Because young people are the future…
At Orchestras for All (OFA), we believe that youth leadership holds the potential to transform the future of orchestral music.
By encouraging young people to take on leadership roles – such as becoming an Ambassador, joining a Youth Board or providing support to an ensemble as a Young Leader, youth orchestras can benefit from fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and remain connected to modern trends.
What’s more, youth leadership can help to foster an inclusive musical community that keeps young people engaged (just like in National Orchestra for All!) as well as boost a young person’s wellbeing and social skills.
Are you a member of a youth orchestra or a music leader looking to improve your practice? If so, here are seven key reasons why you should consider embracing youth leadership in your ensemble...
Read more: In pictures: tour highlights from the summer Modulo Programme 2022 >
Encouraging creativity and innovation
Let’s face it, young people are brilliant at bringing unique ideas to the table. At OFA, we find they are often more open to experimentation, suggest new ideas for repertoire or live concerts, are keen to collaborate or learn from diverse artists, and use their knowledge of current technology to help us create captivating musical experiences that can reach broader audiences.
Watch this epic live concert starring one of the world’s most inclusive youth orchestras >
Young people can also act as great representatives during your live shows, assist with production (for example, at NOFA recital evenings), engage in game-changing discussions with partners and funders, and join the team as Trustees or Ambassadors.
2. Promoting diversity, inclusivity and accessibility
Pictured: An inspiring group of National Orchestra for All musicians enjoy their summer 2023 residential.
With social media platforms like TikTok making it easier than ever to share knowledge and hold live debates, young people can often be more attuned to current issues surrounding diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
We find that regularly involving young leaders in areas such as programming and key decision-making leads to greater representation of different backgrounds and demographics, contributing to a much more vibrant and inclusive culture. This cultural richness will not only enhances your orchestra and its reach, it will make your ensemble more representative of our society as a whole.
““If we have orchestras with more diversity, I think it can bring new ideas as music from around the world comes in all different forms.””
3. Boosting key skills
Leading the way: A Modulo participant tries her hand at conducting with our Associate Conductor, Rocco.
By helping to develop a young person’s musical skills, creating youth leadership opportunities within your orchestra can provide valuable life experience.
Taking on roles within orchestral management – from organising events and fundraising, to marketing and artistic planning – enables a young people to improve vital skills such as teamwork and time management as well as improving their ability to organise and communicate with others – benefitting them both personally and professionally, in any career path they choose to follow in future.
““I have always wanted to go teach and always liked the idea of music therapy. Being part of NOFA has really built my confidence for that.” ”
4. Peer-to-peer mentorship
Orchestras for All Ambassadors, Nell (left) and Chloe (right) help the core team at NOFA’s summer residential.
There’s no doubt that young leaders can act as inspiring role models for their peers – and at OFA, we see this happen every day! Strengthening relationships and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within a youth orchestra creates a positive cycle of learning, where knowledge and skills are shared more freely among members.
Read more: 13 ways you can be kind to others in an inclusive youth orchestra >
Many of our Ambassadors or alumni of the Modulo Programme and National Orchestra for All choose to take on wellbeing roles, or offer their support in different instrumental sections by rehearsing and performing with the ensembles during live activity.
““At OFA, I felt the very aspects of my lived experience were not a burden; they became an entry point for meaningful contribution to the charity’s work, which is empowering and invaluable.” ”
5. Building confidence and self-esteem
Soaring strings: Three National Orchestra for All violinists celebrate their instruments during a rehearsal.
Youth leadership opportunities are incredibly important as they also give young people the chance to take ownership over their experiences, which creates an empowering learning environment in which they can build their confidence and self-esteem.
Playing in an orchestra often requires you to spend a lot of time following directions from your conductor (we’re looking at you, Emma and Rocco!) as well as the instructions written on your sheet music. In a traditional ensemble, there are few scenarios where a young musician would have full control over what they are doing, so why not offer them the opportunity through youth leadership?
““Before joining National Orchestra for All, I felt helpless – but now I’ve grown in confidence and independence.””
6. Boosting social awareness
Pictured: Orchestras for All Ambassador, Tashan, is sharing his views with the audience during a concert
Increasingly, we’re seeing young people become the champions of social issues and drivers of widespread change (think the Kanneh-Masons, Greta Thunberg and Lewis Capaldi, among many others), with social media being used as an effective tool to help spread important messages and reach young audiences.
Youth leadership positions in orchestras also gives young people a platform to raise awareness about the topics they care most about – from climate change and mental health, to social justice and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community – using the power of music to spark conversations with others and create a positive ripple effect.
7. Sustainability and long-term vision
Members of the OFA core team, Ambassadors, Trustees and guests at NOFA’s summer 2023 residential.
By involving young people in key decision-making processes and giving them the chance to act as advocates – for example, in developing sustainable practices for your orchestra, you’ll benefit from their forward-thinking perspectives and ensure the relevance and longevity of your youth orchestra.
At OFA, we know that youth leadership is a catalyst for positive change and growth. By continuing to harness the passions of the young people we engage in our inclusive programmes, we can create a better musical landscape that resonates with both current and future generations.
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