35 UK schools to team up in spring 2024 for orchestral music-making with the Modulo Programme

From London to Birmingham, York to Manchester, Arts Council England’s new National Portfolio Organisation is ready for its next tour…

Spring has long been considered the most uplifting season, with its longer days and flowers in bloom – and at Orchestras for All (OFA), it also means exciting new musical opportunities for the year ahead.

With our first live event for the Modulo Programme just on the horizon, students and music leaders across the country are busy preparing for our next series of ‘Modulo Meets’, which welcome young people from diverse backgrounds to play together in large-scale ensembles – whatever their personal background, ability, level of experience or chosen instrument.

Taking place from 26 February to 19 March 2024, the inclusive music-making activities will kick off at London’s Cecil Sharp House, before heading over to the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, University of York and Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

We’re delighted to share that Modulo reaches new heights this season, with a total of 41 applications received and 35 schools participating in the programme. This is a new record for in-person Meets at OFA and we’re so pleased to be bringing Modulo’s positive impact to even more local communities across the UK, breaking down musical barriers and improving access to music education for young people who need it the most.

During our spring 2023 Meets, a participant said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit a new place and work in some of the different Modulo music spaces. Everyone was very kind and encouraging and made Modulo an enjoyable experience.”

Read more: Orchestras for All’s powerful new Impact Report >

This season, 18 schools joining us are from Arts Council England’s Levelling Up for Culture Places and/or Priority Places, 15 schools are returning to the programme and one is a home educated group. We’re also widening our impact by welcoming our first Modulo ensemble from a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) school and they will be supported by our Wellbeing Lead, Sasha Mattock.

For the students that join us, Modulo is more than just a music education initiative. For many, attending a Meet can be a transformative experience that goes beyond reading the notes on a page. Our charity’s aim is to empower each young person to express themselves, explore their own creativity and build confidence and leadership skills, while learning to collaborate and communicate with others.

A Modulo musician told us: “I feel more confident in ensemble playing and have enjoyed discovering new music and instruments. I’ve also made new friends through Modulo, who I talk to regularly!”

Read more: 7 wonderful ways youth leadership will empower your youth orchestra >

Modulo values diversity and encourages its young participants to explore a broad range of musical genres and styles from around the world, helping them to foster cultural awareness and an appreciation for different traditions. This spring, our repertoire includes the ‘Allegro’ movement of Symphony No. 1 (1932), penned by Arkansas-born classical composer, pianist and organist, Florence Price, and arranged specially for our inclusive Modulo ensembles by award-winning composer, Emily Lim.

Pictured: A group of Modulo participants and OFA Ambassador, Tashan, at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Participants will also be raising their instruments to play ‘Hornet’, a dramatic video game soundtrack taken from Hollow Knight, written by composer and sound designer, Christopher Larkin. Orchestras for All’s Associate Conductor, Rocco Brunori, who specialises in brass and music education in primary schools and universities, produced the Modulo arrangement, and the work was selected as an OFA piece by Modulo and National Orchestra for All members during our 2022-23 season.

Plus, our inclusive ensembles will have the opportunity to perform ‘I Wish’, a 1976 funk classic written and produced by Grammy Award-winning American singer, Stevie Wonder. The uplifting song, which has been arranged for OFA by our keyboards tutor, Matthew Poad, focuses on Wonder’s childhood from the 1950s into the early 1960s, with lyrics sharing how he wished he could go back and relive it.

We can’t wait to greet our dedicated cohort of school students and music leaders – who now have access to an exclusive online hub of Modulo resources – very soon, and would like to extend our warm thanks to the ongoing support of OFA’s generous funders and individual donors. Without you, our charity wouldn’t exist.

Not attending the Meets but keen to get a sense of the action? We’ll be sharing daily event highlights via our social media channels, including Instagram takeovers from OFA’s 10 brilliant Ambassadors, so do visit our profile and follow along!

Finally, if you haven’t quite locked down your New Year’s resolutions this year, why not join our inspiring network of supporters? By donating just £10 a month to Orchestras for All, you could help a young person who faces daily barriers discover the joy of music-making with others, when they may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Making an impact: read Orchestras for All’s powerful new report

Building inclusive communities, one musical note at a time…

Another memorable year at Orchestras for All (OFA), another inspiring Impact Report – and our 2022-23 roundup might just be our best one yet.

In a world that often echoes with discord, we’ve been working tirelessly over the past year to become a driving force for positive social change by welcoming young people and music leaders from all across the UK – from London to Birmingham, Manchester to York – to our inclusive music-making activities.

We truly believe that the joy of group music-making should be experienced by all young people, from all walks of life – not to mention the associated benefits that come through playing music with others in an orchestra, which include boosting a young person’s confidence, developing their social skills, unlocking creative potential and building community, to name but a few.

In our latest Impact Report, we share key findings from OFA’s three barrier-smashing programmes: National Orchestra for All (NOFA), Modulo and Music Leadership Training (MLT), through which we aim to empower and energise young people and music leaders alike – regardless of their personal circumstances or the daily challenges they might be facing.

Trustees Beth White and Joelle Sogunro said: “This year, the number of NOFA members has doubled compared to last year, which is a testament to the growing influence and reach of our organisation. Through Modulo, we reached 613 young people nationwide, directly impacting their lives and fostering a sense of community through music making. Plus, an astounding 7,000 young people have been indirectly impacted through our MLT programme.”

