Celebrating 15 years of Orchestras for All at the State Rooms, Speaker’s House, House of Commons

To celebrate 15 years of Orchestras for All, we hosted a special evening at the State Rooms, Speaker’s House at the House of Commons in June by kind permission of Mr Speaker, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP. Joined by friends, partners, donors and funders who have supported our journey, we celebrated the life-changing power of inclusive music education and its impact on young people across the UK! 

The evening saw performances from Fir Vale Academy, Sheffield’s Lead School for music and a part of our Modulo programme, as well as performances from National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alums Deronne White and Ambassadors Bella and Jesse.  

Since 2011, Orchestras for All has had a huge impact on thousands of young people. In that time we have worked with: 

• 1,200 musicians through our NOFA 5,000 musicians through our Modulo programme 

• 2,000 teachers through our Music Leadership Training programme 

• 77 young people and alums to help us run the charity, from Co-Chairing our board of Trustees, to our Youth Board, to paid freelance and management team roles.  

Co-Chair of Trustees, Beth, shared: “You see, OFA caters to young individuals from all walks of life. There is no barrier we will not break down. We believe that access to music making is a right every young individual should have.” 

“One of my favourite OFA slogans is the youth boards motto ‘nothing about us, without us’, I think that truly does portray the importance of empowering our young people.” 

This motto rang true on the night too, with speeches shared from three alums, Beth, Sophie and Jesse. 

Ambassador Sophie shared: “If it wasn't for OFAs ethos, I would have never had these opportunities and I would be a very different person. OFA has inspired me to keep making music during tough times and has made me into the musician and person I am today. I am so glad I get to be here to celebrate 15 years of this incredible organisation.” 

Ambassador Jesse closed his speech with a word of thanks: “I know personally that I would not be the same person without this organisation. So today, I just want to say thank you — to the staff, tutors, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who makes NOFA possible. Thank you for believing in young musicians. Thank you for creating opportunities. And thank you for continuing to prove how powerful music can be when everyone is given the chance to take part.” 

This summer, our celebrations continue with the finale of our Modulo and NOFA seasons, including our inclusive family concert on Sunday 5 July 

You can book tickets to see NOFA in action here: 

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 15 years, including every young person, school, teacher, music educator. As well as our team, Trustees, Youth Board, freelancers, funders, donors, partners and friends – we couldn’t do it without you! 

Get involved! Orchestras for All invites young people in the UK to join its next season of inclusive programmes

“OFA is the place where confidence is built, ambitions are formed, and careers are kickstarted.” 

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that it is now recruiting young people, state schools and local community groups for two of its flagship programmes: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) and the Modulo Programme.  

Whether a young person is an experienced player or just getting started, OFA welcomes all young people to join our vibrant community and experience our life-changing opportunities.

NOFA cellist, Jess, said: “NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes.”  

One Modulo teacher also said: “It has given my students real life experience of playing in a big ensemble and the skills that involves. Today, in a choir rehearsal, a pupil involved in Modulo mentioned leaving silence at the end and feeling the ‘magic in the air’ – something she learnt from conductor Rocco. It seems the lessons they learned have stayed with them.”  

Read more: Orchestras for All wins RPS Impact Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards> 

What are the NOFA and Modulo programmes?

National Orchestra for All:

NOFA is our inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra. Each season it brings together 100 young people from all four corners of the UK. NOFA members come from all backgrounds, at any stage in their musical journey, playing any instrument they choose. 

The orchestra performs all types of music, from popular songs to classical works, film music to jazz, video game soundtracks to dance anthems  – with pieces coming from around the world. Members also have the opportunity to create their own pieces with professional composers -it doesn’t get much cooler than that!  

 Plus, we want to make sure that cost isn’t a barrier to participating, so everything is covered when a young person joins NOFA, including their food, travel, accommodation and tuition.  

“The teachers really understand you and take care of you!”

