Shaping the future of music, one note at a time…
Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that it is now recruiting young people, state schools and local community groups for two of its flagship programmes: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) and the Modulo Programme.
Whether a young person is an experienced player or just getting started on their musical journey, OFA welcomes all young people to join its vibrant community and enjoy its life-changing activities.
NOFA violinist, Freya, said: “I think you should join NOFA because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you’ll never want to leave! It gives you a new outlook on other people and instruments – and it’s something you can’t get anywhere else.”
A Modulo participant commented: “I love Modulo because the people here are super nice and they’ll help you no matter what skill level you are.”
What are the NOFA and Modulo programmes?
National Orchestra for All: NOFA is an inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra bringing together an inspiring group of around 100 young people aged 11-19 from across the UK – regardless of their background, musical ability or choice of instrument – for an 18-month season of group music-making.
The orchestra performs all types of music, from popular songs to classical works, film music to jazz, video game soundtracks to dance anthems as well as world music. Members also create their own pieces with professional composers.
We want to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to participating, so everything is covered for young people to join NOFA, including their food, travel, accommodation and tuition.
Modulo Programme: We support teachers and music leaders in schools and local community groups to set up and run their own mini orchestras, known as ‘Modulos’. They receive all the music and resources they need to create an inclusive, accessible and high-quality musical experience for young people.
Throughout the year, Modulos from different parts of the UK come together to perform as one large-scale orchestra at ‘Modulo Meets’, culminating in an energising showcase of group music-making, with summer concerts open to the public.
Pictured: National Orchestra for All members enjoy a break from rehearsals at CBSO Centre in summer 2024.
Reflecting on the previous season
With its wide range of workshops, social activities, youth leadership initiatives and colourful concerts, NOFA’s 2023-24 season was a truly memorable experience for all involved. Its powerful theme, ‘Sounds of Change’, explored how music can often inspire, reflect and drive change in society as well as within ourselves.
Members had the opportunity to rehearse and perform at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and CBSO Centre, all the while supported by an expert team of 10 Ambassadors and orchestral and wellbeing tutors.
Chosen in collaboration with the young people we work with, NOFA repertoire included an eclectic mix of works that celebrated diversity and challenged the status quo. From ever-eerie ‘Ghost Town’ by The Specials to Florence Price’s sweet-sounding Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Gamelan-inspired pieces to original compositions written with NOFA members, we’ve taken away memories and connections to last a lifetime.
Read more: 7 ways that youth leadership will empower your youth orchestra >
Meanwhile, 250 young musicians from 30 schools and community groups joined us at leading arts venues in London, Birmingham, Manchester and York for our eight Modulo Meets. Performing Stevie Wonder’s funk classic, ‘I Wish’, as part of their concert programme, participants had audiences grooving all over the country.
In 2024, we were delighted to see 19 new Modulo ensembles established. We also held 20 in-person workshops, created visual scores to make our resources more inclusive, launched a new digital hub for Modulo leaders to access their resources more easily and worked with the first Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) school to join the programme.
View our summer 2024 picture gallery >
Why should you join our programmes?
By signing up for National Orchestra for All and Modulo, young people and music leaders will have the opportunity to:
Be part of a national movement: Connect with like-minded individuals from across the UK and be part of something bigger that shapes the future of music.
Make music accessible: Help us break down significant barriers to group music-making, making it possible for all young people to participate, regardless of their background.
Perform in prestigious venues: Experience the thrill of performing in some of the UK’s most iconic spaces.
Learn from the best: Receive expert training and mentorship from professional musicians and educators, with the health and wellbeing of participants at the heart of all programme activity.
How to apply
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Take a moment to sign up and let’s continue creating sounds of change with the next generation!
Learn more about our application process and application deadlines below:
