2025-26 NOFA highlights from a NOFA member

A full orchestra rehearsal of the National Orchestra for All

Written by Khadijah - NOFA member, 2025-26

NOFA creates an inclusive community where passion always matters more than background, taking us on a journey from playing with like-minded musicians to inspiring the younger generation. As a member since 2023, watching our musical family grow during the 2025-2026 season has been an incredible experience. Now that the curtains have closed, these are the highlights that stole my heart.

NOFA feels like a second home because members travel from all over the UK to meet in Birmingham, turning a group of strangers into a close family. The instant warmth, when we reunite and seeing familiar faces again brings us together like we never left. One of my favourite things is to see how quickly new members become part of the group, transforming from nervous newcomers into lifelong friends within a matter of hours.

For me, community isn’t just about sitting in the same orchestra; it’s about supporting each other through every note. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we are all united by our shared love and passion for music. As we join together for our first rehearsal, this collective energy blends beautifully into a single, unified orchestral voice.

Music is the heart of NOFA, which is the powerful thread that weaves our diverse community together. Rehearsing side-by-side helps everyone settle into the rhythm of the season, breaking down barriers through shared creativity. One piece that quickly became a favourite was ‘This is Berk’. It brought a thrilling cinematic energy, filling the entire orchestra with an excitement and joy that transported us straight into the heroic world of How to Train Your Dragon. It was exciting to hear an old NOFA favourite ‘A Keelie Makolay’, being brought back after many years.

Personally, this piece not only allowed orchestra members to showcase their musical talent through overlapping solo entries, but it also deeply reinforced our sense of community through the integrated BSL, dancing, and singing. An unforgettable musical moment was being trusted to play the clarinet solo in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9. Among all the wonderful pieces we explored this season, having this specific moment to lead the melody allowed me to proudly showcase my musical growth and connect deeply with the full orchestra.

While the music we create is unforgettable, our journey doesn’t stop at the final note. NOFA isn’t just a place where young people come to play music; it’s a community where tutors don’t just teach you notes, they build your confidence, celebrate your identity and give you a voice. One thing that separates NOFA from many other musical opportunities is the care it shows for its musicians beyond the residential. For me, one of the most important aspects of NOFA is the way they recognise our emotions and lives outside of performance, helping us step back, reflect and feel truly supported.

In the same way, having opportunities to develop practical talents outside of our instruments is incredibly meaningful because it gives us tools, we can use in the real world. The creative workshops further enhance this experience, allowing us to explore different forms of creativity like improvisation, music technology or conducting. Ultimately, the confidence and support we gained from these sessions built the perfect foundation for our youth voice.

Another important part of this season was seeing young people take on leadership roles, helping run morning warm-ups and presenting the final concert, showing how deeply youth representation is embedded into everything we do. The Recital Evening was a perfect example of this community spirit, offering a platform where members could freely showcase their individual talent and diverse musical styles.

Having these opportunities to lead and contribute taught us that our voices, ideas and creativity genuinely matter in a professional musical environment. Spring Morning was particularly meaningful because, as a young musician, witnessing Christian’s NOFA alum piece come to life through the beautiful integration of music and visual arts was an incredibly inspiring experience.

Being part of OFA’s 15th anniversary celebrations made this season particularly special because every single NOFA member got the chance to truly feature in ‘Crystal Kingdom’ by sharing our own ideas on what it should include. Sitting in the orchestra at the very end of the season, hearing and seeing all our hard work come to life was an incredible feeling.

The moment was made even better when Christian received a massive, well-deserved round of applause from the entire room. Performing the final concert for our families and friends allowed them to see exactly what we achieved together, creating a beautiful conclusion to the season that reminded me that young musicians are not just the future of organisations like OFA; we are the heart of it right now.

Looking back on this season, I think it was special because it allowed us to grow not just as individual musicians, but as an entire creative family. It reminded me exactly why I keep coming back, combining amazing music, leadership opportunities and an unforgettable celebration of our shared community. As another season comes to an end, I’m excited to see what the next season brings.

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About NOFA

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. 

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.  

Recruitment for our next NOFA season is now open!

A look back on the 2025-26 NOFA season

Written by Jenny Forbes - NOFA Programme Manager

In July 2026, we celebrated the end of another successful National Orchestra for All (NOFA) season with a four-day residential filled with music, friendships and two incredible concerts for local families and primary schools. As we enter a quieter period while we recruit the next cohort (visit National Orchestra for All — Orchestras for All to apply!), it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that our NOFA members and team achieved during the 2025 – 2026 season.

Our first residential of 2025 saw us welcoming 42 new young people to NOFA, as well as 58 returning members. They travelled from all over the country to join us – from Aberdeenshire to London, Belfast to Gateshead, and everywhere in between! Of course there were some nerves about spending four days away from home, meeting new people and learning new music, but my highlight from spring was seeing how quickly everyone settled into the course and how many new friendships were formed in those first few days together. 

We started the season’s repertoire strong with A Keelie Makolay, a traditional Ghanian playground song and favourite of past NOFA members; Ritmos Ciganos, a Latin-American piece by Carlos Garcia that we learned by ear; and Spring Morning, an amazing new composition for NOFA written by one of our alums, Christian. We also launched a whopping twelve creative workshops for NOFA members that continued throughout the season, including music technology, visual art, conducting, choir, improvisation and folk music. 

In Summer 2025, we added to more pieces to our repertoire, both chosen by the cohort. The first was the epic ‘This is Berk’ from the DreamWorks film How to Train Your Dragon, and the second was the dramatic fourth movement from Dvorak’s 9th Symphony. 

A personal highlight for me during Summer 2025 was the orchestral and wellbeing team reflection meetings. It was so special to hear each tutor’s ‘magic moment’ from the course, and it was a chance to celebrate the many ways in which they’d supported the NOFA members to develop. I’d like to thank our incredible tutor team for always creating an environment where so many magic moments can happen! 

In Autumn 2025, we hosted three regional events in London, Sheffield and Glasgow. We collaborated with Kyle McInnis from Kinetika Bloco – a London-based youth music organisation that specialise in carnival performance. We combined Ritmos Ciganos with Eu Vou La Para Luanda (a favourite piece of Kinetika Bloco’s), practiced learning by ear, created our own music, and explored movement in our performance. My highlight from the regionals was the creative workshops – it was so special to see the NOFA members’ musical ideas showcased in the final performances. 

In Spring 2026, we added our final piece to the repertoire: ‘Crystal Kingdom’, a commission by Emily Lim to celebrate OFA’s 15th (Crystal) anniversary. This was a particularly exciting piece because Emily used ideas from the young people to create it, and it was named by them too. 

We also started offering life skills sessions during Spring which was a highlight for me. I loved watching the NOFA members explore the sessions that they were interested in and learn from the incredible skills and experiences of our tutor team in new ways. 

The season culminated in our Summer 2026 residential. The four days were spent celebrating all we had achieved, and we got to share the celebrations with hundreds of audience members at our family and primary school concerts. My favourite moment of the season has to be these concerts! The young people led the way, hosting pop-up performances in the café, facilitating drop-in workshops, presenting the concerts beautifully, and creating a visual art film to accompany Spring Morning. I particularly enjoyed seeing Christian, our alum composer, receive his well-deserved round of applause for the premier of Spring Morning!

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About NOFA

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. 

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.  

Recruitment for our next NOFA season is now open!

Join Orchestras for All in the Big Give Christmas Challenge! 🎄

Help us transform young musicians’ lives, one donation at a time…

This winter, we’re delighted to announce that Orchestras for All (OFA) is participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge!

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference as from 3-10 December 2024, any donations you make to our charity will be DOUBLED thanks to match funding.

This means that every pound you give will go twice as far in helping us to provide life-changing musical experiences for young people across the UK.

National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, Cameron, said: “OFA is the most inclusive organisation you can get and I feel so included being a part of it.”

NOFA percussionist and Youth Board member, Hayden, added: “I love Orchestras for All because it allows young people to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Read more: Over the moon: Orchestras for All wins Youth Initiative of the Year at the Music Mark Awards 2024! >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All members take to the stage at CBSO Centre in Birmingham.

Why we’re supporting young musicians

In the UK, not all young people have equal access to music-making. Financial, logistical, geographical, personal and cultural barriers often prevent many from participating in group ensemble opportunities – and we’re determined to change this.

With increasing cuts to music education, falling teacher numbers and reducing family funds for extracurricular activities, fewer disadvantaged young people can access music education. Meanwhile, with more young people experiencing isolation, disrupted education, and mental and physical health challenges each year, the need for inclusive music opportunities has never been greater.

Our solution

At OFA, we run inclusive, accessible youth orchestras that welcome young people of all backgrounds, no matter their circumstances. This includes National Orchestra for All (NOFA), the most accessible and inclusive youth orchestra in the UK, bringing together 100 inspiring young people who face barriers to group music-making.

NOFA residentials welcome and empower young people most in need: those from isolated, marginalised or deprived communities and those living with physical or mental health conditions, learning difficulties or within the care system – challenges that mean traditional ensemble music-making opportunities are not accessible to them.

A group of National Orchestra for All saxophonists perform to a live audience at their summer concert.

Our free of charge, non-auditioned programme removes all obstacles to participation, covering the cost of transport, accommodation and meals. We also offer musical arrangements that cater to all instruments and abilities, and bespoke wellbeing support to prioritise the emotional needs of each NOFA member, fostering a safe environment in which they can thrive.

NOFA member, Erin, said: “NOFA has allowed me to grow and mature as a person, and I don’t think I would be who I am today without it.”

Our impact

The transformative power of orchestral music-making is at the heart of everything we do. Through our inclusive programmes, young people will:

• Build their musical skills within a supportive, high-quality, national ensemble.

• Develop personal and social skills, including increased confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

• Create lasting friendships and integrate with others from different backgrounds across the UK, reducing feelings of isolation and improving mental health.

• Fulfil their aspirations, leading to brighter futures in further education and careers.

Over the past two year-season, we’ve made some incredible memories with our brilliant young NOFA members that will no doubt last us a lifetime – and we’re just getting started.

How you can help

This year, we’re aiming to raise £25,000 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which will fund transport, meals, accommodation, wellbeing support and music-making activities for 25 vulnerable young people at our spring residential in April 2025.

Here’s how you can get involved and support our campaign:

• Donate between 3-10 December: Every pound you give will be matched, doubling your impact.

• Share our campaign: Help us spread the word on social media using the hashtags #ChristmasChallenge and #GivingTuesday.

• Follow us here for campaign updates:

  • Facebook and Instagram: @orchestrasforall

  • LinkedIn: @national-orchestra-for-all

A musical summer: National Orchestra for All musicians feel the excitement before their live performance.

Thank you for making a difference

We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported OFA over the years. Your generosity enables us to continue our vital work, breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for all young musicians. We would also like to thank our partner and global strategic advisory firm, Hakluyt, for enabling us to participate in this fantastic campaign.

This festive season, help us make an even bigger difference by donating during our #ChristmasChallenge campaign. Let’s make music more accessible, one donation at a time!

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‘National Orchestra for All is so diverse – but we’re united by a note,’ says 19-year-old trumpeter

Meet Kate. The Belfast-based trumpeter and university student first joined National Orchestra for All (NOFA) as a young person facing barriers to music-making. Now, she’s an ambassador for the group. We shared a virtual tea break to find out more about her musical journey…

What inspired you to play the trumpet?

When I was in primary school, the City of Belfast School of Music used to visit and they would test us to see who had a natural musical ability. Of course, I wanted to play violin because I thought it was very dainty, but I got told that my fingers were too small! I was given a trumpet instead and at the time I was heartbroken. I was like, ‘Urgh, I just want to play the violin!’. But as soon as I went to my first trumpet lesson, I knew I was meant to play this instrument. It was so me!

At first, I actually played a cornet because I was too small for a trumpet. When I went to secondary school they didn't have any brass lessons but because I loved learning it so much, I auditioned for those and did some aural theory classes as well. I just loved it! I think it’s so interesting to learn an instrument that is typically associated with males. In most of the bands and orchestras I've been in, it's very male-dominated in the brass section, so to be this small girl walking in with such a loud instrument feels very empowering.

What music do you like to play?

For brass, I really enjoying playing show music. In our school band, it was great to hear such a big sound from this section. But every section has its own little flavour and every part is significant. In NOFA, even though we usually play orchestral music it feels like that as well, where everyone’s part has such meaning, and it’s just so good to hear everybody come together. Even the quietest of sounds will still convey the emotion or story of the music.

Read more: ‘We need to support the next generation of change makers’ – arts expert explains why wellbeing is vital for young musicians >

Otherwise, I’m a bit of an old soul – I have very dad-like taste in music! I’m obsessed with the ‘60s. At the moment, I love the Beatles. They’re the kings of rock in my opinion! And Blondie’s Parallel Lines is a great album, especially the song ‘Heart of Glass’. When I was younger, my parents would have had me listening to a lot of ska. I also like Bob Marley – he’s a very chill guy and his music is great to study to. He’s one of those artists that you can just vibe to when you’re doing life, he’s so accessible for everybody.