— NOFA member

The Modulo Programme:

We support teachers and music leaders in state schools, local community groups and music hubs and services to set up and run their own ‘Modulo ensemble’ which is accessible to every young person.  

They receive all the music, training and resources they need to create an inclusive, sustainable and high-quality musical experience for young people, ensuring they have fun every step of the way. 

“Thanks to Modulo our students and staff are thriving.”

— Modulo teacher

Throughout the year, Modulos from different parts of the UK come together to play as multiple large-scale orchestras at our ‘Modulo Meets’, alongside our expert team of professional musicians - with each culminating in a celebratory showcase of group music-making.  

Read more: Orchestras for All wins award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the ABO Impact Awards> 

Reflecting on our most recent season 

 With its wide range of workshops, social activities, youth leadership initiatives and colourful concerts, NOFA’s 2025-26 season has been a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Members have had the opportunity to rehearse and perform at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire , all whilst being supported by an incredible team of Ambassadors, Orchestral and Wellbeing Tutors. 

 Chosen in collaboration with the young people we work with, NOFA’s current repertoire includes an eclectic mix of works.

For NOFA’s season finale in July 2026, members will be performing ‘Spring Morning’, written by NOFA alum, Chrsitian Dews, ‘This is Berk’, taken from John Powell’s original soundtrack for film, How to Train Your Dragon, a new arrangement of Carlos Garcia’s Ritmos Ciganos, created in collaboration with NOFA members and Kinetika Bloco, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Mvt. 4 and traditional Ghanian folk tune, ‘A Keelie Makolay’. They will also be premiering an exciting 15th birthday commission, written by Emily Lim. 

You can book tickets to see NOFA in action now:

“I’ve been exposed to a lot of music that I never would have listened to. It has actually put me on a path that I never would have expected.”

— NOFA member

Meanwhile, 235 young musicians from 24 schools and community groups joined us for six dynamic Modulo Meets at leading arts venues in Sheffield, Gateshead and Birmingham. Performing Queen’s iconic anthem, ‘We Are the Champions’, as part of their concert programme, participants had audiences singing and dancing all over the country. 

This season, we have been delighted to see several new Modulo ensembles established. We also held many in-person workshops, created visual scores, or music maps, to make our resources more inclusive, continued to utilise our digital hub for Modulo leaders to access their resources more easily and worked with three Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) schools.  

Why should you join our programmes? 

By signing up for National Orchestra for All and Modulo, young people and music leaders will have the opportunity to: 

• Be part of a national movement: Connect with like-minded individuals from across the UK and be part of something bigger that shapes the future of music. 

• Make music accessible: Help us break down barriers to group music-making, making it possible for all young people to get involved, regardless of their background. 

• Perform in inspiring venues: Experience the thrill of performing in some of the UK’s most iconic spaces. 

• Learn from the best: Receive expert training and mentorship from professional musicians and educators, with the safety and wellbeing of young people at the heart of all our activities.

How to apply:

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Take a moment to sign up - we’d love to have you as part of the Orchestras for All community! 

Learn more about our application process and application deadlines below:

Huge thanks to our funders, partners, donors and supporters for making these life-changing programmes possible. 

Orchestras for All wins RPS Impact Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards

Photography by Mark Allen

Celebrating an incredible win for inclusive music-making across the UK.

Orchestras for All (OFA) is proud to announce that it has won the RPS Impact Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards! 

Held at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on the 12th March, these awards - billed by The Sunday Times as 'the biggest night in UK classical music’ – celebrate classical music’s power and resonance nationwide. The night was hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Georgia Mann and Petroc Trelawny, with trophies presented by RPS Chair Angela Dixon. 

The awards are hosted by The Royal Philharmonic Society, which commissioned Beethoven to write his ninth symphony, and now supports emerging composers, female conductors and creates opportunities for musicians to excel. 

The RPS Impact Award is designed to celebrate ‘ventures that prove classical music's life-changing role in society’ - recognising the work we do to ‘empower young people to take charge and have leadership roles in creative opportunities nationwide’. 

