded her own music as a young person and independently released her debut single, ‘I Don’t Want it at All’, in 2017. After going viral on Spotify, Kim released her debut album, Clarity, and impressed fans by launching a nine-week campaign that involved releasing one new single per week.

The LA-based singer, who came out as trans and began hormone therapy by the age of 12, has said it is crucial for parents to listen to young people when they say they have been born in the wrong body. Petras told the Washington Post: “I want to be a role model for young trans kids. My whole teen life was dedicated to saying, ‘Look, I’m transgender, I’m a normal person.’ I always want to keep fighting for the LGBTQIA+ community because that’s been my home.”

7. Freddie Mercury

Best known for being the lead singer of British rock band, Queen, Freddie Mercury blew audiences away with his energetic performances and impressive four-octave vocal range. His talent for songwriting was unmistakable – with hits such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Are the Champions’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ all making it to the top 10 of the UK chart.

While Freddie had preferred not to label his sexuality at the time, he openly enjoyed relationships with both men and women during his glittering musical career.

8. Janelle Monáe

Known for her daring fashion sense and infectiously catchy songs, Janelle Monáe landed her big break in the music industry after being invited by rapper, Big Boi, to perform with American hip-hop duo, OutKast. Today, the singer-songwriter, actor, activist and model has several albums to her name, including The ArchAndroid, The Electric Lady and Dirty Computer, and received eight Grammy nominations.

Although Janelle initially came out as bisexual, she told Rolling Stone: “Being a queer black woman in America, someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be free… But then later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too. I’m open to learning more about who I am.”

9. Leonard Bernstein

When he wasn’t on stage leading prestigious orchestras like New York Philharmonic, American conductor Leonard Bernstein found joy through composing. In 1957, he wrote the beautiful score for musical West Side Story, which explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the Jets and the Sharks. The Broadway show and its memorable songs – including ‘Maria’, ‘America’ and ’I Feel Pretty’ – was later made into a movie by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.

Despite his 27-year marriage to TV star, Felicia Montealegre, Leonard Bernstein chose to have male lovers after she died. According to Arthur Laurents, who worked closely with the musician on West Side Story, Leonard was “a gay man who got married. He wasn’t conflicted about it at all. He was just gay.”

10. Kehlani

Kehlani Parrish first rose to fame as a contestant on season six of America’s Got Talent as part of teenage pop group, Poplyfe. The R&B singer and dancer later went solo, releasing albums such as Cloud 19 and You Should Be Here, but it was her single ‘Honey’ – an acoustic love song to another woman – that really caught the attention of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In April 2018, Kehlani shared a series of tweets explaining: “I'm queer. Not bi, not straight. I'm attracted to women, men, REALLY attracted to queer men, non-binary people, intersex people, trans people. lil poly pansexual.” Now, the singer – who has the word ‘fluid’ tattooed across her collarbone – identifies as a lesbian and is polyamorous. She told DIVA: “I have a lot of queer family. I remember being hella young and celebrating when gay marriage was legalised out here. My family went to Pride every year. I’m super blessed, very grateful.”

11. Thorgy Thor

Brooklyn-based drag performer, Thorgy Thor, has always loved dressing up. Known to friends and family as Shane Galligan, the self-taught performance artist became an instant hit with TV audiences after appearing as one of 12 contestants on the eighth season of popular TV series, RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Thorgy Thor – who plays violin, viola and cello and has a university degree in violin and viola performance – had expressed an interest in setting up her own orchestra during the show. In 2018, this dream became a reality when the unique ensemble, titled ‘Thorgy and the Thorchestra’, made its concert debut in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

12. Lil Nas X

American rapper and singer, Montero Lamar Hill (also known as Lil Nas X), became an overnight celebrity following the viral success of his 2019 country/hip-hop anthem, ‘Old Town Road’, on TikTok. As well as receiving 760 million views on YouTube to date, the standout track has also set a new record for the longest-running song at the No. 1 spot on Billboard Hot 100.

Following the song’s release, The Grammy Award-winner, who came out as gay during Pride Month, told CBS that public figures coming out will “always help” others who may be struggling but believes there is “still much to be done”.

13. girl in red

Norwegian singer-songwriter, girl in red (Marie Ulven Ringheim), emerged online after sharing DIY songs from her bedroom about sexuality and mental health. She told Complex: “I started making my way through GarageBand in 2017 and just recording all these feelings I was having and putting them on SoundCloud.” Her music and honest lyrics resonated with fans and she released her debut album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet, in April 2021.

Now, the indie pop star – who taught herself how to play the guitar and piano – has become something of a queer icon, with women often using her stage name in the question, “Do you listen to girl in red?”, when asking about each others’ sexuality.

14. Against Me!

Florida-based punk rock band, Against Me!, is the brainchild of lead vocalist and guitarist, Laura Jane Grace, who is currently joined by members James Bowman, Andrew Seward and Atom Willard. Keen to become a musician, Laura bought her first guitar aged eight with money saved from mowing lawns.

After meeting a transgender Against Me! fan, Laura felt the courage to share her identity publicly as a transgender woman. The musician’s personal experiences shaped much of the band’s art over the years – particularly their sixth studio album, titled Transgender Dysphoria Blues, which was released in 2014 and has been hailed by American heavy metal magazine, Loudwire, as one of the best rock albums of the decade.

15. Demi Lovato

From appearing in the musical comedy, Glee, to judging on the panel for The X Factor USA’s third and fourth seasons, Demetria Devonne Lovato has certainly been keeping busy. After releasing debut pop rock album, Don’t Forget, in 2008, Demi’s singing career has gone from strength to strength – with their second album, Here We Go Again, securing a No. 1 spot in the United States.

The performer, who received a Guinness World Record aged 19 for being the youngest ever X Factor judge, describes their sexuality as fluid and identifies as pansexual. She told EW: “I think time is everything. The queerness in me was, like, ready to explode when I filmed the music video at Pride. I was so ready to be an activist. I’ve always known I was hella queer, but I have fully embraced it.”

16. Rob Halford

With his powerful voice and larger-than-life stage persona, there’s no forgetting Rob Halford –the frontman of Brummie heavy metal band, Judas Priest. A pioneer of the pseudo-operatic vocal style, Rob also plays the guitar, bass, harmonica, keyboard and drums, and has performed with other famous bands throughout his career, including Black Sabbath, Metallica and Pantera.

The ‘Breaking the Law’ singer announced that he was gay during an MTV interview, making him the first metal icon to come out publicly. The musician also documented his initial struggle with his sexuality in his autobiography, Confess, and says that although his announcement was unplanned, it was a “glorious, glorious moment.”

17. Sir Michael Tippett

One of the leading English composers of the 20th century, Sir Michael Tippett’s music grew in popularity during and after the Second World War. His orchestral works include secular oratorio, A Child of Our Time (1935-41), Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli (1953), and dramatic opera, The Midsummer Marriage, which debuted at Covent Garden in 1955 and was led by conductor John Pritchard.

Sir Michael came out as gay in his mid-30s and thanks to his influence in the classical world, the composer became hugely influential in shaping public perception of homosexuality. He would often base his libretti (text written for opera) on these taboo topics of the time.

To support our inclusive community at Orchestras for All, please donate today >

If you have been affected by any of the topics covered in this blog and would like to find the right support, you can visit our wellbeing page for more information.

QUIZ: We bet you can’t name the orchestral piece from the emojis

Think you can tell your symphonies from your suites? Can you really speak fluent emoji? Take our quiz to find out…

From pianos and trumpets, to puppies and tabby cats, there’s a whole world of tiny emojis out there – and we can’t get enough of them.

That’s why to celebrate this year’s World Emoji Day (17 July), Orchestras for All is here to put your musical knowledge to the test with an orchestral emoji quiz.

Think you can score full marks? Let’s find out…

*For answers, just scroll to the end!

Read more: 7 female composers you really need on your radar >

1.

2.

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6.

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8.

9.

10.

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ANSWERS:

1. Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’

2. Modest Mussorgsy’s ‘The Great Gate of Kiev’, from Pictures at an Exhibition

3. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’

4. Lucy Hale and National Orchestra for All’s ‘Stories of Silk’

5. Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

6. Léo Delibes’ ‘Flower Duet’

7. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture from The Marriage of Figaro

8. Florence Price’s Mississipi River Suite

9. Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Dance of the Knights’, from Romeo and Juliet

10. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake

11. Antonín Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony

12. Clara Schumann’s ‘Three Romances for Violin and Piano’

13. Gustav Holst’s The Planets Suite

14. Edvard Grieg’s ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’

Want to fund a life-changing orchestral experience for young people? Please donate here >

7 female composers you really need on your radar

Over the decades, some of the world’s best-loved musical masterpieces have been written by women – and we’re here to celebrate them.

It’s no secret that in music, women are largely underrepresented – and now with the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating effect on the industry, it’s never been more important for us to address this issue.

According to new research from Donne, which analyses composers’ works scheduled by 100 orchestras from 27 different countries, there is still much to be done.

Titled ‘Equality and Diversity in Concert Halls’, the alarming research has shown that of the 1,505 concerts performed from 2019-2020, only 123 included works written by female composers – that’s just 11.45 per cent.

And perhaps more worryingly, only 747 of the 14,747 compositions scheduled by the 100 orchestras were composed by women (a total of 5 per cent), with only 1.11 per cent of those pieces written by Black and Asian women.

At Orchestras for All, we’re here to champion female composers every step of the way, so here are seven inspiring women who you should really know about…

Read more: 17 LGBTQIA+ musicians who totally rock our world >

1. Ethel Smyth

Born into a military family in 1858, English composer and political activist, Dame Ethel Smyth, is regarded as one of the most distinguished composers of the 20th century. While studying at the Leipzig Conservatory, her spectacular work was encouraged by two other well known musicians: Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák. Ethel first rose to fame after penning the score for Mass in D (1893), but her most famous work is 1906 opera, The Wreckers. Owing to her strong involvement in the women’s suffrage movement, Ethel’s uplifting March of the Women (1911) was also adopted as the anthem of the suffragettes.

2. Alice Mary Smith

Alice Mary Smith, also known by her married name, Alice Mary Meadows White, was an English composer who published her first song aged 18. Her major works include two symphonies, six concert overtures, an operetta and several choral works, among many others. Alice studied at The Royal Academy of Music (where she would later become a professor) and became the first known British woman to compose a symphony, with her Symphony No. 1 in C minor. Some of her other notable compositions include ‘Clarinet Sonata’ and ‘Duo Concertante for Pianoforte and Clarinet in A’. Since 2010, Smith’s manuscripts have been housed in the Royal Academy of Music Library.

3. Lucy Hale

Born in 1994, Lucy Hale inspired fans of orchestral music with her captivating compositions as well as being a role model for others living with disability. In 2019, Lucy became National Orchestra for All’s Inaugural Young Composer in Residence and worked closely with its diverse ensemble of 100 young musicians to create ‘Stories of Silk’ – specially written for NOFA’s 2019-2020 season, My Roots, Our Routes, exploring music inspired and influenced by human migrations and journeys. After completing her studies for a Master of Music in Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2017, she was appointed as inaugural Young Composer-in-Association with BSO Resound, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s disabled-led ensemble. Alongside ‘Stories of Silk’, Lucy’s striking compositions include ‘Zeta’, ‘To Run With The Tigers’ and dramatic orchestral masterpiece, ‘Against the Tide’.

4. Augusta Holmès

Irish singer, pianist and composer, Augusta Holmès, became popular with music enthusiasts during the 1800s owing to her striking symphonic and operatic works. Two of Augusta’s best-known symphonic poems include Andromede and Irlande, while her Ode triomphale was specially written to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, which required around 1,200 musicians. Like other female composers, such as Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, Holmès chose to publish many of her early works under a male pseudonym (“Hermann Zenta”) as European women were not taken seriously as artists at the time.

5. Florence Price

Born in Arkansas in 1887, Florence Price was the first African American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra – in 1933. She studied at the new England Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano and organ, before working as an organist for silent film screenings and later as a composer. A deeply religious person, Florence’s music was heavily influenced by the African American church as well as Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and other European Romantic composers. Some of her best-loved compositions include Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Fantasie Negre and Mississippi River Suite.

6. Vítězslava Kaprálová

The daughter of a composer, Václav Kaprál, and singer, Viktorie Kaprálová, it’s perhaps no surprise that Czech composer and conductor, Vítězslava Kaprálová, followed in the footsteps of her musical parents. She first rose to fame in 1937 after leading the Czech Philharmonic and a year later, the BBC Orchestra in her rousing composition, Military Sinfonietta. Although Vítězslava’s untimely death at the age of 25 meant her career as a composer was short-lived, her impressive portfolio of music has been praised by music critics across Europe and includes several art songs, two piano concertos, a string quartet, an orchestral cantata and a wide selection of music for solo instruments, such as the violin, cello and piano.

7. Samantha Fernando

The music of Surrey-based composer, Samantha Fernando, stands out owing to its harmonic colour and resonance, which often gives her work a meditative quality – with Sense of Place (2014) and The Journey Between Us (2016) being two of her most popular works. Samantha’s career as a composer has gone from strength to strength in recent years, having been commissioned by numerous ensembles and festivals – including the London Sinfonietta, Aldeburgh Music, the Oxford Lieder Festival and the Philharmonia Orchestra. Currently, the multi-award-winner works as a lecturer in composition at Royal Holloway, University of London and in 2020, she took to Twitter for a live Q&A to share her musical expertise with the 100 young musicians of National Orchestra for All.

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

Watch this mesmerising digital work created by 100 young musicians

‘It will show others how we’re all going on a journey,’ says 16-year-old pianist, Troy.

Orchestras for All has shared a captivating new video in a bid to highlight the importance of youth voice and self-expression.

Titled ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ and premiered today via YouTube, the six-minute clip (watch above) combines beautiful sounds and striking animations, created and performed by 100 young musicians.

The diverse musical group are members of National Orchestra for All (NOFA) – the UK’s only completely inclusive national youth orchestra – which has taken to Zoom for its rehearsals this season, amid the coronavirus pandemic. By harnessing the power of technology and exploring new ways of connecting, digital creativity became possible.

As part of NOFA’s four-day spring course, members were invited to a series of virtual workshops on remixing and collage led by British composer, Jack McNeill, and digital visual artist, Bryony Simcox. It was the unique stories and creations that emerged from young musicians during these sessions that formed the basis of the audiovisual composition.

Read more: 5 reasons why becoming an Orchestras for All trustee is the volunteer role you never knew you needed >

“‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ is all about giving young people a voice,” explains NOFA composer, Jack

After seeing the digital work – which was also named by NOFA members – for the first time, Troy, a young pianist with NOFA, said: “It had all the unique elements of people’s different ideas put together… I thought it was amazing!

“By the end I was so interested in it, I wanted to see more. I’m really happy that I was a part of it and that I was able to contribute to all of this. It will show [others] how we’re all going on a journey… where we are, what we want to do and what we want to achieve.”

NOFA percussionist, Abz, added: “It’s got the different noises and different instruments, and it represents us all as a whole. We’re not the same but we’re all linked in some way.”

Together: NOFA members share what performing means to them during the spring 2021 course

Ahead of the premiere, Orchestras for All caught up with UK-based composer, Jack, and digital visual artist, Bryony, to find out more about the creative process for the project (watch video below).

Speaking about the music, Jack explained: “The sounds that you will hear in ‘The Great Insterstellar Orchestra’ are all sounds that the members of the National Orchestra for All recorded themselves. After four days of workshops, members began to create their own works, exploring the sounds of their instruments, their creative potential, and sharing the sounds they had made with the NOFA creative team.

Discover more on National Orchestra for All’s young musicians >

“‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ is all about giving young people a voice and showcasing their creativity. And this is exactly what this piece does. The audio track is constructed (almost) exclusively of the NOFA members’ own recordings, processed, chopped up and warped to create this digital ensemble. Within the texture, every single sound that was sent has been included in some way and every member has an important role and voice within the team.” 

He continued: “The piece fully represents the diversity of NOFA members’ creative ideas, with some instrumental melodies peppered across the piece, interspersed with percussive interludes, rich ambient textures, and almost synthetic-sounding extended techniques. If you listen carefully, you will hear the voice of every single NOFA member in this work.

“I have hugely enjoyed working on this project. It is one of the largest and most ambitious I have worked on, with almost all of the creative decisions in the hands of the NOFA members, and over 100 pieces of audio to weave into the final piece.

“While ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ is built up of individual voices, NOFA members demonstrated their creative capabilities as an ensemble. With many of the sounds that were sent in, there was clarity in each submission’s role in the piece and how they would support the work as a whole. Even remotely and in a digital medium, these young musicians so clearly understand and appreciate the inner workings of an ensemble, and it shows in their creative work.”

Read more: ‘We can be a part of something bigger together’, explains teenage trombonist and youth board member >

“Tunnels, car rides and cogs reflect the idea of coming together,” says digital visual artist, Bryony

Explaining her approach to the artwork, digital visual artist, Bryony, added: “When you watch the piece, look out for the abstracted images of instruments – each of these are photographs sourced by NOFA members who looked for patterns and shapes within the instruments they play. Also observe the use of colour – each of the colours included were chosen by NOFA members as a visual interpretation of the sound and timbre of their instruments.

“The idea of colour and sound working together is especially apparent in the middle section, where the adrenaline of tuning up and getting ready to perform as an orchestra is represented through a cycling rainbow of colours and flashing words. This reaches its climax as the ‘orchestra’ is in perfect harmony and the screen fills with the colour red.

“As well as pattern and colour, the overarching structure of the piece was curated by NOFA members, who used storyboarding in Zoom to imagine ways to tell the story of being part of the orchestra. First, the disparate pieces emerge, just as each NOFA member comes together from different backgrounds and corners of the country. As the video continues, we use tunnels, car rides, cogs and train journeys – all literal imagery suggested by the young people to reflect the idea of coming together.”

In perfect harmony: NOFA members and tutors get creative with colour using the screens of their devices

NOFA musicians explore the medium of collage on Miro and create their own artwork

She continued: “After the red climax of the piece, the video features animation which bring collages to life in time to the music. Here, it feels as though ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ is performing together, and each and every instrument and musician has a role to play. Before the piece comes to a close, the finale features some of the artwork created by the young people at the end of the spring season workshops – 2D abstract collages made using software called ‘Miro’.”

But it wasn’t just young people that inspired NOFA’s digital piece. Artistic Director at Orchestras for All, Emma, says the team were also influenced by the orchestral world: “Our spring course for 2021 was the one-year anniversary of NOFA working together on Zoom, and we wanted to work with the visual medium to dig deeper into how we can be an orchestra online. Our starting points were themes found in Britten’s ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ – the central work to our artistic season: unity within community, solo voices within an ensemble, the parts of a whole and being heard in a crowd. NOFA took these initial ideas and moved them on.

“‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ seems to me, now, to champion being part of something new: joining a community, making a contribution, taking action and valuing others. Maybe it will tell different stories to others. The making of ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ was a complete joy. Using a wide range of musical and visual practices, NOFA members brought wonderful ideas and fun to the storytelling. This project has certainly transformed the possibilities of creative work for this orchestra for the future, and we are so grateful to Jack and Bryony for enabling the individual voices of NOFA to speak as one.”

While the arts sector may have been faced with unexpected challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, Orchestras for All won’t let that become another barrier to music-making. By fully embracing digital trends such as Zoom, we can continue to connect with our young people and create exciting new pieces of work.

