Making musical memories with the Modulo Programme…
This spring, Orchestras for All brought together 243 incredible young musicians from 16 schools to perform in some of the UK’s top venues. Through our Spring Modulo Meets, students from all corners of the UK came together to create, collaborate, and perform—many of them for the very first time as part of a large-scale ensemble.
We’ve been overwhelmed by how positive the response has been from the students and teachers! Let’s dive into what we got up to…
What is the Modulo Programme?
Modulo is Orchestras for All’s flagship schools programme, kickstarting a vibrant culture of inclusive music-making within state schools and community groups - regardless of background, ability, or resources.
The Spring Meets are our formal way of kicking off the programme. Students from participating schools take a day off normal school activities for a day of rehearsals, workshops and a final run-through of the pieces they’ve worked on at a world-class venue.
This year our meets took place throughout February and March in Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, Cecil Sharp House, London and CBSO Centre, Birmingham.
But it doesn’t just end there! After the spring meets we send one of our fabulous tutors to lead a workshop in-school to help keep the students inspired. After months of hardwork, we regroup again in July for the main event of our Modulo Programme - the Summer Meets - where our students will come together for the last time this season to celebrate their work this year.
Repertoire as diverse as our musicians
This spring we are working a wide range of repertoire chosen in collaboration with our young people including: ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘A Keelie Makolay’, a traditional Ghanaian folk song, and ‘The Great Gate of Kyiv’ from Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’.
Modulo participants explored new genres, styles, and musical ideas - building not just their skills, but also their confidence and creativity. And as for the instrumentation of our groups, no instrument is turned away. Our inclusive orchestras include drummers, electric guitarists, melodicas and more.
The response from Students
Led by professional tutors and musicians, the Modulo Meets gave young people the chance to play alongside peers from across the UK, engage in sectional rehearsals and improvisation workshops and experience the joy of ensemble playing in inspiring venues.
After the Meets we found that:
92% of students said they enjoy playing music more after Modulo
91% felt more confident playing in a group
84% felt better at collaborating with others
76% were inspired to pursue future musical pathways
Here are a few of our Modulo student’s favourite moments:
“When we played together as a group it made me feel like a professional artist.”
“Yes, it gave me more confidence to look into a future in music.”
“I saw a double bass for the first time – which was cool.”
“I spoke to everyone in the group – it gave me more confidence.”
What Teachers Are Saying
Another way the Modulo programme impacts communities is through helping teachers. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“Some of the students I’ve got today have never left their county before. It’s really widened their eyes.”
“Looking at that orchestra, it looks more like my school. Our students don’t usually see themselves on stage—but today they did.”
“Modulo gave us a way to make music together, even though we don’t have an orchestra in school.”
Why It Matters
At Orchestras for All, we believe music should be for everyone - not just the privileged few. The Modulo Programme reaches young people who might otherwise never have the chance to play in an orchestra, experience live music-making, or feel the power of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
Modulo is not just about music. It’s about confidence, creativity, friendship, and possibility.
Help Us Do More
This spring was special - but with your help, next year’s Modulo programme can be even better. Your support could help us:
Reach more schools in underserved areas
Provide instruments, travel, and access for those in need
Expand our tutor and workshop programme