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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us what having ADHD means for you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What daily challenges have you faced?

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

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

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

Have you received any support to help with your ADHD?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 >

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

Meet 18-year-old Isaac from Sheffield. When he’s not at home spending time with his family, the National Orchestra for All ambassador can’t get enough of his violin (and learning the lyrics to iconic Disney movies). We caught up with him over a virtual tea break to hear his inspiring story.

How have you been spending your time in lockdown?

Well, right now I’m on a gap year. Mostly what I’ve been doing is helping out around the house and the family – my dad’s just got a new job for the first time in a while. He was long-term disabled and has chronic pain in his back, which has gotten better enough that he can work again, which is good.

He’s studying for a PGCE and my mum’s busy working as a midwife, so I’m doing the cooking for the family. It’s really good for him to be doing that – he really enjoys teaching and it gives him something to do!

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

Isaac: “I love how much expression you can get from the violin, the range and different tones of sound.”

What inspired you to play the violin?

I first picked up the violin in Year 5 because of Sheffield Music Hub – it’s a council-funded music service. They’d bring in about 30 violins into a school and taught our whole class the basics. They did that at my school and because I enjoyed it and there were a few demonstrations from other people, I then went to some lessons that they did for a while.

Read more: National Orchestra for All ambassadors share their musical favourites >

I love how much expression you can get into it – the range and different tones of sound. You can make it really beautiful and show lots of emotion through how you're doing the bowing, the ‘vibrato’ and everything. It has a lot of expression.

What music have you been listening to lately?

One song I particularly like is ‘Meditation’ – I can't remember who the composer is but that's a lovely, sweet one. Another I'm enjoying playing right now is Czárdás by Monti (the solo parts). I'm just having a go at it in my own time, when I'm not practising for my orchestras and things. 

I don't tend to pick a band and follow their albums, I collate certain songs normally – but a band I've listened to in lockdown is The Longest Johns who do sea shanties, they’re fun and good to sing along to! I’ve also been listening to the album The Green Knight by Heather Dale and songs like Suzanne Vega’s ‘The Queen & the Soldier’, I really like that one. And I've been learning how to sing ‘Hellfire’ from Hunchback of Notre Dame – that’s been fun!

National Orchestra for All ambassador and violinist Isaac (pictured middle) performs with musical friends.

Tell us about your musical journey.

Well, I’ve been with Orchestras for All for a long time. I’m 18 now and I’ve been going to National Orchestra for All (NOFA) since I was 11 – it's great! But I also think it’s helped me in different ways as I've got older. Right at the start the music lessons at my primary school stopped, so I had 20 minutes of lessons with a teacher for a little chamber orchestra of young people that I was a part of.

I think she got an email or text saying that somebody she was teaching didn’t want a place at NOFA – but then she noticed me and said, “Hey, would you like to do it?” and I was like, “Oh okay, yeah!”. That’s how I got there and it’s been great. Early on, what NOFA gave me was my first taste of large music collaboration. The only thing I’d done before that was the little chamber orchestra, so it was amazing!

Find out more about National Orchestra for All >

At first I was quite scared – it was the first time I'd been away from home for a while and the music was much faster than I’d expected. I think the first thing I got was a full rehearsal and that was a bit much and I burst into tears, but then one of the tutors took me out and I had a chance to calm down. They listened to me. And then me and another person got a third violin part and had a little time with a tutor on our own to go through it – and from then on, it was just great! 

I've met loads of great people, but I didn't really keep in touch with them outside NOFA courses until last year when a group of us got put together in the Young Leaders programme. We were organising the recital evening and made a group chat to talk about it when we were in our rooms and stuff. We've kept in touch ever since! And now we’re the new cohort of ambassadors as well, so that's been great.

Isaac presents his violin (pictured bottom left) on Zoom during a National Orchestra for All course.

How has National Orchestra for All impacted your life?

When my dad became sick with his chronic pain, my sister got glandular fever and then chronic fatigue syndrome. With my mum working a lot of the time as well, I kind of took on a bit of a young carer role and NOFA was just a place for me, you know?