A very special thanks to Arts Council England, Youth Music, our loyal funders and individual donors, ambassadors, volunteers, and pastoral and orchestral tutors for helping to make this digital project possible.

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

‘We can be a part of something bigger together’, explains teenage trombonist and youth board member

Meet Haseeb from Sheffield. The young A-Level student plays the trombone in National Orchestra for All (NOFA) and has developed newfound confidence since joining the inclusive group. He is also a member of our inspiring youth board. Here’s his story…

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?

Well I’m studying maths, physics and engineering at A-Level. I’m currently in Year 12, so I’ve just done my mock AS exams. My favourite subject is engineering!

What are your thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic?

I’m looking forward to being able to go out without having to wear a mask all the time. And I'm definitely looking forward to actual NOFA courses!

I think it’s amazing that we've been able to overcome such a barrier but at the same time I would prefer for things to go back to normal. I miss hearing the finished product in an orchestra and the combination of everyone playing together.

Read more: QUIZ: Can you match 7/11 of these musical instruments with their orchestra families? >

‘I’m not the most confident person – but I’ve gained confidence since joining NOFA’, says Haseeb

Have you picked up any new skills during lockdown?

I started driving lessons in October and I do enjoy that, so I guess you could call that a hobby! We’ve been in and out of lockdown though, so it hasn’t been very consistent…

Tell us what you love about music.

I started playing the trombone in Year 5, so I’ve stuck with it for quite a while. I don’t know – I've always enjoyed music whether it be classical or something more modern and contemporary. It’s always appealed to me.

I enjoy playing everything on my instrument but at the moment I’m just trying to improve my sight-reading and my sound.

Meet our musicians at Orchestras for All >

What’s it like being part of an inclusive group like National Orchestra for All?

It’s just something else, isn’t it? You see there are some people who are from other backgrounds, for example myself – I don't know anyone in my family who has actually played an instrument before, so I would consider myself the first person to delve into playing music.

Pictured: Trombonist Haseeb (bottom right) joins his orchestra friends for an inspiring youth board meeting

There’s also the fact that there are people with learning difficulties and disabilities. It's amazing how they have opportunities when they wouldn’t normally. It gives you a different perspective on other people’s lives as well because not everyone’s life is easy.

It’s also helped with my confidence because I know that when I was young I wasn’t very confident – and I'm not the most confident person at the moment but I have gained confidence since joining NOFA.

What advice would you give to other young musicians who are considering joining an orchestra?

Go for it, honestly! What’s the worst that can happen, really? It’s great fun and you pick up loads of new skills in the long-term.

And finally, please complete the following sentence. Orchestras for All is…

Amazing! I don’t know how else to describe it really. It feels like a family of people from all over the UK and not everyone is the same – there’s loads of differences between each member and it’s the fact that we can be part of something bigger together.

To fund a life-changing programme for young musicians like Haseeb, please donate today >

QUIZ: Can you match 7/11 of these musical instruments with their orchestra families?

Think you know your woodwind from your brass? Let’s find out…

From flutes and bassoons to ukuleles and electric guitars, all musical instruments are welcome at National Orchestra for All.

And during our Modulo Programme – supporting secondary school music teachers and leaders to build their own inclusive orchestra – sessions are made all the more enjoyable thanks to our inspiring young people and the diversity of their instruments.

But while you may recognise an instrument’s sweet (or mighty) sound, do you know which orchestra family it belongs to?

Grab a brew and take our quiz below to find out…

Read more: 11 ways playing music with others can boost your wellbeing >

From steampunk to life as a biochemistry student, meet National Orchestra for All ambassador Megan

Originally from West Bromwich, the first year biochemistry student at Warwick University has been playing the flute with National Orchestra for All (NOFA) for eight years and is now an ambassador for the group. Here’s their inspiring story…

How’s life as a university student?

Right now, we have a lot of organic chemistry to do. First year biochemists only really have organic chemistry to look at, so it’s a lot of mechanisms, how reactions work, that type of stuff.

