“NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity – and joining the orchestra has definitely helped me grow in confidence.”
National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians just experienced their first in-person spring residential, following two years of online activity – and it was pure joy.
Held at iconic music venue, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, on 11-14 April, the four-day course was packed with engaging sectionals and full orchestra rehearsals, giving our diverse cohort of young people the chance to bond and play together as a group.
The 43 NOFA members in attendance – who had travelled to Birmingham from all across the country – were also able to indulge in a carefully curated programme of social activities, from running clubs, jamming sessions and cinema evenings to relaxing yoga, choir practice and arts and crafts.
Seventeen-year-old NOFA pianist, Troy, said: “In secondary school, I didn’t have much going for me and didn’t have many opportunities, but then my teacher found NOFA and suggested that I should apply.
“I’m so happy that I did – it’s amazing and has made my life much more interesting! I can brag about being in an orchestra to my friends but it’s also really fun as there’s loads of activities happening and more opportunities to perform and connect with other people as well.”
Read more: 7 ways to support autistic musicians in your youth orchestra >
Pictured: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians celebrate the final day of their spring residential
NOFA oboeist, Lily, added: “I love all the different music we’re playing – I wouldn’t play this type of music in my orchestra back home, so it’s nice to have that balance between classical music and dance music like ‘Crossfade’ and ‘Spoitoresa’. It’s great to have the variety.
“Being part of NOFA has also helped me to develop as a musician – the music we’re learning takes you out of your comfort zone but not to the point of breaking you, so it’s good to have that little push.”
Meanwhile, lower brass player, Christian, volunteered to try his hand at conducting, led by Artistic Director Emma Oliver-Trend. He told us: “I’ve improved a lot more in rhythm, and being part of NOFA has had such an impact on my life. When I go back home to my other bands, they can tell that I’ve improved and it’s helped me to make a lot more friends.”
All too often however, our young musicians are excluded from musical opportunities outside of NOFA due to the significant daily barriers they face, with many groups unwilling to make reasonable adjustments to cater to their level of need.
NOFA musicians take a moment away from orchestra rehearsals to enjoy an afternoon in the jamming room
As it stands, 50 per cent of NOFA members are in receipt of free school meals or come from areas of deprivation, 17 per cent are neurodivergent, 11 per cent have learning difficulties and 14 per cent have emotional and behavioural challenges.
That’s why they were joined at the spring residential by a lively team of NOFA ambassadors, volunteers and core staff as well as orchestral and wellbeing tutors, who were all on hand to build their confidence in performance and assist them throughout. Special guests included UK-based charity, Sound Connections, and book publisher, HarperCollins, who interviewed our young people and tutors to hear their inspiring stories.
For many attendees, one of the highlights of the course was the heart-warming recital evening, with NOFA members treating an intimate audience to stunning solos, original compositions and moving renditions of well-known tunes including Adele’s ‘Chasing Pavements’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’.
NOFA guitarist, Kit, said: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people. You’re surrounded by others doing the same thing and the support has been really good. NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity. Regardless of how nervous you might feel, you really enjoy it – and not many young people have the chance to do this, so I’m really grateful.”
NOFA ambassadors Mars, Kate, Phoebe, Joe and Isaac were on hand to help orchestra members throughout
NOFA parent, Polly, commented: “The work [OFA] does is amazing and there is no other setting where Cameron feels as happy, included and valued as with the NOFA family. Thank you so much for everything your team do to give Cam a place to belong, just the way he is and for bringing out the very best in him.”
NOFA Programme Manager, Paula, added: “My first NOFA was incredible. I loved getting to know the young people and I was blown away by their performances. It was inspiring being in the main hall with them, seeing how professional they all were. Big thanks to all the staff, tutors, volunteers and young ambassadors for supporting the project. I cannot wait until our next residential in Nottingham this summer!”
On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, our sincere gratitude goes out to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Aston University, our individual donors and loyal funders – the Ashley Family Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Wingate Foundation, Youth Music, Arts Council England, Headley Trust, Association of British Orchestra and Foyle Foundation – for making this spring residential possible.
To fund a life-changing programme like NOFA, please donate today >