Watch musicians’ plea as they urge public to break down barriers to music making >

It was people who I knew, it was my experience, and my family would come and they were really supportive. It was a place where for a bit of time each year, I did this wonderful thing with lots of people – and it was just for me.

What advice would you give to aspiring young musicians?

No matter what your technical ability is with your instrument, the most important thing is to put your energy and emotion into the piece you’re playing. In an orchestra there are lots of people, so it isn’t a bit deal if you’re out of tune or if you don't get all the notes of the run right. But if you play with the colour and the energy and get your emotions involved in the piece, that will come across. 

“If you play with the colour and energy of the piece and get your emotions involved, that will really come across,” says the young violinist.

Complete the sentence: Orchestras for All is…

Great! The thing about Orchestras for All – and what makes it really something special – is that firstly, they make a real effort to listen to the young people they're working with, to the extent that I don't see elsewhere.

It treats its young musicians with respect as well, it never condescends. I think that’s one of the things that made it so great as a young person to be involved with it – you felt really supported and respected in a way that you don’t get so much in school.

Discover 5 ways to protect your wellbeing >

Why is youth voice so important today? 

A couple of things: firstly, young people are the future. The young people that are being listened to and encouraged now, they take that with them, if you know what I mean? It makes them more confident to respect themselves and speak out about what they think is important. If people have the chance to really be listened to, I think you’ll find they are more willing to speak and act on things that they care about.

And the second thing is that young people have their own set of perspectives and experiences. They can be just as smart as adults (often in different ways, but they really are!).

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

Easter 2021 playlist: National Orchestra for All ambassadors share their musical favourites

National Orchestra for All ambassador, Joe, recommends listening to ‘Waterfall’ by The Stone Roses. Picture: Wallpaper Cave

Which songs will you be listening to this Easter? Here are a few to get you started…

From spending time with family and friends to hunting for chocolate eggs, there’s plenty of fun to be had in lockdown over the Easter break. What’s more, long weekends mean more opportunities to share and discover new music!

We caught up with National Orchestra for All ambassadors Joe, Megan, Phoebe and Isaac to find out which tunes they can’t get enough of…

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

Joe: Easter is a time to feel good. It’s all about celebrating everything positive to do with spring: the renewing bloom of nature, the return of the warm sun – and eating chocolate without the guilt! 

That’s why my recommendation for your Easter Sunday playlist is a warm, feel-good song. Introducing ‘Waterfall’ by The Stone Roses. 

Discover more on National Orchestra for All >

It’s an easy listen with an upbeat tone, a major key and enough to keep you interested all the way through. It’s a Madchester song (a popular musical and cultural scene in Manchester in the 1980s), so it can fit into a number of genres from pop to indie-dance. It deserves a place in anyone’s playlist!

Megan: Over the past year, I'd say my taste in music has evolved a lot – but two artists I’ve consistently listened to are Hozier and Woodkid. 

The first song I’d recommend is ‘Sunlight’ by Hozier. It’s one of my personal favourites by him – the references to Icarus and the sun are hauntingly beautiful and when combined with the use of percussion and background vocals, it creates an eerie but powerful effect. Chances are you’ll recognise him from his other song, ‘Take me to church’, which was played a lot on the radio a few years ago!

Another song I really enjoy is ‘Conquest of Spaces’ by Woodkid. You might recognise his music if you ever watched Netflix’s Umbrella Academy – he was the one who sang ‘Run Boy Run’!

‘Sunlight’ by Hozier is a personal favourite, says Megan: ‘The references to Icarus and the sun are hauntingly beautiful.‘ Picture: Giphy

Woodkid beautifully utilises percussion in his work alongside soaring strings and other traditional orchestral instruments to create a grand atmosphere. As the track develops, the instruments all come together and swell to produce enrapturing sound. 

If you enjoy these songs, I’d 100 per cent recommend you listen to other works by those musicians – it’s all just as good and who knows, you might even discover a new favourite artist!

Please donate to Orchestras for All and make a difference to young lives >

Phoebe: If you’re looking for something a little different to listen to this Easter break, I would definitely recommend giving ‘Ex-Wives’ from SIX a listen. A new musical about Henry VIII’s six wives, Six combines traditional musical theatre with more modern techno beats.