It’s practically all been online because of Covid-19 – I’ve had two labs and two tutor sessions in class, but everything else has been online. It’s a bit tough but you know, you manage.

What music do you enjoy listening to in your spare time?

I’ve been listening to a weird amalgamation of steampunk and a lot of Hozier’s music as well. I’ve also been delving into soundtracks – as a kid I played a lot of the Professor Layton games, the music from there is just beautiful! There’s string pieces in there and accordion as well, it was really pretty.

Read more: ‘I’m a busy young carer – but National Orchestra for All is a place just for me,’ explains violinist >

‘National Orchestra for All breaks down the elitist barriers most professional orchestras have’, says Megan

What inspired you to play the flute?

When I first started playing [musical instruments], I started in Year 3 on the tenor horn. I was lucky enough to be one of the kids chosen to play and so from Year 3 up until Year 8, I played the horn.

I had to switch in Year 7 because of the music teachers, so I picked up the flute. I've always loved it – it was such a nice instrument to play. It was soft, you can play some really nice melodies on there and I just fell in love with it when I first started playing.

Find out more about National Orchestra for All’s musicians >

Which pieces of music do you enjoy playing on the flute?

Some of my favourite pieces are soundtracks. I remember in school we played the Pirates of the Caribbean theme; there was a really nice melody on that for the flute! I also like playing the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, there are some really pretty pieces in there.

Megan (pictured bottom right) presents their flute on Zoom during a National Orchestra for All course

Tell us about your musical journey with Orchestras for All.

Personally I joined NOFA when I was still playing the tenor horn. It was the first year and from there, I switched to the flute and it has allowed me to grow in confidence from literally a beginner to now at Grade 5. It’s been the most phenomenal [experience], the NOFA team are so caring and helped me develop massively.

Donate an instrument to a young musician like Megan >

When I left high school I didn’t actually have an instrument, so NOFA was kind enough to give me a flute (at first they gave me a piccolo but I couldn't really use that, I wasn't very good!). So they gave me a flute and that allowed me to carry on with the organisation and it was just really nice.

What’s the best part about being a NOFA musician?

Honestly, NOFA goes beyond the music for me. I’ve got so many amazing friends from doing it over the years, I’m still in contact with a lot of them now. It’s the grand sense of community that NOFA gives that can’t really be beaten by anything else.

There’s no other orchestra like NOFA. It breaks down the elitist barriers that most professional orchestras have and NOFA accepts all players of any ability, any background. It just all moulds together into one great big orchestra. I come from a fairly poor background, so if it wasn't for NOFA I wouldn’t be the person I am today and wouldn't have my friends. I’m so grateful for that and really wish that NOFA can continue on in the future and do this for so many other kids. 

It’s just always made me happy and something I’ve always, always looked forward to doing, again and again every year. Something consistent that I know is there and I’ll always enjoy it.

Find out how you can support us >

Hat-tastic: Megan (pictured top right) teams up with other National Orchestra for All ambassadors to sport their favourite hats and help new orchestra members feel more relaxed on Zoom.

What advice would you give to other young musicians who are considering joining an orchestra?

Honestly, just go for it! When I first joined NOFA, I was so nervous before I started. I thought it would be really serious and that you had to perform perfectly but it's really not!

And there’s also so many other activities that go on. My favourite is the recital evening. It’s such a laugh and you can perform whatever you want and it [creates] a massive sense of community. NOFA also plays lots of different types of music: we’ve done pieces from musicals where we’ve been backed by a whole choir, led dancers, rappers and poets, and we also have a lot of cultural music, so we’ve had Romani, Jewish and African music as well.

It’s been just great – it’s a lot of fun and I would tell anyone to do it.

And finally, complete the following sentence: Orchestras for All is...

Orchestras for All is a big family of musicians from all different places across the UK. It brings together so many people in such a delightful manner where we can perform music and have a great lot of fun.

Feeling inspired? Please support a life-changing programme for young musicians like Megan and donate today >