Royal Northern College of Music welcomes 83 young people for a day of group music-making with Modulo

Making lifelong memories at our third meet of the spring…

After kickstarting our spring Modulo meets in Birmingham and London, the Orchestras for All team took to the road once again to bring the charity’s powerful music-making programme to students in and around the city of Manchester.

Held at the Royal Northern College of Music, the third Modulo event of the season was attended by 83 young people from six maintained schools in the UK – including Hathershaw College, Bellerive, Bridgewater, Philips, St Patrick’s and Ullswater – and with bassoons, drum kits and electric guitars in the room, what a wonderful sound they all made.

With a revitalised push for more music in schools following the national plan for music education, the Modulo Programme exists to support teachers and community music leaders in setting up a small, inclusive ensemble of their own, before inviting participating students to team up with others from across the country to play together as one giant orchestra.

From soothing warmups with our Artistic Director, Emma, and a friendly greeting from Ambassador and former National Orchestra for All member, Haseeb, to an energising orchestral rendition of of an 80s pop classic, our Modulo meet in Manchester was surely a day to remember. Scroll down for a few of the highlights!

Read more: This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need >

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, 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:

This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need

Pure joy in the form of young people and their musical instruments…

As part of our spring meets for the Modulo Programme, 108 students from schools all across the country joined Orchestras for All in London for an energising day of group music-making.

Taking place at Camden music venue, Cecil Sharp House, the inclusive event came following a successful first Meet of the year at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, kicking off an exciting new season of activity with our mixed-ability ensembles.

Modulo’s main aim is to create a warm environment where young people from any background can thrive and enjoy making music with others – regardless of their musical ability, experience, personal circumstances or the instrument they choose to play – and the London leg of our spring Modulo tour certainly left both participants and staff members with fond memories.

All students did a fantastic job of playing through Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’ and Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’, with schools in attendance including Oak Wood​, Gable Hall, Southborough High School, Oasis Shirley Park, Thames Park as well as Harris Academy schools from Bermondsey, Merton, Morden and Orpington. Scroll down for all the highlights!

Read more: Modulo in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet >

Modulo Programme in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet

What a wonderful start to live activity in 2023…

On Tuesday, Orchestras for All welcomed 120 school students to the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham for its first Modulo Meet of the spring – and it was pure joy.

From calming stretches during group warmups and energetic sectionals to conducting demos with young people and full orchestra rehearsals, it was surely a day to remember and we’d like to extend our thanks to all those involved (including two of our inspiring Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah!).

Next week, we’ll be taking the Modulo Programme to Cecil Sharp House in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester but before we do, scroll down for a few of this week’s musical highlights!

Read more: 504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme >

Orchestras for All Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah

Here come our Modulo musicians!

Modulo participants head to the Theatre

Ambassador Chloe sets up the space

Xylophones at the ready

All about that bass...

Happy smiles with the glockenspiel

Hands up if you think percussion is the best section?

Our first Modulo ensemble of the year!

What a wonderful place to be

Breaking down musical barriers

Our brilliant conductor for the day, Emma!

All together now

Time for sectionals

Guitar tutor, Ralph, leads the way

Guitars rehearse '99 Red Balloons'

Our woodwind sectional, led by conductor Rocco

A snapshot of the brass

Fluttering flautists

Orchestral tutor, Lawrence, meets the strings

Pals in percussion

Melodicas work with orchestral tutor, Matt

Picking up the beat

Our orchestral tutors perform a surprise rendition of 'Spoitoresa'

Making new Modulo friends

Our inclusive orchestra welcomes keyboards too!

We do love a pink guitar

Rocking out

Is there anything better than a room full of musicians?

Ready to roll

Soaring strings

Time for a quick conducting demo!

Our superb woodwind section

Booming brass

So many shiny instruments!

Melodicas master 'Merry-Go-Round of Life'

Playing beautiful music

A Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student guides the percussion

Our magnificent Modulo ensemble

They looked and sounded spectacular

After a great day, it's a thumbs up for Modulo from Trystan!

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:

504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme

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.

Read more: BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All >

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.

Learn more about Orchestras for All’s impact >

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:

‘Before joining National Orchestra for All, I felt helpless – but now I’ve grown in confidence and independence,’ says autistic double bass player, Noah

‘It’s all about the music.’

In 2017, autistic musician, Noah, joined National Orchestra for All (NOFA) after struggling to access inclusive music-making opportunities.

Fast forward to 2023 and the 19-year-old double bass player is now an ambassador for the inspiring ensemble, which celebrates all young musicians regardless of their differences or personal circumstances.

We caught up with Noah and his mum, Su, to learn more…

How has NOFA impacted your life?

Noah: “Before I joined NOFA, it wasn’t a great time. I had difficult personal circumstances and wasn’t in school because of bullying and unmet support needs for my autism. I was lonely and had no-one to talk to. My future was very uncertain and I felt helpless.

“Then I met Ed and Charlotte (fellow double bass players) through NOFA who gave me more confidence in my bass playing. Ed encouraged me to do grades and I’m now working on Grade Six! I found other people I could talk to and share my love of music with. It really helped seeing different campus life, accommodation and more, and I am now planning to go to uni.

“My first concert in Leeds Arena was great. I got to play music and be part of a bigger thing. Going to Leeds was my first experience of being away from home – I have enjoyed going to different places. It has really helped my bass playing, I’ve grown in confidence and independence and I learnt to deal with challenges.”

Su: “The two-hour round trip to Leeds every week was a commitment but it really developed Noah’s confidence travelling on the train – a key life skill that didn’t come naturally to him. Throughout his time with NOFA, Noah has practised many vital skills in a safe and supportive environment outside of his special school. I can’t stress enough how much this helped his development and wellbeing.”

Read more: BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All >

Pictured: Noah (top right) plays double bass at National Orchestra for All’s summer concert in 2022.

What made you choose NOFA over another orchestra or music group? 

Noah: “I didn’t feel able to access anything else. I like having a week-long programme, spending so much time practising music and getting better. I felt included at NOFA – it doesn’t matter where you are from or what you are like, it’s all about the music rather than where you live or go to school.”

Su: “As a parent I have watched Noah struggle and hover on the edge of groups, never really being able to join in. He was adamant that he needed me to come with him to his first NOFA course. Here I was able to see him relax and join in and gradually, I was able to take a step back knowing he was in safe hands and supported by such a fantastic team. 

“As Noah gained in confidence to attend more independently, we were given the gift of respite care; something that used to be provided by local authorities but is almost non-existent now. For all the families of disabled members, NOFA provides a much-needed and appreciated service by default!

Please help us make a difference and donate to National Orchestra for All >

Any standout moments from NOFA 2021-2022?

Noah: “I enjoyed playing a solo; I did not have the confidence to do this when I started! And playing the music – my favourite pieces were Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and Romanian folk song, ‘Spoitoresa’.”

Su: “The whole course was just one brilliant thing after another; I saw Noah talking to other musicians and interacting. On the first evening, Noah also ventured into the common room by himself and then put himself to bed – this may seem trivial but these were major achievements. He had become so withdrawn and struggled so much, so NOFA has given him much more than the chance to perform wonderful music.

“NOFA’s recital evening also blew me away and seeing Noah perform made me cry! I couldn’t see how things could get any better but they did. I didn’t realise that Leeds Arena really is a vast arena. I just couldn’t believe what I saw and experienced. Thank you so, so much – OFA really has changed Noah’s life and our family are extremely grateful for everything.”

Did you learn anything in particular during your NOFA experience that will help you in future? 

Noah: “Confidence. Now I feel able to try new things and talk to people, like I did when I joined the Youth Board. Independence. When I first started, I needed my mum to come with me but now feel confident going away with NOFA on my own and being able to talk to people about music as well as other things including being able to ask for help. Finally, I’ve also improved my musical knowledge and understanding and would have the confidence to join another music group or orchestra as an adult!”

Read Orchestras for All’s latest impact report >

Su: “Noah also joined in with icebreakers, spoke in front of everyone at the teatime sessions and even played a solo. Noah has made huge progress socially, emotionally and musically. Music gives him all of these things and it was OFA that allowed him to take the first step to see the potential of where music could take him in life. Even before Noah got a place at a special school, his friends and family had all noticed a huge difference in him after his time with NOFA. He stood taller and spoke to people about the concert and course.

“I can’t even begin to list all the times staff have taken the time to encourage and support Noah. They are all so skilled, professional and kind, I don’t think they know the huge difference they are making – OFA’s generous nature makes everything flow so naturally. Members are appreciated for who they are and what they contribute. The sum of the parts of the orchestra is definitely much greater than all the individuals.”

Please support other young musicians like Noah and donate today >

BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All

The guitar virtuoso will be supporting young musicians in this year’s Modulo Programme, so we caught up with him to find out more...

Inspiring guitarist, vocalist, composer and improviser, Ralph Porrett, has been making waves on the music scene following his stellar live performance in the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 final last November.

Taking place at London’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, Ralph’s captivating show included an original suite of music, Ode to Arnheim, which he had written especially for house band, Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum, who accompanied him throughout.

The 23-year-old Guildhall graduate has also collaborated and toured with the likes of saxophonist and MOBO Award winner, YolanDa Brown, pop singer-songwriter, Tom Rosenthal, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, among many others, and is due to release his highly-anticipated collection of EPs throughout 2023.

When he’s not busy pursuing his own passion for music, Ralph dedicates his time as a guitar tutor and arranger to support participants of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme, which kickstarts a vibrant culture of orchestral music-making in maintained schools across the UK and brings young musicians together to perform as one large-scale ensemble.

During a recent interview (watch video above), Ralph told us: “I’m really excited to be involved with Modulo again this year, with our dates taking place in March and July. I’ve been looking at the guitar parts already and re-orchestrating some of them to make them as fun, guitar-friendly and accessible as possible for all levels and abilities.”

Read more: OFA celebrates positive change for young musicians in latest impact report >

Pictured: Guitarist Ralph Porrett performs live at the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 final (BBC)

Ralph continued: “Guitar isn’t a traditional orchestral instrument – but participants of Modulo can expect to be playing some really fun music that does fit in to an orchestral ensemble. I think they’ll have a great time collaborating and music-making with some classical instruments that guitarists might not usually have the opportunity to play with.”

Learn more about the Modulo Programme >

Before teaming up with students from other schools at OFA’s Modulo Meets, individual Modulos – a group of up to 15 young people, aged 11-18 – are formed, which are totally inclusive and welcome players regardless of their musical ability, previous experience or chosen instrument, in a bid to break down barriers to music-making.

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.”

All about that bass: Ralph supports a Modulo guitar sectional at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Sharing top tips for new Modulo participants, Ralph said: “Collaborate with like-minded individuals in your section and make new friends. You’ll also play diverse repertoire at Modulo, which can present stylistic challenges and expose you to music that you might not necessarily listen to but have the opportunity to play.

“And finally, at the end of a Modulo day you’ll get to perform your work – that’s so important because you can be in your bedroom all day long practising your music to your heart’s content but actually, music is about giving and expressing these things that we’re feeling with others.”

Watch Modulo musicians in action at the Royal Northern College of Music >

Speaking out about the importance of diversity and inclusion, Ralph added: “When you have a network of people from different backgrounds, how amazing that can be. They might have different education, be different ages and listen to different music at home but when you throw them all in a room together, that’s when special things happen and the most original music-making can take place.

“The arts industries are usually a reflection of what’s happening culturally and art should drive the ideas and thoughts of wider society. It’s important that musical institutions think really seriously about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility – and that’s why it’s so brilliant that children can get involved with Orchestras for All because that’s their mission.”

To support young musicians on our Modulo programme, please donate today >

Orchestras for All celebrates positive change for young musicians across the UK in latest impact report

“Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists.”

Orchestras for All (OFA) has released its impact report for 2021-22 as the charity continues its life-changing work in breaking down barriers to music education for young people in the UK.

From taking home the award for ‘Outstanding Musical Initiative’ at the UK-wide Music and Drama Education Awards 2022, to raising £17,000 for its programmes through a heartwarming digital campaign, Music Changes Lives, there’s certainly been much to celebrate.

OFA’s trustee and National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alumna, Joelle, commented: “It’s been yet another eventful year, full of exciting activities, productive meetings and incredible achievements as well as a time of reflection. After coming out of lockdown, we were finally able to return to in-person events, reuniting the young people we work with and inspiring even more music leaders.

“Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again after a long two years of the pandemic was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists and is so needed. Team discussions constantly revolve around ‘what is best for young people’ and ‘what we can do better for them’.”

Read more: Season’s greetings: 12 days of Orchestras for All memories >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians perform live in Nottingham in summer 2022

Alongside growing its team to become truly national, OFA held two live webinars for 91 participants in 2022 as part of its Music Leadership Training programme. Meanwhile, six online events and nine live events took place for its NOFA and Modulo programmes, welcoming 35 Modulo schools and 82 NOFA members.

Learn more about OFA’s three programmes >

With youth leadership at the forefront of OFA’s work, the Youth Board and team of Young Leaders were involved in key decision-making throughout the year, while five inspiring NOFA alumni were engaged to join the team as ambassadors – playing a crucial role in the delivery of OFA’s activity, from logistical to marketing.

Joelle said: “Despite having so much to feel proud of, OFA remains humble and self-critical. This is what drives the team forward and allows them to achieve so much. That’s why over the past year, the charity has introduced dedicated safe spaces and increased the number of wellbeing staff at its events as well as creating ‘pen profiles’ for all young musicians and staff, which highlight an individual’s specific needs to ensure they receive the right level of support.”

She continued: “OFA is an amazing charity that helped us tremendously throughout our adolescence and makes us proud now as adults. Although we’ve reached our final few months as Chairs of the Youth Board, we couldn’t feel more secure in passing the torch on to Chloe Morgan – our newly-recruited Trustee and National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alumna.”

With plans for 2023 already in full swing, OFA is now approaching its first full season of face-to-face musical activity since 2018-19, which will be complemented by online meetings and briefings and a strengthened wellbeing offer to ensure all young people, staff and trustees are fully supported throughout.

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, the team would like to thank all those who were part of the charity’s journey in 2021-22 and look forward to welcoming the next cohort of young musicians and music leaders to its programmes this year.

See OFA’s 2021-22 impact report >

Season’s greetings: 12 days of Orchestras for All memories

From award wins to powerful live concerts, that’s a wrap on 2022…

What a memorable year it has been! We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for here at Orchestras for All (OFA) and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were part of our journey in 2022.

Without the ongoing support of our incredible partners, funders, supporters, tutors, trustees, volunteers, alumni, ambassadors, and of course, our brilliant Youth Board, OFA’s life-changing programmes for young people would not be possible.

OFA’s young trustees, Beth and Joelle, told us: “It’s been yet another eventful year, full of exciting activities, productive meetings and incredible achievements as well as a time for reflection. Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again after a long two years of the pandemic was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists and is so needed.”

We can’t wait to meet and get started with our new cohort of National Orchestra for All and Modulo musicians very soon.

For now though, it’s time to rest up and recharge but to mark the festive period, we’ll leave you with 12 OFA memories from 2022 – and 2023, we’re ready for you! 

