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!