NOFA ambassadors share their musical favourites >

Tell us about your journey with Orchestras for All.

Compared to the other ambassadors, I joined Orchestras for All (OFA) quite late, when I was 16. I was nominated by one of the teachers at my school, who is actually a member of the wellbeing team at the charity. I remember the first time I attended a session – I was so nervous because I felt like a tiny fish in a big pond. I’m from a very small town and the majority of the orchestra usually comes from the mainland of the UK, so it was a bit intimidating.

But the way it was run made it accessible for everybody. At the time I was studying my GCSE music and thought, ‘Hm... I don’t know whether to do an A Level or not,’ but OFA gave me the confidence to perform, understand a piece of music when I looked at it and also know how to speak about it. I didn't feel like I had a lot of confidence in myself and they were like, ‘You should play! What’s the worst that can happen if you sound bad?’ The only way you can move is forwards – you can’t really move down in your ability. And now I’m an ambassador! I just love the message that it represents. It’s so inclusive and you meet so many people.

Pictured: Ambassador Kate (middle left) enjoys a moment of togetherness with National Orchestra for All

Has Orchestras for All broken down any music-making barriers for you?

Well, in Northern Ireland, music is a massive part of where we come from and it can be really competitive. But in NOFA, it’s not competitive at all. You’re never stepping on anybody’s toes – people want to see you thrive. It’s refreshing! I was lucky that at a young age, I was able to go to the School of Music because my parents were able to get me in and fund me to go. But I think the thing we need to focus on is the “luck” part. It shouldn't be about “being lucky” and it shouldn’t be about the school you go to, the parents you have or the status you have in your community.

Orchestras for All is an organisation that isn’t based on luck, ability or your background – they’re so focused on you as a person as well as a musician. They care about how you feel, how you think and how you respond to certain practice techniques – and the communication in wellbeing groups isn’t something I had experienced before.

Read more: RPS Awards 2021: Orchestras for All shortlisted in ‘Impact’ category >

What’s the best part about playing in an inclusive ensemble?

In some bands I’ve played in you have your brass, your winds and maybe a violin now and then, but Orchestras for All includes the piano and even melodicas, guitars and ukuleles – diverse instruments that you wouldn't typically see in an orchestra if they were to go and perform. I think it’s so cool and exciting that these are added in! That sort of representation and seeing your instrument in an orchestra inspires young people.

Some young people think that classical music is all: “You need to be able to read sheet music and can only perform if there’s a piece of music in front of you,” but in NOFA, we often play pieces from memory. It’s amazing to use your ears, have that sense of camaraderie and be in an environment where your conductor actually lets you lift your head to look at your friends and do something funny to make them laugh during a rehearsal! We appreciate that. I think some conductors should loosen up a wee bit and that’s what I like about our conductor, Emma – she makes it so much more fun and inviting.

If you could give one piece of advice to other young people who are considering joining an orchestra like NOFA, what would it be?

Do not be afraid to play out. I’m still a victim of this where I’m afraid to play out sometimes, but the worst that can happen is that someone audibly hears something wrong within your section and you stop. But it’s also the best thing that can happen because they can isolate that little bit you're struggling with and actually help you to perfect it.

Read more: ‘We can be a part of something bigger together’, says teenage trombonist and youth board member >

Chances are, there’s other people who are struggling with that same bit all around the orchestra. If one person is finding something hard, I can guarantee there’s about three other people who are finding it hard too – they’re just too proud to admit it. So, just play out! It’s all a big learning experience.

And finally, please complete the sentence: Orchestras for All is...

…a community. A place where you can go to learn about music and hear a variety of styles that you might not hear in your hometown. You make great memories and new friends, it’s amazing. When you’re an ambassador, you have to get along and work together but even outside of NOFA, we’re still as close as ever. OFA brings people together through music.

A fun fact about me is that I love to dress as if I’m in the ‘60s and ‘70s! I love going out and wearing the massive go-go boots, with everyone looking at me as if I’m a complete weirdo. I think it’s hilarious. But with OFA, I don’t think there's anything more powerful than being able to connect with a group of young people who are all wonderfully different in their own way.

We shouldn’t have anything in common since we’re all so diverse, but we’re united by a note – whether that’s a C or a C#! OFA is a place where young people can come together to appreciate and enjoy something really accessible – and that thing is music.

To fund a life-changing programme for musicians like Kate, please donate today >