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1. The excitement of returning to live activity and reconnecting with our musical friends

2. Winning the award for ‘Outstanding Musical Initiative’ at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2022 – OFA’s first ever award

3. We met with Modulo schools and collaborated with diverse students and music leaders from all across the country, playing an eclectic programme of repertoire

4. Welcoming barrier-smashing new members of the team, Youth Board and trustees – including National Orchestra for All (NOFA) member, Chloe!

5. NOFA’s famed recital evenings – we laughed, we cried and most importantly, we went away feeling inspired by the young people we work with

6. Our powerful summer concert with NOFA, complete with body percussion, a Britten masterpiece and spoken word produced in collaboration with poet, Ben Macpherson

7. Raising over £18,000 from our winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, hosted by NOFA members Tashan, Nell and Chloe

8. Being constantly blown away by how incredible our five Ambassadors were – for example, Kate and Joe’s epic presentation on behalf of OFA at NYMAZ and Harrison Parrott’s Symposium

9. Collaborating with experts from across the music and education sectors during our thought-provoking Music Leadership Training webinars

10. Sharing a virtual tea break with esteemed conductor and Artistic Director at El Sistema Greece, José Ángel Salazar-Marin, who led the way at NOFA’s summer concert

11. Introducing pen profiles for all the young people and staff that we work with to ensure they receive the right level of support and their wellbeing remains a top priority

12. And finally, celebrating becoming a National Portfolio Organisation, helping us support even more young musicians nationwide who need it the most – a fantastic way to end the year!

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A winter-ful design

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank National Orchestra for All violinist, Patience, for designing this colourful greetings card for OFA! We’re sure you’ll all agree that her musical snowman looks super cool.

Have a restful, music-filled festive break, everyone!

Keen to support young musicians through our programmes? Please donate today >

Over £18,000 raised for aspiring young musicians after members of the public perform together for the first time

“It was the best day of my year, if not years!”

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to share that its winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, has raised £18,101.20 for young people engaged in its life-changing programmes, who would otherwise struggle to access musical opportunities due to the daily barriers they face.

Hosted last month at Westminster School, London, the inclusive event welcomed a diverse cohort of all ages, skillsets and backgrounds, who played together as an orchestra for the very first time – with many also picking up a new instrument for the first time. They were led by OFA’s Artistic Director and conductor, Emma Oliver-Trend, and supported by a friendly team of orchestral tutors, alumni and National Orchestra for All members – all kindly volunteering their time on the day.

After spending the morning rehearsing an eclectic programme of repertoire – including ‘Allegro’, taken from Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A minor, and Romanian folk tune, ‘Spoitoresa’ – attendees performed together live in concert for an audience at the school.

Ten-year-old participant, Mahi, said: “My piano teacher told me about Musical Chairs. I thought it sounded fun and it was for a good cause, so I played the flute. I enjoyed meeting new people and the challenge of making new pieces sound perfect in one day. Everyone should have the chance to do this because you can express yourself musically.”

Her father, Ketan, also joined the ensemble. He told us: “I signed up Mahi and was gratified to be asked to join the percussion section when we showed up – it was touching that the volunteers cheerily thought I could contribute too, so I was on the tambourine and congas (having never played them before!).”

Read more: Vulnerable young musicians supported nationwide as Orchestras for All secures new Arts Council England funding >

Pictured: Ten-year-old participant, Mahi, plays the flute with the Musical Chairs 2022 orchestra

Ketan continued: “I enjoyed discovering a new musical ability, being encouraged to dive in without thinking too much and producing a workable sound despite having no experience whatsoever. Nervousness evaporated quickly with tutor Andre’s strong support, teaching and confidence that we could do it without fuss. I was quite happy to tell anyone who’d listen at the end of the concert that it was the best day of my year, if not years! The volunteers were kind and helpful and Emma was encouraging throughout.”

