OUR VISION
A country where all young people have access to the joy of orchestral music-making – regardless of the daily challenges they may be facing
Why we exist
In the UK, the need to improve access to music-making for young people aged 11-19 is growing – and now with the coronavirus pandemic, it’s never been more important for society to address the issue.
Research has shown that music transcends educational ability, socio-economic status and disability – and yet, thousands of young people miss out on music making opportunities due to a lack of financial, social or cultural support.
An orchestra is the perfect platform for young people to express themselves, boosts the confidence and self-esteem of its members and can provide a safe space for those with challenging home or school lives.
An orchestra allows young people to unlock diverse social networks, forge lifelong friendships and develop crucial skills in teamwork and communication.
For young people facing significant challenges, an orchestra is so much more than an orchestra.
But with hundreds of schools nationwide suffering major cuts to music funding, our teachers and community leaders continue to share worrying stories of isolation.
Please join our movement today and help us tackle this issue – you’ll be making a difference to thousands of young musicians’ lives.
Tackling the issue
Over the past 10 years, Orchestras for All has developed three innovative programmes to break down significant barriers to orchestral music making for young people in the UK.
1. National Orchestra for All (NOFA)
A completely inclusive, mixed ability youth orchestra welcoming 100 young musicians from across the country who face barriers to music making. During each term, members come together to learn, compose and perform exciting programmes of repertoire.
“It’s made me more confident in everything I do. I’m not as shy and held back anymore... When I start new things outside of NOFA, I find that the confidence is still there.”
2. Modulo Programme
Here we support under-resourced schools and community groups to run ensembles, known as ‘Modulos’, regardless of skill level or access to instruments. Modulos are then brought together regionally and nationally to form dynamic, pop-up symphony orchestras.
“There had been such a lack of opportunity for ensemble work in school prior to the Modulo Programme... this has really inspired lots of change in the music department.”
3. Music Leadership Training (MLT
A CPD training course for music teachers and community music leaders, equipping them with the conducting and leadership skills they need to run their own ensemble. Empowered and confident, they can transform thousands of young lives through the joy of music making.
“I now have 100 per cent confidence in conducting at school – previously I’d had no experience of doing this.”
Our values
We know that music making boosts young people’s skills and enriches their lives forever. That’s why we wholeheartedly believe that orchestras are FOR ALL.
Inclusivity
We deliver our programmes in a flexible and inclusive way, so they are accessible to all – regardless of instrument skill level, additional needs or background. We value commitment to music above ability and provide high-quality artistic experiences to young people at any point during their musical journey.
Ownership
We continually develop our approach in placing the voices of the young people and music teachers with whom we work at the centre of our programmes. Our priority is giving participants a positive and memorable experience of ensemble music making, sowing the seeds of long-term community belonging and musical identity.
Collaboration
We work with external artistic partners, music arrangers and composers, workshop animateurs, cultural venues, social and additional needs experts, and a team of highly trained and experienced orchestral and pastoral tutors to ensure our programmes are delivered to the highest standard and give our participants positive experiences of music making that will last a lifetime.
