From fancy dress costumes and improvisation workshops, to beatboxing tutorials and tear-jerking performances, NOFA Festival 2021 was truly an event to remember.
Last week, Orchestras for All (OFA) launched its first online music festival in a bid to break down barriers to music-making for young people in the UK, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Known as NOFA Festival 2021, the musical extravaganza – held on Zoom from 27-30 July – was attended by the 100 young members of National Orchestra for All (NOFA) as well as 14 orchestral tutors, 14 wellbeing tutors, special guests, and several core staff and volunteers.
It comes as NOFA, the only completely inclusive national orchestra in the country, shares a new season of work titled ‘The Way We See It’ – a musical portrayal of equality, diversity and inclusion, and with youth voice at its core.
Throughout the week, festivalgoers were able to enjoy an exciting programme of workshops and activities over at the Main Stage, Music Tent and Games Arcade – with young people left completely free to choose what they attended, and when – while the Chill Zone, Green Rooms and Space to Speak areas offered a moment of calm.
Sharing a message of gratitude with OFA’s funders, donors and supporters after the event (watch video below), NOFA trombonist and Young Leader, Haseeb, said: “Thanks to you, I’ve had the opportunity to work with musicians my age from all around the UK, developing both my social and musical skills.”
Read more: Over 100 school pupils nationwide team up online for epic day of music-making >
Ambassador and former NOFA member, Kate, added: “Thanks to you, I’ve been able to support young people in their journey to music-making, helping them to adjust to the reality that we will (hopefully) be in person in the winter and building the confidence that they need to come and enjoy an in-person session with us as well as an online session.”
Among the 40 diverse workshops on offer included a jaw-dropping beatboxing session, led by James Botcher (also known to fans as BeatBotch), an inclusive folk music workshop with OFA’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, and an introduction to creative remixing, hosted by NOFA composer, Jack McNeill.
They were joined by piano tutor, Matthew Poad, who explained how to write music using just four chords, and esteemed jazz trumpeter, Byron Wallen, who led an improvisation masterclass and invited orchestra members to experiment with their musical instruments on-screen.
Meet the National Orchestra for All musicians >
Sharing his top tips on improvisation, Byron told NOFA: “It’s a judgement-free zone. The best ideas often come from mistakes! It’s like a language and unites the world, so don’t be afraid to express yourself. Remember – one person’s chilli is another person’s lemon!”
Jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen leads the way during an improvisation masterclass
Given the new challenges faced by so many of our young people and music teachers following the coronavirus pandemic, the four-day festival also placed extra emphasis on wellbeing and mental health.
Yoga, meditation, poetry readings and virtual walks through nature were just some of the peaceful activities available at the Chill Zone, with our dedicated team of wellbeing tutors always on hand for a friendly chat.
Meanwhile, the Games Arcade offered a wide selection of online games and quizzes for NOFA members to enjoy, should they be keen to take a break from any of the workshops and play with their friends.
Discover five ways to protect your wellbeing >
The young musicians were also introduced to OFA’s new Wellbeing Lead, Elli Chapman, who inspired attendees with her moving personal story and infectious positivity.
She told NOFA: “It’s important for you to understand your unique superpowers. Resilience is about being strong and standing up to any challenge. Your experiences as a young person are what make you great!”
“Stand up to any challenge,” says Orchestras for All’s new Wellbeing Lead, Elli Chapman
National Orchestra for All members and tutors enjoy a moment of musical solidarity on Zoom
After a fun-filled week of 60 individual lessons and group music-making, the festival was brought to a memorable close with a full day of showcases and recitals – featuring a moving rendition of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ (courtesy of NOFA member, Edwin), impressive Bach from violin tutor, Georgia, and a stunning choral recording of ‘Time After Time’, performed by NOFA trumpeter, Cameron, and his family.
For 98 per cent of NOFA members, cultural barriers and limited access to music-making have prevented them from doing what they love the most. Many also face health barriers, with 55 per cent previously unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difficulty, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
And despite only 1.6 per cent of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians being members of British orchestras, 37 per cent of NOFA players come from underrepresented groups – with 54 per cent based in the lowest 3 IDACI multiple deprivation deciles.
On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our wonderful funders, Youth Music, Arts Council England, Clore Duffield Foundation and The Headley Trust, as well as our loyal individual donors and supporters, for helping to make NOFA Festival 2021 happen.
Together, we can change lives through the power of music.
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