As part of the fundraising concert, audience members also heard first-hand accounts from those who have benefitted from OFA’s work – including young trustee, Chloe Morgan, National Orchestra for All (NOFA) trumpeter, Tashan, and fellow NOFA trumpeter, Cameron, who gave a heartfelt speech alongside his mother, Polly.

Read more: Meet Orchestras for All’s barrier-smashing new trustees! >

Ketan said: “Without music and music-making, we are lost and really cannot thrive in any other parts of our lives. OFA‘s mission to break down barriers for young people is essential for opening doors in music and other areas of their potential. During the concert, it was touching to hear some of them tell the audience how OFA has transformed their lives. Young people are among the wisest people I come across, since they are not completely conditioned as yet to see life as a glass half empty – their clarity and honesty is compelling.

“I am mystified why being what you are limits your possibilities due to others’ prejudices – and that is why OFA’s work on diversity, inclusion and youth voice is essential to removing barriers. The barriers may never be completely removed but the music-making must go on!”

To the beat: Orchestras for All’s percussion tutor, Andre (left) and Musical Chairs participant, Ketan (right)

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank Harriet’s Trust for match funding the event, our wonderful participants, orchestral tutors, alumni, volunteers, funders, individual donors and Westminster School for making Musical Chairs 2022 possible. Scroll down for a few of the highlights!

If you would like to support OFA’s life-changing work for aspiring young musicians across the UK, please donate what you can today >

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Musical Chairs 2022 in pictures

Orchestras for All Trustee and cellist, Joelle

Question time from the strings during rehearsals

Fluttering flautists

Music can be enjoyed by everyone

From guitars to melodicas, all instruments are welcome in our inclusive ensemble

It’s all smiles from OFA trustees and Musical Chairs participants, Lucinda (middle) and Rosie (right)

Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director and conductor, Emma, leads the way

Modulo Programme Manager, Sam (middle) and OFA’s Executive Director, Nick (right) join the strings

Inspiring National Orchestra for All flautist, Ricardo, supports the woodwind section

The full ensemble

Impromptu percussionist, Ketan, couldn’t wait to get stuck in!

OFA’s Founding Director, Marianna

Going strong on the xylophone

Booming brass

Collection buckets at the ready for our winter fundraiser!

Final rehearsal before the afternoon concert

A witty host: National Orchestra for All trumpeter, Tashan, introduces the live show

Powerful words were shared by young musicians as part of the event

A moving speech from National Orchestra for All trumpeter, Cameron, and his mum, Polly

Our diverse cohort included complete beginners to professionals with years of experience

Mahi and OFA volunteer, Laura, put their busy day of rehearsals to the test – and did an excellent job!

National Orchestra for All’s keyboard tutor, Matt, plays along to ‘Spoitoresa’ on the melodica

Audience members enjoy a quick video starring young musicians from the Modulo Programme

Musical Chairs participant and OFA Trustee, Philip Raperport, takes a moment to enjoy the show

Time for some audience participation – body percussion with orchestral tutor, Andre!

One of OFA’s young trustees, Chloe, shares what Orchestras for All means to her

A round of applause from Artistic Director, Emma

Participants congratulate each other after a brilliant live performance

Pictured (middle): Orchestras for All’s strings tutor, Lawrence

National Orchestra for All pals, Ricardo and Tashan

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Musical Chairs 2022 – we hope to see you again soon!

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‘Tis the season to be jolly: meet Orchestras for All’s barrier-smashing new trustees!

From fundraising experts and young musicians to marketing-savvy professionals, here we introduce the latest additions to our team…

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that its Board of Trustees has welcomed six inspiring new members in a bid to elevate its practice and take the charity to new heights.

The decision comes as OFA continues to strive towards its bold vision: a country where all young people have access to the benefits of orchestral music-making regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing.

According to the Young Trustees Movement, less than 3 per cent of charity trustees are aged 30 and under despite young people often being an integral part of their work, while one in 12 trustees are named either John or David – highlighting the growing need for board diversity across the sector.