‘Ex-Wives’ is the opening song from the show – what I really love is that each wife gets a chance to sing her own verse and then they all sing together in the chorus, creating some really cool harmonies all layered above a techno beat that you won’t be able to get out of your head for days.

There’s also a cheeky little bit of ‘Greensleeves’ in there – see if you can spot it while listening!

Isaac: My recommendations are ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’ by Franz Liszt and ‘Passing By’ by Edward Purcell. Hungarian Rhapsody is a piece I like for its drama; it has these wonderfully tense, quiet and sparse sections that alternate with triumphant, grand and virtuosic ones, and it makes it really easy to be swept along in it.

I like to watch videos of people playing it because the speed of their fingers is astounding. ‘Passing By’ is simply an intensely beautiful song, it really brings across this sense of sweetness and longing.

The recordings I've heard are by the excellent Paul Robeson – and they never fail to pull on the heartstrings. Now, a quick bonus lighthearted one: ‘Ghost Grinder’ by Steam Powered Giraffe is a bit weird but I always find myself dancing along when I listen to it!

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

Meet 18-year-old Phoebe from Manchester. The self-confessed musical theatre fan first joined the National Orchestra for All family as a flautist and is now a trusted ambassador. Here’s everything you need to know…

When did you first become interested in music?

My parents have the belief that everyone should play an instrument, so when I was in Year 3 they started me on the flute and I’ve just carried on ever since!

I also play a bit of guitar, a bit of ukulele, I play a bit of everything. (I'm one of those people!) But honestly, my main thing is singing. It’s one of those where I would just pick something up and kind of figure it out – I’m a Jack of all trades, master of none!

What music have you been listening to in lockdown?

I'm doing a joint honours in Music and Musical Theatre at [Chichester] university, so I've mostly been listening to musicals – a lot of Six, Heathers, Wicked... that’s more my ballpark. I'm very excited about everything coming back to the West End and theatres opening again! It’s so raw and you never get the same thing twice. You've got the set text and the set notes, but each performer does something completely different with it from night to night.

Read more: ‘Coming from a working class family, classical music seemed so inaccessible’, says teenage clarinetist >

“If it wasn’t for National Orchestra for All, I wouldn’t have done music at university,” explains Phoebe

It’s been so different just singing in my room, or just to my teacher online – it's been quite challenging indeed! I've got a very different experience than other people because I go to a very small university. It’s actually a conservatoire, so the conservatoire itself is quite small. We’ve been [learning] in person for a large part. It’s very interesting trying to do ballet with a mask on...

We do a core of musical theatre, so I study three types of dance a week, style and genre, contextual modules, music theory and a class in professional resilience, which is all about taking care of your mind and body. ‘Cause it’s quite a harsh industry, we also do an hour of yoga every week, which is nice!

Tell us about your journey with Orchestras for All.

I joined Orchestras for All when I was in Year 9, so I was about 14 years old – and I can honestly say that I don't think I would have gone down the route I have in doing performing arts at A Level and going on to do music at university if I hadn't had that experience of travelling the country in a large youth ensemble. I genuinely don't think I would have ended up going down the path I'm on now.

Flautist Phoebe (pictured top right) supports the National Orchestra for All

What’s the best thing about playing in an orchestra?

It’s just hearing all the different parts! You'll be sat there in the middle of the orchestra and hear the brass on one side with all their individual parts and the strings on the other. You’ll sit there knowing the music and thinking, ‘Oh, they’ve got a little twiddly bit coming up!’ and hear every individual person coming together into something big – it’s just really amazing to be a part of.

Discover more on National Orchestra for All >

I started off playing in smaller ensembles at school. It was very much the Wallace and Gromit theme tune, playing backing for carols at Christmas concerts – quite generic things, whereas at Orchestras for All we’ve played Jewish folk music, Romanian folk music and classical pieces like Swan Lake. We also performed pieces from operas and musical theatre pieces – which excited me a lot because I then went on to have to sing one of the pieces we’d played and I thought, ‘I know the tune to this, I’ve played it!’.

If you could give one piece of advice to other young people who are considering joining an orchestra, what would it be?

I think it would be: don't put yourself down. I know when it comes to my playing, sometimes I get quite nervous if I can just hear me. I’ll be there going, ‘Oh, I’m making all these mistakes! Oh, I can’t quite hit that note!’ – but in your collective part, chances are the person next to you might be able to do that bit, so you've got someone to cover you a bit.

There might be a part they’re struggling with that you’re really confident with. It’s all a bit of give and take, so even if you personally feel like you might not be good enough and you've got all these doubts in your head, I’d say just go for it! There’s no other way to really gain that confidence other than to just get out there and do everything!

‘I don’t think I would have gone down the path I’m on now if I hadn’t joined Orchestras for All’, says young musician Phoebe

Orchestras for All is…

Fun, family and exciting! I feel like people should join and support the cause because there’s no other way to do it really. I come from quite an impoverished area and if it wasn’t for being able to go out and gain confidence and travelling around different parts of the country then I wouldn’t have been able to go to university to study music.

I’d probably still be sat at home in my room, in my town – rather than travelling across the country to study what I love. I feel like people should support Orchestras for All, so that more young people like me get that opportunity and that confidence to really go and do what they love.

Even if playing in an orchestra isn’t your bag or your cup of tea, like it’s something you’ve never really done before or thought about (I trained as a solo singer first and [perform in] musical theatre style – nothing like Romanian folk music!), it’s just such a different experience. Even if your interest lies anywhere else – in opera, jazz, or any other areas of music – gaining that experience by being part of something different really helps.

To help other young musicians like Phoebe do what they love best, please donate today >

‘Coming from a working class family, classical music seemed so inaccessible’, says teenage clarinetist

Based in north London, 19-year-old English Literature student and clarinetist, Joe, first joined the National Orchestra for All (NOFA) in 2014. Years on he supports the group as an Ambassador, so we caught up with him to find out more about his life and musical journey…

Tell us what music means to you.

Music has always been central to my life. We had to learn an instrument in Year 4 [at school], which for me was the clarinet. I’ve kept it up ever since and also did music for GCSE. For me, music is a creative outlet – I do love those creative outlets, which is why I’m studying English Literature! 

I love expressing my emotions in a way that other people can enjoy them as much as me, whether that’s through music, art or writing.

What’s been keeping you busy in lockdown?

I’ve mostly been in class – studying English Lit is pretty heavy! I’ve been reading Sabrina by Nick Drnaso, which is a really great graphic novel and there’s a whole bunch of poetry too. We’ve adapted well [during the pandemic] – the university’s got a good system going and the union is working the hardest they can, so it works.

This might sound a bit odd but I’m also a professional conker player. I picked it up in lockdown when the conkers fell and started practising. So yeah, I’m good with a conker!

Read more: ‘Learning by ear can develop an ensemble’s creative side’, says folk musician Emily Askew >

‘Playing the clarinet is relaxing – it forces you to focus on your breathing’, says Joe

Who inspired you to pick up the clarinet?

To be honest it wasn’t really inspiration, it was more the instrument we were handed in Year 4 and told ‘this is what you’re going to play now’! I learned the basics and got to Grade 1 standard of playing by the end of Year 6. When I went to secondary school they didn’t have a clarinet, but I picked it up again in Year 8 and have had it ever since. 

It’s a very relaxing instrument because it forces you to focus on your breathing, so you get into a rhythm and that really calms you down when you’re taking big breaths or holding [a note]. The clarinet is also a soft-sounding instrument (although it can be noisy when it wants to be!). 

On the whole it’s an instrument that takes the back melodies – not many pieces are written for the clarinet, so when you play them they tend to be calm. 

Describe what music you enjoy listening to the most.

I’m a huge fan of Florence and the Machine – I just love her music, it’s so great! I think I pretty much know every song now. Similarly with Amy Winehouse and Elbow. They’re my mainstays but I also listen to the radio quite a lot (I’m old-fashioned like that), so pick up songs I like from there too. And I love Celeste’s music.

A lot of [Amy and Celeste’s] music touches on issues that I grew up around, so it resonates with me in a big way. But the songs also have gravity and weight in ways that other songs don’t. They usually have a heavy beat, a low line and as for the lyrics themselves, you don’t necessarily have to listen to the words to get the meaning – and sometimes that’s really powerful.

