Making an impact: read Orchestras for All’s powerful new report

Building inclusive communities, one musical note at a time…

Another memorable year at Orchestras for All (OFA), another inspiring Impact Report – and our 2022-23 roundup might just be our best one yet.

In a world that often echoes with discord, we’ve been working tirelessly over the past year to become a driving force for positive social change by welcoming young people and music leaders from all across the UK – from London to Birmingham, Manchester to York – to our inclusive music-making activities.

We truly believe that the joy of group music-making should be experienced by all young people, from all walks of life – not to mention the associated benefits that come through playing music with others in an orchestra, which include boosting a young person’s confidence, developing their social skills, unlocking creative potential and building community, to name but a few.

In our latest Impact Report, we share key findings from OFA’s three barrier-smashing programmes: National Orchestra for All (NOFA), Modulo and Music Leadership Training (MLT), through which we aim to empower and energise young people and music leaders alike – regardless of their personal circumstances or the daily challenges they might be facing.

Trustees Beth White and Joelle Sogunro said: “This year, the number of NOFA members has doubled compared to last year, which is a testament to the growing influence and reach of our organisation. Through Modulo, we reached 613 young people nationwide, directly impacting their lives and fostering a sense of community through music making. Plus, an astounding 7,000 young people have been indirectly impacted through our MLT programme.”

Read more: 13 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2023 >

Modulo participants play together at Cecil Sharp House in London, led by OFA’s Associate Conductor, Rocco.

The former NOFA members added: “We firmly believe in the power of youth voice and have taken significant strides towards championing it, so one of our key triumphs this year has been the development of youth leadership opportunities at OFA. As part of this, we handed over the Youth Board to current OFA Ambassador, Chloe Morgan, and welcomed her to the Board of Trustees. Chloe’s energy and fresh perspective has already made a positive impact on our decision-making processes.

“We also further invested in our wellbeing approach, ensuring that OFA’s programmes not only inspire creativity but also nurture the individual needs of every participant – making our initiatives even more inclusive and accessible, while opening up doors for diverse young minds to thrive.”

Read more: Meet National Orchestra for All musicians, Lola and Christian >

As well as outlining the steps we have taken to keep youth leadership and wellbeing at the forefront of OFA’s vital work, the Impact Report shares event highlights, heartwarming stories of personal growth and resilience from the young people who participate in our programmes, and sheds light on how we plan to strengthen the charity in future – from investing in our environmental responsibility to continuing our exciting transition as a new National Portfolio Organisation.

Alongside our commitment to providing high-quality music education and musical opportunities, building inclusive communities where each and every young person (and staff member) feels welcome and supported is what makes OFA so very special.

By fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration, we’re creating vibrant ensembles that reflect the rich tapestry of our society. During NOFA’s spring 2023 residential, we recorded a video of the young musicians creating a powerful improvised piece, titled ‘Strength in Numbers’, with composer and multi-instrumentalist, Joe Broughton. The video (watch above) is currently being considered in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2024 and open to a public vote until midnight on 24th January 2024 – you can support us by casting your vote here!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for OFA and through our latest Impact Report, we hope to demonstrate that when young people have access to a safe space in which they can come together to create music, it can be truly life-changing.

Please join us in breaking down musical barriers by reading our Impact Report below and taking a moment to share it with your network – let’s make a difference in 2024!

Orchestras for All celebrates positive change for young musicians across the UK in latest impact report

“Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists.”

Orchestras for All (OFA) has released its impact report for 2021-22 as the charity continues its life-changing work in breaking down barriers to music education for young people in the UK.

From taking home the award for ‘Outstanding Musical Initiative’ at the UK-wide Music and Drama Education Awards 2022, to raising £17,000 for its programmes through a heartwarming digital campaign, Music Changes Lives, there’s certainly been much to celebrate.

OFA’s trustee and National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alumna, Joelle, commented: “It’s been yet another eventful year, full of exciting activities, productive meetings and incredible achievements as well as a time of reflection. After coming out of lockdown, we were finally able to return to in-person events, reuniting the young people we work with and inspiring even more music leaders.

“Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again after a long two years of the pandemic was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists and is so needed. Team discussions constantly revolve around ‘what is best for young people’ and ‘what we can do better for them’.”

Read more: Season’s greetings: 12 days of Orchestras for All memories >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians perform live in Nottingham in summer 2022

Alongside growing its team to become truly national, OFA held two live webinars for 91 participants in 2022 as part of its Music Leadership Training programme. Meanwhile, six online events and nine live events took place for its NOFA and Modulo programmes, welcoming 35 Modulo schools and 82 NOFA members.

Learn more about OFA’s three programmes >

With youth leadership at the forefront of OFA’s work, the Youth Board and team of Young Leaders were involved in key decision-making throughout the year, while five inspiring NOFA alumni were engaged to join the team as ambassadors – playing a crucial role in the delivery of OFA’s activity, from logistical to marketing.

Joelle said: “Despite having so much to feel proud of, OFA remains humble and self-critical. This is what drives the team forward and allows them to achieve so much. That’s why over the past year, the charity has introduced dedicated safe spaces and increased the number of wellbeing staff at its events as well as creating ‘pen profiles’ for all young musicians and staff, which highlight an individual’s specific needs to ensure they receive the right level of support.”

She continued: “OFA is an amazing charity that helped us tremendously throughout our adolescence and makes us proud now as adults. Although we’ve reached our final few months as Chairs of the Youth Board, we couldn’t feel more secure in passing the torch on to Chloe Morgan – our newly-recruited Trustee and National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alumna.”

With plans for 2023 already in full swing, OFA is now approaching its first full season of face-to-face musical activity since 2018-19, which will be complemented by online meetings and briefings and a strengthened wellbeing offer to ensure all young people, staff and trustees are fully supported throughout.

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, the team would like to thank all those who were part of the charity’s journey in 2021-22 and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of young musicians and music leaders to its programmes this year.

See OFA’s 2021-22 impact report >