In pictures: tour highlights from our summer 2023 Modulo Programme

Making powerful music with young people nationwide…

Earlier this month, the Orchestras for All team went on tour with the Modulo Programme for the first time to bring inclusive music-making activities to school students all across the UK.

From the University of York to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to the Royal Academy of Music in London, our venues for the Meets provided the perfect backdrop for the 330 young people in attendance – 171 of which had never played in an ensemble before.

By working in close partnership with these venues as well as engaging with their participation teams and inspiring students – many of which joined us as orchestral tutors during the Modulo Meets, we were also able to share best practice for running inclusive music-making sessions with our four brilliant ensembles.

Alongside improving their social and instrumental skills during sectional and full orchestra rehearsals, our diverse cohort of participants had the opportunity to perform an eclectic programme of music to special guests together as one large-scale orchestra – with Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’, Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ and Christopher Larkin’s ‘Hornet’ all becoming firm favourites.

During the York Meet, Modulo percussionist, Kiara, from All Saints Catholic College in Huddersfield, told us: “My favourite piece is ‘99 Red Balloons’ – it just sounds so good with everyone playing together! Also, a really kind thing that Modulo has done for me is donated a drum kit. It really helped me out because I needed a drum kit to practice with at home – I’m so grateful for it.”

In London, Modulo musician, David, from Harris Academy Morden, said: “I’m so excited about our live performance later today and I’ve really enjoyed my trips with Modulo and Orchestras for All. I hope that other people have enjoyed them as much as me!”

Scroll down to browse all the highlights…

Read more: Introducing the newest members of the Orchestras for All team >

York: University of York

Birmingham: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Manchester: The Royal Northern College of Music

London: The Royal Academy of Music

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, the Scops Arts Trust, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation as well as each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Please support aspiring young musicians across the UK and donate what you can today:

‘The Way We See It’ – National Orchestra for All’s Nottingham concert in pictures

A colourful selection of memories from our youth orchestra’s summer extravaganza, courtesy of photographer Will Pace.

1. Trumpeter, Tashan, welcomes audience members to National Orchestra for All’s end-of-season concert.

2. National Orchestra for All (NOFA): the UK’s only fully-inclusive, non-auditioned youth orchestra.

3. Setting up our instruments at iconic Nottingham venue, the Albert Hall Conference Centre.

4. Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, prepares to lead the way.

5. Emma was joined by special guest and internationally-recognised conductor, José Salazar.

6. Brass at the ready…

7. Our marvellous woodwind section!

8. NOFA collaborated with writer Ben Macpherson to produce spoken word for the event. (Pictured: Kali)

9. Sharing powerful messages through music, humour and rhyme. (Pictured: Vanessa)

10. Our young people blew everyone away with their inspiring words. (Pictured: Alasdair)

11. NOFA keyboardist, Troy, truly makes an impact.

12. Inclusivity means welcoming all kinds of instruments – even melodicas! (Pictured: Kali, Matt, Jesse)

13. Breaking down barriers: guitarist, Kit, rocks out to Britten.

14. The bassooner the better… (Pictured right: Isabelle)

15. Say hello to the strings!

16. Orchestral tutor, Andres, creates a powerful sound with keen percussionist, Abz.

17. We’ll never tire of hearing the cello.

18. Fluttering flautists…

19. Thomas (pictured left) flew all the way from Northern Ireland to perform at the event!

20. The cheerful colours of our ensemble’s t-shirts were chosen by our young people.

21. We’ll always make time for sweet violin solos.

22. Our wellbeing tutors always know how to light up the room.

23. Being part of this wonderful community makes us smile! (Pictured: Tom)

24. Musical highlight: an energetic rendition of Mahala Rai Banda’s Balkan folk tune, ‘Spoitoresa’.

25. Trumpeter, Cameron, making memories with his pals in the brass.

26. Standing tall at the Albert Hall. (Pictured: Tashan and Ricardo)

27. National Orchestra for All alumni, Elen and Declan, were buzzing after the show!

28. Wellbeing tutor, George, was on hand to congratulate our inspiring young performers.

29. NOFA trombonist, Haseeb, bids farewell to his orchestra friends after an epic summer of music-making.

30. “Hip, hip, hooray!” – NOFA cellist, Michael, celebrates the end of a fantastic concert with our audience.

Thank you to all who attended ‘The Way We See It’ – our young musicians had a blast and it wouldn’t have been the same without you!

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank each of our loyal funders – Arts Council England, Association of British Orchestras – Sirens Fund, Finzi Trust, Foyle Foundation, Headley Trust, Promenaders’, Musical Charities, The Radcliffe Trust, Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust, Sarum Hall School Parents' Association, University of Warwick and Youth Music – as well as our individual donors, advocates, photographer Will Pace, Broaden Films, orchestral and wellbeing tutors and team of volunteers for making NOFA’s summer residential and live concert possible.

Missed out? Don’t fret – an exclusive recording of NOFA’s summer concert is coming soon, so watch this space…

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