Read more: Discover the 2026 RPS Award winners >

Photography by Mark Allen

The award was collected by several of our Ambassadors and alums: Cameron, Kit,  Isabella, Shannon and Tashan, alongside members of our team and Trustees. As part of the ceremony, Isabella gave an acceptance speech, which we are pleased to share:

 “Hello, I hope everyone's having a wonderful night. My name is Isabella and I am an Ambassador for Orchestras for All, however many moons ago I was once a student in this fantastic organisation. I must say it feels so powerful to stand here tonight, once a young girl petrified to join my first ensemble now a proud employee of, in my opinion, one of the greatest music organisations in the nation. The work we do is incredible, it changes lives and I'm proof of that.  

There are so many biases against so many groups in the classical music world such as class, disabilities and race. We are here to break down those barriers and prove with the right tools anyone can achieve anything regardless of their life path. We believe holistic learning changes lives, experiences changes lives. Music changes lives.  

Photography by Mark Allen

I want to give a massive thanks to RPS for the award tonight and Oxford University Press for sponsoring it. A big thank you to anyone who has supported our journey over the past 15 years. And most of all thank you to the young people for inspiring us every single day.  

To close I would like you all to take a moment to open your eyes to all the people you pass by on the street every single day. People with massive hidden potential but miss the opportunity to thrive due to the barriers they are facing. When can we stop talking about making the music sector more accessible and start doing it.  

We believe there is always more to be done and we will not stop until music education is available to all.  

Thank you.” 

Keen to support OFA’s award-winning work? Please make a difference and donate what you can to our charity today: 

Orchestras for All wins award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the ABO Impact Awards

“The presence of Orchestras for All in the orchestral sector has changed the landscape of youth music” 

Orchestras for All (OFA) is proud to announce that it has won the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award at the 2026 ABO Impact Awards! 

Held at the Southbank Centre, this inspiring ceremony celebrated organisations and individuals working across the UK classical music sector whose work demonstrates the values of inspiration, innovation or collaboration. 

Thank you to the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) for this energising recognition of our work, and to our incredible community for your continued support. Receiving this award reaffirms the importance of our mission to break down barriers so that all young people can experience the joy of orchestral music-making, regardless of the challenges they face.  

Announcing the Award, Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah told the audience, “The presence of Orchestras for All in the orchestral sector has changed the landscape of youth music, placing youth voice at the centre of their work and encouraging the sector to embed young people in its governance, strategy and delivery.”  

 Read more: Orchestras for All joins Music Mark’s podcast to talk Youth Leadership

Orchestras for All celebrate winning the ABO Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award 

At Orchestras for All, we know that inclusive music-making changes lives. As we enter our 15th anniversary year, we are aware that the barriers we set out to overcome in 2011 have only increased.  

Today, challenges such as rising mental health concerns, widening inequality, and social media pressures make it both more vital and more difficult than ever for young people to access music-making opportunities. 

Through our three transformative programmes - National Orchestra for All (NOFA), Modulo, and Music Leadership Training (MLT) – Orchestras for All is rewriting the narrative of who gets to take part in music and supporting the sector to become more equitable, accessible and inclusive.  

“In 2025, Orchestras for All delivered on its mission to bring people together by providing opportunities for 100 young musicians of all abilities and backgrounds to participate in its flagship programme, National Orchestra for All (NOFA)”, shared Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah during the ABO Impact Awards ceremony.  

“NOFA is the most inclusive, accessible and diverse national youth orchestra in the UK today, welcoming all instruments, and encouraging those often excluded from a more traditional orchestral setting.” 

Meanwhile, Jonathan Harper, CEO of Paraorchestra, commented, “We couldn’t be happier to see Orchestras for All win the EDI Impact award for embedding young people’s voices so strongly at the centre of their work” 

 Read more: Empowering young minds: The importance of young people’s mental wellbeing

Executive Director Nick Thorne, Youth Leadership Coordinator Becky Thomas, Composer and NOFA Alum Christian Dews and Founding Director Marianna Hay MBE, accept the award. 

Thank you! This award belongs to you.  

Our heartfelt thanks to the Association of British Orchestras and to our amazing community of funders, supporters, and partners who make our vital work possible.  

Thank you to the inspiring young musicians and leaders at the heart of everything we do. Our charity wouldn’t exist without you, and this award celebrates you! 

As we embark on our 15th anniversary year, we’re excited to continue our work redefining equity, accessibility and inclusive practices in music-making!  

Keep an eye out for exciting updates and stay tuned to see what our NOFA and Modulo orchestras get up to in 2026.  

 Keen to support OFA’s life-changing work? Please make a difference and donate what you can to our charity today: 

Have your say in what we play! Cast your vote on the Modulo 2025/26 repertoire

The music in the running…

This summer, young musicians from across the UK came together at our Modulo meets in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Gateshead. During exciting days of ensemble music-making, we asked participants to share their suggestions for the next season’s repertoire.

From classical favourites to iconic pop hits, the suggestions were wonderfully diverse. With the help of our Youth Board, we’ve narrowed it down to a final shortlist.

Now we want to hear from you – our community!

Pictured: Modulo members performing together at our last Summer meet!

Shaped by and for young people

From writing suggestions on post-it notes to national performances; the repertoire vote is a chance for participants to make their mark on the programme. In partnership with our Youth Board, this process is one example of the ways Orchestras for All ensures young voices are steering the direction of our Modulo programme.

Modulo is all about breaking down barriers to ensemble music-making. It enables young people in state schools and community groups to experience the joy of performing together, and welcomes all instruments, abilities and backgrounds.

Once the chosen piece is selected, teachers and music leaders will be provided with resources and practical tools to make learning the 2025/26 Modulo repertoire flexible, accessible and inclusive for the participating young musicians.

Read more: Orchestras for All joins Music Mark’s podcast to talk youth voice and leadership

Pictured: Modulo members enjoying playing music together in the guitar section

What’s next?

We’ll be announcing the selected piece soon, alongside the launch of a brand-new season of Modulo!

Make sure you’re the first to hear and keep up to date with other exciting Orchestras for All news by signing up to our newsletter.

Pass The Baton - Orchestras for All team members cycle from London to Brighton

A Ride with Purpose…

On 15 June, Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme Manager Charlie and Executive Director Nick will take on the iconic 55-mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride in aid of Orchestras for All.

We caught up with them to hear about why they’re donning the lycra, and why they chose to raise money for Orchestras for All…

Inspired by NOFA Ambassador Cameron Jacobs, who recently ran the London Marathon barefoot in support of Orchestras for All, Charlie and Nick wanted to take on a similar feature of endurance to support the work we do.

Pictured: NOFA alum Cameron and his mum Polly

And their aim is not just to raise funds, but to inspire others to do something meaningful for a cause they care about. Whether it’s a run, a performance, a bake sale, or something entirely unexpected — take up the baton and start your own challenge!

Charlie told us: “We were so inspired by Cam’s recent barefoot marathon that we just had to keep the momentum going. We’re proud to be the second team to ‘Pass the Baton’. It’s all about pushing yourself to achieve something — big or small — and helping more young people take part in our programmes.”

And it’s not the first time Charlie will have visited Brighton either…

“Brighton University is where I studied Music so it has special significance to me, heading back after many years to somewhere I really grew both musically and personally. It might take a little longer to get there this time though!”

Modulo memories: violinists in action at our Manchester Spring Modulo Meet

Why it matters

Every pound raised by the cycle ride will go towards creating more inclusive, life-changing musical opportunities for young people like Cameron, across the UK. Orchestras for All supports hundreds of young musicians each year, regardless of background or ability, bringing them together to collaborate, create and thrive.

Executive Director, Nick, shared: “I’m proud to be taking on this challenge for Orchestras for All. The impact this charity has on hundreds of young people’s lives is incredible. It’s wonderful to connect them all through music making at our events. Any support you can offer — whether through a donation or sharing this blog — would be hugely appreciated.”

Bold as brass: Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA.

How you can get involved 

You can support the Pass the Baton movement by:

• Donating what you can to support Nick and Charlie’s ride

• Starting your own challenge and sharing it with us — we’ll help raise awareness and celebrate it on our channels.

• Sharing this blog post and tagging us @OrchestrasForAll with #PassTheBaton

Together, let’s create something bigger — and make sure every young person has the chance to make music.

Please donate what you can to Nick and Charlie’s campaign and make a difference to the lives of young people across the UK:

Spring Modulo Roundup: 243 Young Musicians, 4 Cities, one unforgettable spring season!

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

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring the magic of Modulo to more young people across the UK.

Inspiring young musicians in National Orchestra for All prepare to meet for the first time this season

From barrier-smashing activities to diverse repertoire, here’s everything you need to know about National Orchestra for All’s upcoming residential…

As the sound of spring returns, so does the start of an exciting new season of music and togetherness for National Orchestra for All (NOFA)!

NOFA is our inclusive, non-auditioned, national youth orchestra. It welcomes around 100 young people aged 11-19 from all backgrounds, with a wide range of musical abilities, playing any instrument of their choice – including those not typically found in a traditional orchestra, such as guitars, saxophones and melodicas.

Next week, the Orchestras for All (OFA) team will be welcoming both new and returning NOFA members, who are based in all four corners of the UK, to the city of Birmingham for their first in-person residential of the year – and we can’t wait to show them what’s in store.

NOFA’s spring residential marks the start of a dynamic two-year season for the ensemble, where inspiring young musicians will be coming together for the first time to rehearse in sectionals (smaller instrumental groups) as well as with the full orchestra, supported throughout by our wonderful team of orchestral and wellbeing tutors. 

Last season, NOFA cellist, Jess, said: “NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes”.

Read more: Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change >

NOFA alum and Ambassador, Kit, added: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people.

“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.”

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Being part of NOFA offers young people life-changing musical experiences they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy due to the daily barriers they face, while also developing valuable life and communication skills. NOFA creates a thriving, creative community and of course, it’s great fun too!

What music will NOFA be playing this season?

As well as creating their own pieces of music with professional composers, NOFA members get to play all types of music – from pop songs, classical works and film favourites, to jazz, video game soundtracks and dance anthems.

The ensemble’s diverse repertoire is carefully selected to reflect the diversity of the orchestra members themselves. Chosen in collaboration with our Artistic Director and Youth Board, this season’s repertoire will include Ghanaian call and response song, ‘A Keelie Makolay’, ‘Ritmos Ciganos’, written by Portuguese composer, Carlos Garcia, and an original composition by NOFA alum and current Trinity Laban student, Christian Dews.  

Read more: 21 female composers you really need on your radar >

Christian told us: “It’s good at NOFA because there are a lot of video game music composers who are inspired by orchestral music, but you never usually hear their music being played.”

What will NOFA members be getting up to this spring?

National Orchestra for all musicians take centre stage in Birmingham for their summer 2024 concert.

During each day of the spring residential, NOFA members will be participating in lively rehearsals and workshops as well as games and social activities in the evenings.

We have a jam-packed schedule of workshops planned this time around, including workshops focused on improvisation, visual art, conducting, shadow puppetry and chamber music.

Speaking about her past experience with the ensemble, NOFA alum and former Ambassador, Grace, said: “I love NOFA because it is so inclusive, and we play all sorts of different genres of music. I get to learn other skills too, like public speaking, organising the quiz and social media.”

Read more: 11 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2024 >

Our commitment to wellbeing at NOFA

We love our fantastic wellbeing and orchestral tutors!

To ensure all young people participating in NOFA are able to access and enjoy our inclusive programme, we have a friendly wellbeing and safeguarding team on hand at each residential to offer bespoke support that caters to their individual support needs.

Read more: The importance of young people’s mental wellbeing >

Each NOFA member is also part of a group, led by two wellbeing tutors who check in with them throughout the day and support them to and from activities. Throughout the week, they will be making sure everyone feels comfortable, confident and safe. Plus, there is always a designated chill out space available at the venue if a young person ever feels overwhelmed in any way or is in need of some quiet time.

After joining NOFA last season, pianist Noah said: “NOFA is a second home for me – a second family, a safe space. I can’t recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard and it’s here that I’ve made some of my closest friends. The music is catchy and the staff are absolutely amazing!”

We couldn’t agree more and as we embark on this next NOFA season, we look forward to watching our new cohort of young musicians build friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Until then, let’s get our instruments at the ready and we’ll see you all very soon!

Keen to support National Orchestra for All? Please donate what you can to our charity:

Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change

Making a difference in music education, one step at a time… 

This spring, National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, Cameron Jacobs, will be taking on one of the most gruelling physical challenges imaginable – running the London Marathon. 

On Sunday 27 April, the 18-year-old musician will be joining his mum, Polly (pictured below), OFA supporter, Gabriel, and tens of thousands of other participants to make the annual 26.2-mile journey across the city. But he won’t just be running for himself. He’s running barefoot, with every step dedicated to a cause that’s close to his heart: increasing access to group music-making for young people across the UK. 

Cameron said: “I have ADHD, Autism and Tourette’s and when I was 11 years old, I was going through a bit of a tricky time. Orchestras for All came along, took me on as a trumpet player, and gave me a place to belong and be completely me.

“Orchestras for All has been really life-transforming for me and this is why I wanted to raise money for them by doing this barefoot challenge. I hope this enables more young people who are facing significant challenges in their life to be part of this incredible organisation.”

Cameron’s journey is more than just an impressive athletic feat; it’s a story of resilience, passion and the transformative power of group music-making. Before joining NOFA as a trumpet player several years ago, he had experienced significant barriers to entry for playing in a national youth orchestra due to the daily life challenges he faces. 

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Pictured: NOFA alum, Cameron, with his mum, Polly.

Through NOFA, Cameron was able to boost his confidence and mental wellbeing, be part of a vibrant community, make lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds and do what he loved best – making music with others. 

Fast forward to today and Cameron is proud to be an OFA Ambassador. This is a paid role offered specially to NOFA alums at our charity to help them develop new skills and use their own lived experience to support and inspire current members.

Meet OFA’s Ambassadors >

He has also received an unconditional offer to study music at university, demonstrating the positive impact that OFA’s inclusive music-making activities have had on the course of his life. 

Now, Cameron wants to give back to others by using his marathon run to raise vital funds for OFA, enabling us to empower even more young musicians across the country who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of group music-making. 

Running the London Marathon is tough, but running it barefoot adds an entirely new level of challenge. Cameron’s decision to do so symbolises the growing need to break down barriers, face adversity head-on and stand strong for inclusivity in music education. This is a powerful reminder that endurance can help us to overcome any obstacle. 

Bold brass: Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA.

How can you support Cameron’s barefoot marathon? 

This campaign is more than just one person’s journey – it’s a move committed to raising awareness about the need for change in music and we would love for you to be part of it.  

Here’s how you can help: 

• Please donate what you can: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps OFA provide musical instruments, life-changing programmes and holistic support for young people who need it the most. 

• Share Cameron’s story: Spread the word on social media using our campaign hashtag, #BarefootForAll. 

• Follow the journey: Stay updated on Cameron’s progress, training and London marathon day through OFA’s social media channels and sign up to OFA’s email newsletter for more.

Cameron’s barefoot marathon is a bold statement about resilience, inclusivity and the power of music to transform young lives. Let’s celebrate his extraordinary journey and help him reach his fundraising goal. Together, we can make music accessible to all, one step at a time. 

Please support Cameron’s barefoot marathon and donate what you can >