Modulo participants will also be teaming up to play a popular film theme penned by esteemed Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi.
The 2023 spring season of musical activity is well underway at Orchestras for All (OFA) and for the Modulo Programme, this means working with a keen new cohort of students and music leaders from maintained schools across the UK.
Due to growing demand for participation in its music-making activities, the Modulo Programme was oversubscribed for the first time in OFA’s 10-year history, with a total of 43 applications. The team are now pleased to welcome 504 students from 35 schools, from Croydon to County Durham – 26 of which are new to the programme and eight returning.
Of these schools, 11 are from Arts Council England’s Levelling Up for Culture Places, six are from its Priority Places, 22 have more than the national average claiming Pupil Premium (27 per cent) and seven have 40 per cent of pupils eligible due to economic deprivation.
A participating teacher said: “I am developing my music department and need support – every year, we are getting more and more students picking up an instrument or wanting to learn; however, we do not yet have an established orchestra or ensemble as I don’t have the time or resources to set up and lead an accessible ensemble.”
While the majority of Modulo ensembles are based in schools, we are delighted to share that one of this year’s ensembles has also been set up for young people who are home-educated, making our charity’s work even more inclusive as we strive to reach those who are otherwise unable to access group music-making opportunities.
Modulo’s inclusive arrangements have been specially designed to cater for all levels of experience and abilities – from beginners right through to Grade Eight musicians – as well as different instruments, including non-traditional instruments. Some participants have physical disabilities, others are young people with SEND and throughout the season we will be collaborating with a member of OFA’s wellbeing team, Xia-Leon, to produce parts using Braille music for visually impaired members of the youth orchestra.
This year, OFA’s Modulo Meets will be taking place in four vibrant city locations, at arts venues and higher education institutions each boasting a prestigious reputation as we seek to inspire the young musicians participating in our programmes.
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In Birmingham, we’ll be heading to the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, while London Meets will be held at Cecil Sharp House and the Royal Academy of Music. Further north, participants will be teaming up at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester as well as the University of York.
Repertoire is based around the theme ‘Sounds of Change’ and will include the 1984 chart hit and protest song, ‘99 Red Balloons’, which was made famous by German singer-songwriter Nena, along with ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ – the stunning main theme for anime movie, Howl’s Moving Castle, written by Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi. With several bass guitarists, alto saxophones, drummers and French horn players joining the ensemble in 2023, our new cohort of young musicians will surely be making a powerful sound.
Alongside Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, a team of professional orchestral tutors – including BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, Ralph Porrett (watch video below) – and conservatoire and university students will be on hand to support each section of the ensemble.
They will be joined by OFA’s core team, 10 inspiring new Ambassadors (former Modulo and National Orchestra for All members) and Modulo Leaders, who will also be supporting participants throughout.
While each event will provide a similar structure – including full orchestral rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, a creative project and time for performing and social activities – each participant can expect to enjoy a bespoke musical experience based on their individual needs.
A recent Modulo participant said: “I feel more confident after this experience because I’ve played in front of a lot of people, so now I feel like I can do anything!”
Another commented: “Go to Modulo if you want to learn how to play a new instrument – but even if you already play one, it’ll still help you to build on your skills.”
On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.
Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:
