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Watch this epic live concert starring one of the world’s most inclusive youth orchestras

It’ll brighten your day.

In July 2022, National Orchestra for All’s diverse young ensemble treated a Nottingham audience to an afternoon of powerful orchestral music – and it was pure joy.

Titled ‘The Way We See It’ (a tribute to the season’s theme), the one-hour concert was held at the city’s prestigious Albert Hall and celebrated all that the orchestra, better known as NOFA, has achieved over the past two years – and in spite of global uncertainty following the coronavirus pandemic.

While NOFA’s inspiring members each face significant challenges in their daily lives – from physical disability and mental health conditions to rural isolation and economic deprivation – they can leave their troubles at the door when taking centre stage and instead, focus on doing what they love the most: making epic music together.

During the show (watch video above), we see the musicians – who come from all corners of the country – team up with NOFA’s squad of tutors and alumni to perform an eclectic programme of music, accompanied by newly-written spoken word produced in collaboration with witty Nottingham-based poet and comedian, Ben Macpherson.

NOFA cellist and Orchestras for All youth board member, Chloe, told attendees: “Playing in an orchestra is playing with pieces of puzzles. These pieces are like a well-lit forest: enormous and sometimes scary. It’s super important to keep counting.”

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

Pictured: National Orchestra for All performs a powerful end-of-season concert in Nottingham.

She continued: “One musical family, playing equally important roles, working in unison to create and develop an atmosphere: diverse and talented, very colourful and fast, forgetting to count to four.”

NOFA violinist, Alasdair, added: “Synchronised swimming in sound form. A triangle of unity, mistakes and waves. All of it feels good. The power of an orchestra when everyone works as a team. Work harder, challenge myself more, sitting next to a great musician, forgetting to count to four.”

They were joined by esteemed conductor, José Salazar, who first rose to fame after participating in Venezuela’s prestigious El Sistema programme and was coined by the media as “the world’s youngest conductor”.

It was surely a memorable occasion, with each piece of music specially selected to reflect the season’s modern theme as well as one of Orchestras for All’s key values: harnessing the power of youth voice.

Repertoire included a stunning rendition of ‘Andromède’, a symphonic poem drawn from the myth of Greek goddess, Andromede, which was penned by French-Irish female singer, pianist and composer, Augusta Holmès, in 1883.

National Orchestra for All members take a moment from playing to enjoy spoken word at the event.

This was followed by ‘Crossfade’, British composer Jack McNeill’s unique take on a musical crossover that expertly fuses traditional orchestral instrumentation with electronic influences and boasts a steady beat reminiscent of popular club culture.

Listen to other music by Jack McNeill and NOFA >

And of course, no summer concert would be complete without an iconic masterpiece from one of the late great composers – this time, Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’.

Also known as ‘Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell’, the spectacular 1945 work is based on the second movement of the Abdelazer suite, ‘Rondeau’, and was originally intended to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra – making it just as relevant with classical fans today.

On the surface, we hear variations played by a whole host of instruments and groups, with the style of each section telling us about a particular quality of that instrument, while characters tell their stories through the music within a unifying theme that celebrates the diversity of the orchestra itself.

Grand finale: Audience members take to their feet and cheer on NOFA’s bright young musicians.

Finally, a lively performance of ‘Spoitoresa’ – arranged by Mahala Rai Banda, OFA’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, and Jack McNeill – had audience members up on their feet as NOFA trumpeter, Tashan, encouraged a memorable moment of crowd participation with a good-humoured lesson in body percussion.

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, Trinity Catholic School, photographer Will Pace, Broaden Films, orchestral and wellbeing tutors as well as our team of volunteers for making NOFA’s summer residential and live concert possible.

Please support us in breaking down barriers to music education and donate today >

Ben Macpherson: ‘Put the notes in the instruments of musicians, not those who can pay to hear them’

Ben Macpherson (left) and National Orchestra for All (right)

The British writer and performer recently collaborated with National Orchestra for All, so we caught up with him to find out more…

1.     Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do.

I’m Ben Macpherson, a writer and performer based in Nottingham whose work stretches from serious theatre all the way through to nonsense poetry aimed at children and their families. Within that work is sketch comedy that has been heard on Radio 4, improvised plays from the Star Wars universe and much more.

Linking all of these together is a feeling of playfulness and the role of individuals in relation to their community. For over a decade I’ve been a part of the Nottingham creative scene, making connections in theatre, comedy and spoken word circles. This has led to a career that thinks across medium, building works that draw on many different disciplines for a pretty unique writer and performer.

2.     Who (or what) inspired you to become a writer and performer? 

My route to becoming a creative came through nonsense poetry and sketch comedy. I fit this around a normal job for seven years after university but the opportunity to go full-time came up in 2020 and I took it.

It was a bit scary making that choice during a pandemic but well worth it now. As I worked at my craft I got involved with improv (improvisational) theatre, scripted theatre and more serious spoken word, so I am now excited to work in any range of fields that I get to explore words in.

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

Pictured: Spoken word artist, Ben Macpherson, runs a creative workshop with National Orchestra for All

3.    What have been some of your career highlights so far?

With such a wide range of work, it is hard to choose any one particular highlight. Working on my first full length play earlier in 2022 was wonderful. It is called Horsemen, and tells the tale of the four horsemen of the apocalypse immediately after the world ends when they are stuck in a limbo of their own creation.

It was dark, funny and ultimately hopeful about choosing the right path for yourself. I’m also very proud of working with Michael Rosen at the Nottingham Poetry Festival.

4.    You recently collaborated with National Orchestra for All in Nottingham – could you tell us a little about that?

I was recently brought in to work with NOFA members as a spoken word artist to create new spoken word sections for Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.’ The piece originally takes its audience through the sections and instruments of an orchestra step by step but the plan for this work was to capture the spirit of an orchestra.

We explored what it means to the young people who are part of it. The group I worked with created so much and shared so freely, exploring their relationships with each other, their instruments, their sections and the expectations put on them as musicians. I was so proud of what they had achieved, the full symphony of personal, poignant and playful.

Learn more about National Orchestra for All >

5.    What did you enjoy the most about working with NOFA?

It was delightful to see these musicians show their creativity in a different way. Skills in rhythm and timing came so naturally to them and the pieces were so varied and creative, from an acrostic poem exploring the panic of a musician performing to the back and forth of two performers ribbing each other’s sections for being too loud or egotistical. Everyone shared their words courageously and got a brilliant response.

“The group of young musicians I worked with at NOFA created so much and shared so freely,” says Ben

6.    Comedy writing is your “first great love” – did you try to incorporate this into your work with NOFA?

Absolutely! Often people get intimidated by spoken word and poetry because it feels like it needs to be serious, worthy or introspective. As a comedian I have learnt to take comedy seriously and as for whether something is worthy or not, it is our job as performers to decide what is worthy for an audience.

Who says what we examine in ourselves has to be painful? Sharing and exploring fun naturally creates comedy, because we laugh at the connection we recognise in others. The NOFA members who shared their words invited audiences into their world, where we could connect with familiar relationships and feelings – no wonder that got laughs!

Read more: “The final performances were astounding!”: National Orchestra for All’s Manager reflects on her year >

7.    Why do you feel that diversity, inclusion and youth voice are so important in today’s world?

The decision makers in the arts so often fit a particular mould. They often come from a degree privilege with traits that align with a western patriarchal optimum. That is increasingly not reflective of society where, as the world shrinks more voice can be heard.

By putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of your creative work, you help tell new and exciting stories. You hear songs that you don’t know the words to and you discover something new. Of course, new can be scary and challenging but by embracing this an engine of collaborations get discovered.

Youth voice is the fuel that drives the engine. If young voices aren’t included then arts go extinct and you see a shrinking cultural literacy and interest of the population. If that diminishes it becomes harder for everyone, from programmers to performers, to keep the arts alive.

Ben Macpherson prepares National Orchestra for All’s young musicians for their final summer performance

8.    If you could share three top tips with aspiring writers/performers, what would they be?

If you want to write it, it’s worth writing about. If you want to perform it, it is worth performing. The only person you have to please with what you create is yourself. Audiences and praise are fun (really, really fun), but if what you are doing doesn’t matter to you then it will slowly take the joy from it.

Find your community. They will help you grow and teach you more than you could imagine. If performing is your thing then try a theatre group or comedy open mic night. If writing is more your speed, then there are dozens of writing support groups and you can find these both online and in person. The barriers are coming down.

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. As creatives it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfect. The problem with that is perfect is subjective. Our memories make things perfect so write the terrible first version of an idea, recite your poem and forget your words. You can always edit and fine tune later.