With this in mind, OFA is proud to share that its new trustees include Belfast-based musician, Chloe Morgan – an alumna of its inclusive, non-auditioned youth orchestra, National Orchestra for All (NOFA), who participated in three seasons of the programme and also supported the charity as a dedicated Young Leader, Youth Board member and co-host of OFA’s online fundraising launch event last winter.

This means that a quarter of OFA’s Board of 12 Trustees are currently aged 23 and under or alumni of its programmes. Chloe said: “Joining OFA back in 2018, I had no idea that I would wind up a trustee but I always wanted to give back to the organisation that led me down the path to here. From a young age, I’ve had a passion for politics and community work (and of course music) but it was joining OFA that made me realise the gap that existed for accessible music-making – and the need to fill that gap.”

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Chloe continued: “Having benefitted so much from music and NOFA, I’m excited to help OFA evolve and I’ve already been involved in discussions about exciting new things. Learning from the OFA team and Board of Trustees is a big thing for me – they have so much experience in so many fields and I’m sure I’ll be all the wiser from working with them. Most importantly, I’m ready for OFA to achieve what the Youth Board likes to call “world domination!”.

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Joining Chloe on the Board is senior leader in the international development sector, Rosie Parkyn, who runs a radio station for young people at Riverside Studios, and Rachael Adediran, who takes over from former trustee, Emily Sayers, and has kickstarted a culture of music-making for hundreds of young people during her time as Associate Assistant Principal at Skinners’ Academy in Hackney, London.

Rosie said: “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to access and make music as much as they wish. It is always life-enhancing and can be transformational. I am frustrated that these opportunities are still not available to all young people – they should not be a luxury. This is why I support the fantastic work of Orchestras for All. I am immensely proud to be a Trustee and hope that my professional experience in non-profit leadership will help this organisation realise its immense potential.”

Rachael added: “I first knew music was going to feature in my life aged seven when I passed the ‘test’ to have flute lessons at school and, in the same year, joined the Steel Band – no test necessary! These two steps started me on a lifelong journey of music-making and I have actively worked to remove barriers to participation for young people. OFA also does fantastic, truly inclusive work in removing those barriers, so I'm really excited to be part of its journey as a Trustee and support the team who drive it forward!”

Pictured (clockwise): New Orchestras for All trustees Rachael Adediran, Chloe Morgan, Philip Raperport, Rosie Parkyn, Dominic Parker and Lucinda Coulthard

Working alongside Rosie and Rachael is Director of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Dominic Parker, whose background includes fundraising and marketing for Southbank Centre, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as freelance arts fundraiser and former Head of Development at Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Lucinda Coulthard, and Commissioning Executive for BBC Sounds and Radio 3, Philip Raperport.

Dominic said: “OFA is doing incredible work and is at a pivotal point in its development, having just joined the Arts Council’s NPO portfolio. I’m very happy to be joining the Board of Trustees and to lend my support and experience as this inspirational company continues to make music with hundreds of young people each year.” 

Lucinda commented: “I can’t remember when music wasn’t part of my life. Learning the recorder with my classmates during Year one at Primary School was possibly the first time I felt genuinely good at something – and now I know how much I benefitted from that newfound confidence. I firmly believe that every young person should be able to achieve their potential – and there is plenty of evidence to prove how much performing music in ensembles can help with so many important life skills. I’m so pleased to be a Trustee of OFA and I look forward to playing my part in its future.”

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Philip added: “The role of collective music-making in stimulating creativity, developing social skills and supporting wellbeing is hugely undervalued, and OFA’s mission to support and empower young people through access to instruments and playing music together has never been more important. As a Board Trustee, I hope I can play a small part in supporting the charity’s big ambitions. I’m most excited about working with and learning from the Youth Board and other young trustees. OFA is unique in the way it prioritises and champions young voices, not only through its programmes but within the charity itself.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, huge congratulations to each of our new trustees and a warm welcome to the team!

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