Joe (pictured top left) supports a virtual rehearsal with the National Orchestra for All

Has Orchestras for All impacted your life and musical journey?

The National Orchestra for All (NOFA) has been such a help; it advanced my musical skills grade upon grade, year after year and the [team] are always willing to help you learn. It also massively widened my classical music range – I now have a classical playlist that’s like 300 pieces long! 

It’s given me a real appreciation for other art and music and I’m really thankful that I was given the chance to learn and to improve. I’ve met so many nice people that I still contact today. 

Read more: 17 things you’ll only understand if you’ve played in a youth orchestra >

Why is playing in a youth orchestra so special? 

You don’t really find that togetherness anywhere else. You can go out to university clubs, but there’s only so many people there. Orchestras represent a unique harmony, if you like – they’re organic and [in NOFA] you get 100 young people coming together in a uniform way, it’s so great! It’s inspirational because you just don’t see it anywhere else. 

Artistic Director Emma Oliver-Trend leads a Modulo performance at the Royal Academy of Music

What’s your advice to other young musicians who are considering joining an orchestra?

Absolutely go for it! Try your hardest – if you’ve tried your best, no-one will ever fault you because you’ve still contributed in some way to the harmony of that orchestra. You’ll definitely take away something more from it – you’re never not learning.

Orchestras for All is…

Amazement! Coming from a working class background, classical music seemed so inaccessible. It just seemed like something for the rich and wealthy – you could learn but weren’t given the opportunity unless you had the money. 

If you break down those barriers, more people can have an appreciation for it. And it’s history! If you section off that part of music, you lose something forever. The more you break down those barriers, the more people can remember [the music] – and that’s really important. 

To support young musicians like Joe, please donate to Orchestras for All >

Modulo goes online - Behind the scenes

Hi! I’m Harri, I’m 19 and I’m an Ambassador for the National Orchestra for All. I spent four years in the Orchestra, and I play trombone. I currently live near Durham, but spent most of my year at university in Lancaster.

Building on the success of NOFA’s online spring course (find out more here, from trumpeter Kate), Orchestras for All’s Modulo programme - designed for schools - went online as well. The programme provided a well-needed sense of normality for both members and tutors. This gave everyone a boost because it meant each person could see their friends and also meet new people. The Modulo programme was run on Zoom, so everyone could contribute and be seen via video. Each day started with an energetic warm-up from conductor Emma Oliver-Trend, helping everyone get set to to play their instruments properly.

Emma Oliver-Trend leads an action-packed warm-up session

Then, like a normal NOFA rehearsal, we were split into groups depending on instruments. In total, there were six different sessions going on simultaneously, ranging from traditional orchestral instruments to kitchen appliances as percussion. The piece being explored was Gospel Train as part of the current season’s topic, Roots. Everyone was wholly engaged in the sessions, whether it be working through the music or talking about their experiences at home during the past few months.

This practice was then taken into a full orchestra rehearsal, where further techniques and advice was given to complete the piece. Later on, each member was tasked with recording their part to the backing track to produce their own version of Gospel Train. Keep an eye out for its premiere performance online in the near future.

As usual, the music did not always take centre stage. Each Modulo member had sent in a short excerpt played on their instrument, and a composer - Daniel Bickerton - had drawn all the parts into one short track. The premiere viewing of this piece was shown within a composition webinar with Daniel. This session was potentially the most interesting and important for everyone because Daniel gave us many tips and tricks to think about when composing. This led to everyone jamming out to the created song, with many compliments to Daniel’s dancing!

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As part of his composition webinar, Dan shares his screen to show how the Modulo recordings have been overlaid to create Roots.

The final part of the day was left to orchestra games, where everyone got to mix together and relax before heading off to record their parts. I thought this was very useful as recording can be quite stressful and it gave everyone time to see others from their school or their sectionals.

It’s been a difficult time for everyone. Despite the fact that we need to be careful, it’s now incredibly important to have some social interactions with friends. I know I’m guilty of not organising things with anyone, but I’ve realised that there’s no match for human interaction. Stay Safe! :)