9.    And finally, why should people join Orchestras for All’s mission in breaking down barriers to music-making?

Orchestras for All is vital for the future of orchestral music. It directly challenges the paradigm of elitist music by putting the notes in the instruments of the musicians, not the hands of the people who can pay for it. In one of our writing sessions we talked about how the group engaged with orchestral music outside of the NOFA setting and one of the most popular ways was the music of film and video games.

These routes have broken down barriers to hearing the music of an orchestra, so why should the barriers to making orchestral music be any higher?  If great young musicians are gradually blocked out then the musical world shrinks and creativity withers until audiences are stuck hearing the same canon of canons, symphonies and fugues as the art fossilises. With the amazing talent and dedication of NOFA’s performers, tutors and organisers that will not be allowed to happen.

Please support our life-changing work with young musicians and donate 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 >

“The final performances were astounding!”: National Orchestra for All’s Manager reflects on her year

The end of a truly special season…

At the start of 2020, National Orchestra for All’s core team of staff had no idea that all their plans for the next cohort of young musicians would swiftly be scrapped and re-imagined in a way that the season had never been delivered before.

My name is Paula Morgan and I joined Orchestras for All (OFA) in February 2022 as NOFA’s new Programme Manager – a role I proudly took on. Shortly after, we would be delivering two residentials in person for the first time since the effects of the pandemic swept the nation.

No easy task. However, my motivation was spurred on by the NOFA members who had kept the orchestra alive via Zoom in spite of the world rapidly changing around them.

When planning the residential in April, a lot of thought and consideration went into how these young people would feel after being placed in a room of more than 100 people and, for some of them, playing their instrument outside the safety of their own home for the first time ever.

Read more: National Orchestra for All comes to Nottingham this summer with a powerful end-of-season concert >

National Orchestra for All musicians gather during their spring residential in Birmingham

Making music during a global pandemic

We’re all aware of the devastating impact the pandemic has had – especially on our young people – and so, for NOFA, our wellbeing programme was more important this year than ever. Artistically, they had been learning online for the past two years and finally had the opportunity to bring it all together.

We were so lucky to host our spring residential at iconic music venue, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Our young musicians travelled from every corner of the UK on buses, trains, planes, and taxis.

While there were a few anxious faces meeting us for the first time, many excited members were glad to be reunited with old friends. Others were curious about what the next few days would entail. We had a huge, friendly support team on hand to help guide them throughout as well as our wonderful team of orchestral tutors, wellbeing tutors, core staff members, volunteers and of course, NOFA’s influential Young Ambassadors.

We spent the next few days rehearsing the season’s diverse selection of repertoire, honing our skills and spending time socially to bond as a cohort.

The famed recital evening, a tradition enjoyed by young people and adults alike at each NOFA residential, had us all in tears as usual. The final performances (watch below) were astounding! Despite some of our young musicians struggling during the week and having to take time out, they all got on stage in the end and it sounded incredible.  

Experiencing for the first time – and in person – what NOFA is able to achieve in a few short days blew me away and spurred me on even more to prepare for our next residential.

A summer to remember

NOFA’s summer residential was hosted in Nottingham at Trinity Catholic School (also known as the school of the Kanneh- Mason siblings) and provided the perfect space for our ensemble to gather together.

With NOFA’s end-of-season public performance just on the horizon at the Albert Hall Conference Centre, we all made the most of our fun-filled week of playing music together, rehearsing the repertoire and welcoming young people who had attended in-person for the first time.

We were also thrilled to have José Ángel Salazar-Marin, Director of El Sistema Greece, to work with our young people, alongside OFA’s brilliant Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend.

Throughout the season, the level of commitment, dedication, patience and participation shown from everyone involved was astounding. This paid off after witnessing the orchestra’s memorable final performance – featuring striking new words written by NOFA members and spoken word artist, Ben MacPherson – at the end of our summer residential.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes from our young musicians before the final performance:

NOFA trumpeter, Tashan, said: “We’ve got a concert coming up! I’m super excited – we’re gonna play quite a few fun pieces at the Albert Hall. I can’t wait!”

Another NOFA member said: “I’m looking forward to the adrenaline rush that we get when we finish playing our pieces. [After the course], it’ll be sad though to see all our friends go back to wherever they came from!”

National Orchestra for All performs live in concert at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham

A keen percussionist added: “Guys, just remember: percussion is the best section! Make sure to listen out for our amazing solo during ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’.”

The OFA team were also really pleased to have received so much positive feedback from our audience members:

  • “As parents to sit in the audience and watch [our daughter] being part of this truly amazing and talented orchestra was one of our proudest moments!”

  •  “I saw your recent concert at the Albert Hall, Nottingham. It was brilliant. Good enough for the London Albert Hall!”

  • “Inspiring. Elevating. Fun.”

Final thoughts

To get through a pandemic and wrap up the season in the way that we did was truly special.

One NOFA member took to their feet to shout, “Hip hip!”, to which we responded, “Hooray!”. So, I say hip hip hooray to many more events with NOFA and would like to thank anyone reading this who helped us make this season happen or came to see us perform.

We’ll be sharing an image gallery of our favourite moments very soon and for anyone who missed out, or for those who would love to see it again, a video recording of NOFA’s final concert will also be available to view in full – watch this space!

To fund a life-changing musical programme like NOFA, please donate today >

Conductor José Salazar announced as special guest at National Orchestra for All’s summer concert

Pictured: Venezuelan violinist and conductor, José Ángel Salazar-Marin

“Music shouldn’t just be for the educated; our responsibility as musicians is to find new ways of making it accessible to everyone.”

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that José Ángel Salazar-Marin has been appointed as guest conductor at National Orchestra for All’s forthcoming summer concert.

Titled ‘The Way We See It’, the highly-anticipated recital, which is free to attend, takes place on Friday 29 July at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham and celebrates all that the 100-strong ensemble has achieved over the past two years – and with José leading the way, it’s sure to be an afternoon to remember.

The esteemed violinist and international Maestro first rose to fame at the age of 14 after participating in Venezuela’s prestigious El Sistema programme, which seeks to use music education as a vehicle for social change – cultivating an ‘affluence of spirit’ that today brings hope, joy and positive social impact to 400,000 children throughout the country as well as their families and local communities.

Despite growing up in a household with very little exposure to orchestral music, José’s involvement in El Sistema opened new doors of musical opportunity and the talented teenager soon found himself leading between 70 and 80 musicians in the Youth Orchestra of Nueva Esparta – earning him a media reputation as the ‘world’s youngest conductor’.

Since then, José’s career has taken him to new heights and he is currently Artistic Director at El Sistema Greece, where he hopes to inspire other young people who might wish to follow in his footsteps – making him the perfect person to lead the way at National Orchestra for All’s musical extravaganza.

Read more: National Orchestra for All is coming to Nottingham this summer with a powerful end-of-season concert >

We caught up with José ahead of the concert (watch video above), to find out more about conducting and why breaking down barriers to music-making is so vital…

Who or what inspired you to become a conductor?

“The first conductor I saw was Thomas Clamor – he was in Venezuela to work with a brass ensemble. I saw how happy he was, with all these marvellous gestures and smiles – how all this energy was just flowing around and how this environment was created.

“Apart from the music and its quality, I could feel that everybody was part of something – connected – and I just thought, ‘I want to be part of that’.”

Are you looking forward to working with National Orchestra for All this summer?

“What you do is marvellous. I’m really happy that you are the kind of organisation that is doing so much good for a lot of people. I’m excited and motivated to join you but also, I think this will be a really nice learning experience as well.

Meet National Orchestra for All’s musicians >

“I’ll do the best I can working with all these talented young people but everything that I receive from them will give me a lot of ideas about how to move forward. When I talk to teachers, I say that we’re like superheroes with a belt of different tools. I think that by [working with] Orchestras for All, it will give me some tools that I don’t have in my belt, so I’m really looking forward to it!”

“I think the best conductors are those who are really connected to people,” says the young Maestro.

What is the role of the conductor in terms of supporting the wellbeing of young musicians?

“I think a conductor is a facilitator and motivational coach. You have to bring out the best in young people but at the same time, be sensible enough to recognise what they need. You need to facilitate the process in which they’ll discover what they need and then express it.

“It’s just as important to focus on the artistic quality of what we do and as a musician, I try to pass on the best qualities I can. So yes, we are an educational programme, we are focused on wellbeing and we want young people to grow and develop themselves in a human way but also, we’re giving our best artistry-wise. My mission is to bring these things at the same level and always work on them in parallel.”

Read more: ‘We need to support the next generation of change makers’ – arts expert explains why wellbeing is vital for young musicians >

Can you share three top tips for aspiring conductors?

“First of all, you have to really love music – kind of become obsessed with it! Read about it, live with it, listen to it, compare it. As a conductor, you become a bit like a researcher – you’re always looking for new ideas and have to renew the ideas that you had because times change and we need to adapt.

“The second thing is that I don’t think the autocratic image of the conductor exists anymore; it’s more about team-playing, being a musician, being part of a group and enabling people to make music or express and discover who they are through music.

“The third thing is to never lose touch with humanity. Sometimes, when you get into the music business you can become too stiff or old-school, so I think the best conductors nowadays are those who are really connected to people – who are gentle, humble and open, always trying to make people feel good.”

José Ángel Salazar-Marin will be joining National Orchestra for All this summer as guest conductor.

What is the future of orchestral music?

“There are many new and interesting things happening – the inclusion of more female composers in the repertoire, the inclusion of more female conductors and musicians, and having an orchestra running programmes for the community. It’s not only about the image of the orchestra wearing a bow-tie and a nice concert hall but also, the image of an orchestra that plays on the street for people or who sits with the audience.

“As an institution, we need to invent new ways to motivate people to come into this world of music. Music isn’t something that should just be for the educated; our responsibility as musicians is to find new ways of making it accessible to everyone.”

Why should others join Orchestras for All’s mission to break down barriers to group music-making?

“Doing something good for others is as good as doing something for yourself – we live in a community. We’re social beings and I think that when others are better, you are also part of something better. The mission of an organisation like Orchestras for All – or of organisations like El Sistema and Sistema Greece where I work – is about bringing art closer to everyone and building a better society.

“The real value of music is watching people grow – creating spaces where there is dialogue, inclusion, no discrimination, respect for feelings and emotions, and where you motivate young people to help each other, listen to each other, be patient and discover new things as a team.

“You can have an orchestra of 300 young people and maybe only three or four will become professional musicians – but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that these experiences and the training will stay with them for the rest of their lives. When they grow up and go into their chosen field, they’ll always remember these values. So, [OFA] is an organisation worth supporting for the betterment of everyone.”

Book free tickets to National Orchestra for All’s summer concert >

National Orchestra for All comes to Nottingham this summer with a powerful end-of-season concert

This one’s not to be missed…

Orchestras for All (OFA) is excited to announce that its National Orchestra for All (NOFA) members will be performing live in concert this summer – and we would love for you to join us!

Titled ‘The Way We See It’, the musical extravaganza – which is free to attend – is due to take place at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham on Friday 29 July at 3:00p.m. and will celebrate all that our epic orchestra has achieved over the past two years.

From stomping Balkan tunes and anthemic clubby dance, to rousing Romantic music and one of Britten’s most iconic works, ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ (1945) – including newly-written spoken words – the eclectic programme of music will surely make it an afternoon to remember.

Along with OFA’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, the ensemble will be led by esteemed international maestro and violinist, José Ángel Salazar – who quickly rose to fame at the age of 14 after participating in Venezuela’s El Sistema music programme and became the world’s youngest conductor. Since then, José’s musical career has taken him to new heights and seen him work with a host of established orchestras as well as with communities of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Artistic Director at Orchestras for All, Emma Oliver-Trend, said: “We are all feeling really excited about NOFA’s summer concert. The friendship, commitment to the orchestra and love of music really shine through in our young people’s performance.”

Read more: Orchestras for All wins award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022 >

She continued: “This is a showcase of some superb orchestral music and hopefully, with something for everyone. I'm particularly excited that we are finding fun and easy ways for the audience to get involved in the performance too, so they get to share in the joy that is NOFA. A fun, friendly, family concert!”

Aged between 11 and 19, NOFA’s diverse young members come from all corners of the country and thanks to our charity’s fully-inclusive, non-auditioned programme, they have been able to experience the joy of music-making with others regardless of the daily barriers they face.

Orchestras for All is also working in close partnership with The Trinity Catholic School as part of the event, with a group of its pupils performing live alongside NOFA.

Nottingham Music Hub CEO, Ian Burton, said: “I’m really pleased that the National Orchestra for All is coming to Nottingham. Their work is inspirational in enabling young musicians with significant challenges to engage in orchestral music making and there is real synergy between their approach and that of the music hub here in Nottingham. Their music making is joyous – do go to hear it if you can!”

Free tickets are available to book via Eventbrite and to discuss any queries or access needs, please contact NOFA Programme Manager, Paula, via email at paula.morgan@orchestrasforall.org.

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, our sincere gratitude goes out to our individual donors and loyal funders – Arts Council England, Youth Music, Association of British Orchestras, The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, The Radcliffe Trust, Finzi Trust and The Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust – for making this concert possible.

Do spread the word, share the news with your network and we hope to see you there!

Book your free tickets via Eventbrite > 

British composer, DJ and university lecturer, Jack McNeill, invites music leaders to free webinar

The virtual event aims to empower music leaders across the UK and break down common barriers to using music technology in the classroom.

Orchestras for All is delighted to announce that internationally-recognised composer, DJ and Associate Lecturer in Music and Sound Recording at the University of York, Jack McNeill, will be hosting the second webinar in the charity’s Music Leadership Training series.

Titled Achieving Equity and Empowerment Through Music Technology, the live session will take place via Zoom on Tuesday 24 May 2022 and aims to boost the skills and confidence of music teachers and hub leaders across the UK.

Jack said: “I’m really excited to be working with Orchestras for All to bring you a workshop on demystifying music technology in the classroom, offering some ideas on the potential it has for equitable music-making.

“The session is about empowering teachers and students to use music technology. Hopefully, by the end we’ll be able to remove some of the barriers that people face when using the DAW (or digital audio workstation) and perhaps, to understand how technology might help students and teachers to achieve their creative or professional goals.”

Read more: Tear-jerking performances and togetherness wrap up National Orchestra for All’s memorable spring season >

Pictured: Composer, DJ and university lecturer, Jack McNeill, with National Orchestra for All guitarist, Kit

He continued: “There will be room in the session for an open discussion, so please come with ideas, thoughts and concerns that you might have come across while using music technology in your classroom. I look forward to sharing some of my own experiences and perspectives as well as hearing yours.”

It will surely be a memorable evening for both attendees and the keen composer, who is also a guitar tutor for National Orchestra for All (NOFA) and recently penned the score for the ensemble’s captivating audiovisual track, ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ (watch below) – created and performed by NOFA’s inspiring young members during the COVID-19 lockdown.

While Jack’s forthcoming webinar is free to attend, participants are invited to donate what they can to help the charity continue its life-changing work.

The event comes after leading saxophonist, author and music education consultant, Professor Nate Holder, launched OFA’s virtual series last November with a session exploring whiteness in music education, diversity versus decolonisation and how relationships form an integral part of a music educator’s practise.

Orchestras for All wins award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022 >

With thousands of music educators across the UK still facing significant challenges as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, the need to provide support and improve access to music-making is growing.

That’s why to complement the webinars, 10 online modules have become available as part of the charity’s Music Leadership Training course – providing flexible, hands-on guidance through short videos filmed in real life contexts and in partnership with leading practitioners.

As well as covering traditional conducting techniques, the course invites music leaders to reflect on approaches to group composing, learning music by ear, teaching music without notation and arranging music for inclusive ensembles

Thank you to each of our loyal funders, individual donors and supporters as well as The Rachel Baker Memorial Charity – without you, our Music Leadership Training programme and webinar series would not be possible.


Achieving Equity and Empowerment Through Music Technology will be available to livestream via Zoom on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 19:00 GMT.

Sign up for Jack’s free webinar >

‘Abolish barriers to group music-making – everyone has something to give,’ urges professional flautist

Credit: Twitter

“Why should a young person be told they have nowhere to play and no-one to make music with, just because they face daily challenges?”

Last month, Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme hosted four regional meets, bringing together 290 young musicians from across the UK for a joyous day of music-making.

Held at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, London’s Cecil Sharp House and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the meets gave Modulo participants – students from 23 different schools – the opportunity to experience the magic of playing with others as a large-scale ensemble.

During sectionals and rehearsals, 23 orchestral tutors were on hand to guide along this year’s diverse cohort of musicians, helping to boost their confidence and musical skills – and taking the lead in the woodwind was professional flautist, Jenny Dyson.

We caught up with Jenny to find out more about her experience of Modulo, musical inspiration and love of the flute…

Read more: Modulo resumes live events as music teachers and students join classrooms nationwide in ‘joyful’ music-making programme >

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do.

Hello, it is so lovely to be here! My name is Jenny and I am a professional flautist, which means that I am lucky enough to perform and coach music for my job.

I am a woodwind tutor for Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme through being a flute extra for the incredible BBC Philharmonic. I also freelance (play) with ensembles across the UK, tutor on music courses as well as teach the flute privately. I really love my job – I get to perform music and connect with so many diverse and wonderful musicians!

“The flute is flighty and fun one minute, sorrowful and strong the next,” says professional flautist, Jenny

2. What’s your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is dozing in and out of sleep next to my mum as a very young child, probably a toddler, watching our local orchestra.

It’s a warm and comforting memory, with the orchestral sound a bit like a musical blanket. I have always felt at home in the concert hall or at church, watching music. I feel it is a safe space and one that we should all be allowed to relax in – even as much as I did as a child!

3. Who, or what, inspired you to become a flautist?

Growing up, I had music teachers for parents and would sit watching them play in the local amateur orchestra. Music – classical music, in particular – was often played on the stereo at home, meaning I had a childhood completely surrounded by music.

And on my bedtime CD was Fauré’s ‘Pavane’ – I always loved that haunting melody played by the flute at the beginning, it’s still one of my favourite flute solos to play at home.

Read more: 13 marvellous reasons to join a Modulo orchestra at your school >

Pictured: BBC Philharmonic flautist, Jenny, leads a woodwind sectional during a March 2022 Modulo Meet

4. What do you love about playing the flute?

It is an instrument with so many different characteristics; flighty and fun one minute, sorrowful and strong the next. Not only is it a beautiful solo instrument, it can also blend its sweet sound with all the other instruments in an ensemble – just like painting creates other colours.

There are also many different types of flutes and whistles from all over the world to enjoy and explore – from bansuri flutes to dizis, folk flutes to panpipes. When you’re playing the flute in an orchestra, you can be within the texture one minute and the next you’re a high instrument, riding the top of the orchestral sound wave like a surfer!

5. Tell us about some of your career highlights so far.

For me, there are highlights during every project! I love joining the various orchestras that I work with and blending my sound with their wonderful wind sections.

I suppose playing on the Bridgewater Hall stage in Manchester for the first time was a big moment. After watching concerts as an audience member for years, to perform on that stage with a professional symphony orchestra felt incredible.

Of course, the big Modulo meets are always a highlight, too – and during lockdown, our online meets were especially inspiring. One of my all-time favourite highlights!

6. Have there been any challenges on your musical journey?

There have been challenges on my musical journey, absolutely. Unfortunately, every single musician will encounter and have to work through various challenges, whether they be financial, personal or institutional.

Read more: 7 ways to support autistic musicians in your youth orchestra >

However, now there are more voices than ever being raised when it comes to musicians’ wellbeing, inclusion and equality – the future is looking brighter! Do check out Her Ensemble, Chineke! Orchestra, National Open Youth Orchestra and Spectrum Ensemble.

7. If you could share three top tips with aspiring flautists, what would they be?

• Be curious – in your practice, in the concerts you see, in the music you play, and continue to discover new music, artists and performances.

• Be patient with, and kind to, yourself. Things take time, so enjoy the process!

• Play music with others! It may feel a little nerve-wracking at first but you will soon connect through your shared passion, make the best of friends and understand more about yourself and what makes you happy.

Read more: Tear-jerking performances and togetherness wrap up National Orchestra for All’s memorable spring season >

8. Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Oh, yes – I’m buzzing with excitement! Over the next few months, I am going to be playing Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G for a charity concert in the midlands and a big symphony (Mahler’s 5th) with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Jenny Dyson demonstrates flute techniques to a class of young music students during a Modulo school visit

I’ll also be working with schools from across the UK for Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme as well as depping (deputising) on the West End Lion King Tour, where I get to play a whopping 15 flutes! Woah!

9. And finally, why should people join OFA’s mission in breaking down barriers to music-making?

Music is communication, connection, expression, working as a team, supporting, taking the lead, taking responsibility and experiencing joy.

Why should a young person be told they have nowhere to play and no-one to make music with, just because they’re facing challenges like economic deprivation or living with a disability? Or because someone hasn’t judged them to be in the top one per cent of musicians in the country – and what does that even mean? Anyone can be a musician.

Everyone has something to give and can also receive a great deal from participating in group music-making. I believe we should abolish barriers to music-making and that is exactly the mission of OFA – creating a safe space for all young people to experience ensemble music-making… because ALL are welcome! 

To help us change young lives through the power of music, please donate today >

Tear-jerking performances and togetherness wrap up National Orchestra for All’s memorable spring season

“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.”

Read more: Orchestras for All wins award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022 >

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’.

Meet our musicians >

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 >

Orchestras for All wins award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022

“The judges were impressed by this initiative’s commitment to a truly inclusive experience for its members.”

Orchestras for All (OFA) is excited to announce that it has won the award for Outstanding Musical Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2022.

The prestigious accolade – sponsored this year by the Royal Marines Band Service – recognises any project in the UK that ‘has demonstrably improved music provision for students of any age,’ which can be run within an educational setting, charitably or commercially, and with any genre of music as its focus.

Taking place at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, last night’s glittering ceremony – hosted by Classic FM presenter, Myleene Klass – was attended by a team of individuals, schools, charities and organisations from all across the country, to celebrate the positive impact that these two key performing arts have on our lives.

Commending OFA for its efforts during the pandemic, Klass told audience members: “The judges were impressed by this initiative’s commitment to a truly inclusive experience for its members as well as a commitment to engaging with, and truly understanding, who they are trying to reach. They were also impressed by the team’s immediate and flexible response to lockdown.”

Meanwhile, Major Tom Crane of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood – known worldwide for their musical morale boosters – made the big announcement as one of the event’s main sponsors.

Read more: Modulo resumes live events as music teachers and students join classrooms nationwide in ‘joyful’ music-making programme >

Awards host and Classic FM presenter, Myleene Klass, joins OFA in celebrating the win (Credit: Twitter)

In the UK, thousands of young people aged 11-18 currently face significant barriers to orchestral music-making – whether that’s due to a physical disability, mental health condition, economic deprivation or rural isolation – and this has been exacerbated by the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meet Orchestras for All’s inspiring young musicians >

Orchestras for All’s vision is a country where any young person can have access to music-making – and to help achieve this, it has launched three powerful programmes: National Orchestra for All (the only fully inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra in the world), Modulo, which kickstarts a vibrant music-making culture in schools and music hubs, and its Music Leadership Training course, supporting under-resourced teachers across the country.

NOFA ambassador, Kate, said: “A massive thank you for this award! It’s amazing to see OFA being recognised on a respected stage for all the amazing work that we do. However, this wouldn’t have been possible without our inspiring members and their feedback as well as our staff, who work tirelessly to make access to music-making a more normalised opportunity in so many different societies.”

NOFA ambassador, Joe, commented: “Winning this award really does go to show just how committed OFA is to providing amazing support to individuals and schools around the country. We are so appreciative that our work for increasing inclusion and access to music has been seen and heard so widely! A tremendous thanks to those who have supported us through to winning this wonderful award.”

Orchestras for All takes to the stage with The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (Credit: Twitter)

Read Orchestras for All’s Impact Report 2020-2021 >

OFA’s Executive Director, Nick Thorne, added: “I have so much pride and admiration in everything that Orchestras for All has achieved during the pandemic and this recognition from the Music and Drama Education Awards goes out to each and every young musician, teacher, school, funder, partner, volunteer, tutor, trustee, freelancer and team member for their part.”

He continued: “It takes a village to raise a musician and without everyone, we wouldn’t be able to reach those most vulnerable young people who are too often excluded from participating in musical opportunities. My dream is that one day, organisations like Orchestras for All need not focus on breaking down barriers to music-making and that all organisations, schools, charities and musical opportunities in the UK are fully inclusive, accessible and open to all.”

Joining Nick for the memorable occasion were Emily Sayers and Kate Danielson, who both celebrate eight years of being on OFA’s Board of Trustees and will be stepping down after their final term this year.

The unsung heroes of the organisation, Kate and Emily, joined the charity at the very start and believed in its mission from day one. Between them, they have volunteered weeks of their time and supported the team to make OFA the impactful charity that it is today.  

OFA’s Executive Director, Nick Thorne, celebrates the award win with trustees Kate Danielson and Emily Sayers

Shortlisted alongside Orchestras for All in the Outstanding Musical Initiative category were Durham Music’s Big Play 2021, Lockdown Piping Club, Manor Music City, MiSST, Rap Club, Warwick Music Group (for Buzz21), and Young Voices, for YV Biggest Sing 2021.

Other worthy winners on the night included David Lewis, who took home the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ullswater Community College, for Outstanding School Music Department, and Theatre31, who won the Drama & Theatre Magazine Editor’s Award, to name but a few.

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, thank you to those who have been part of our incredible music-making journey so far – our work and this award wouldn’t have been possible without you.

To support OFA’s life-changing programmes, please donate today >