Read more: 13 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2023 >

Modulo participants play together at Cecil Sharp House in London, led by OFA’s Associate Conductor, Rocco.

The former NOFA members added: “We firmly believe in the power of youth voice and have taken significant strides towards championing it, so one of our key triumphs this year has been the development of youth leadership opportunities at OFA. As part of this, we handed over the Youth Board to current OFA Ambassador, Chloe Morgan, and welcomed her to the Board of Trustees. Chloe’s energy and fresh perspective has already made a positive impact on our decision-making processes.

“We also further invested in our wellbeing approach, ensuring that OFA’s programmes not only inspire creativity but also nurture the individual needs of every participant – making our initiatives even more inclusive and accessible, while opening up doors for diverse young minds to thrive.”

Read more: Meet National Orchestra for All musicians, Lola and Christian >

As well as outlining the steps we have taken to keep youth leadership and wellbeing at the forefront of OFA’s vital work, the Impact Report shares event highlights, heartwarming stories of personal growth and resilience from the young people who participate in our programmes, and sheds light on how we plan to strengthen the charity in future – from investing in our environmental responsibility to continuing our exciting transition as a new National Portfolio Organisation.

Alongside our commitment to providing high-quality music education and musical opportunities, building inclusive communities where each and every young person (and staff member) feels welcome and supported is what makes OFA so very special.

By fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration, we’re creating vibrant ensembles that reflect the rich tapestry of our society. During NOFA’s spring 2023 residential, we recorded a video of the young musicians creating a powerful improvised piece, titled ‘Strength in Numbers’, with composer and multi-instrumentalist, Joe Broughton. The video (watch above) is currently being considered in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2024 and open to a public vote until midnight on 24th January 2024 – you can support us by casting your vote here!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for OFA and through our latest Impact Report, we hope to demonstrate that when young people have access to a safe space in which they can come together to create music, it can be truly life-changing.

Please join us in breaking down musical barriers by reading our Impact Report below and taking a moment to share it with your network – let’s make a difference in 2024!

13 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2023

From inclusive music-making activities and youth leadership developments to inspiring new additions to our team, here are a few charity highlights from over the past year…

1. Amplifying youth voice

Pictured: Ambassadors Tashan, Beau and Shannon support the OFA team at the Royal Academy of Music.

At Orchestras for All (OFA), youth voice is at the heart of everything that we do. That’s why we welcomed a dynamic new cohort of 10 Ambassadors and appointed 15 passionate individuals to the Youth Board – each playing a fundamental role in representing the wants and needs of the young people our charity supports as well as in the planning and delivery of our vital work in breaking down barriers to music-making nationwide.

“Like the other nine ambassadors, my job is to support the young people if they need anything or have any questions. Always happy to help! The thing I’m most excited about is seeing everyone play together at the end of the course as well as seeing how much progress everyone’s made.”

— Grace, Ambassador and National Orchestra for All alum

2. Sharing powerful stories and expert insights

Throughout the year, we were lucky enough to interview many of the inspiring young people who participate in OFA’s life-changing programmes – both in the “diary room” during our live events as well as virtually. We always learn so much from their often brave, motivating and heartwarming accounts. We also gained expert insights through speaking with arts industry professionals, such as BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, Ralph Porrett, and composer and arranger, James Brady.

“It’s important that musical institutions think really seriously about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility – and that’s why it’s so brilliant that young people can get involved with Orchestras for All.”

— Ralph Porrett, guitar tutor at OFA

3. A youth-led season of memorable music

National Orchestra for All members rehearse music from the ‘Hollow Knight’ soundtrack.

We’re keen to ensure that our repertoire always resonates with the personal interests and aspirations of our diverse community, so our Youth Board have been busy collaborating with OFA’s Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, to co-design our current musical season. Video game soundtracks continue to be a popular choice with young people, so ‘Hornet’ and ‘Reflection’ (taken from Christopher Larkin’s video game soundtrack, Hollow Knight) made it to this year’s list, alongside ‘99 Red Balloons’, a protest song by 80s pop singer, Nena, and ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’, a stunning piece written by Japanese film composer, Joe Hisaishi.

“It’s good at NOFA because there are a lot of video game music composers who get inspiration from orchestral music, but you never usually hear their music being played.”

— Christian, euphonium player at National Orchestra for All

4. Welcoming our Associate Conductor, Rocco

Associate Conductor, Rocco Brunori, leads the way during a performance at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

As well as expanding our team of Young Leaders in 2023, we were also proud to welcome another maestro to the charity to support us in delivering OFA’s artistic vision. Associate Conductor, Rocco Brunori, has been working closely with our Artistic Director and skilled team of professional orchestral tutors to bring vibrant new energy to our inclusive ensembles and arrangements. It’s all about dynamics, expression and sticking to the beat!

“I truly enjoy seeing so many young musicians and colleagues. I conduct all sorts of musical styles (symphonic, jazz, big band, wind band, choir and brass band) and I love the challenges this role is offering me. It’s never-ending fun!”

— Rocco Brunori, Associate Conductor

5. Securing new Arts Council England funding

Pictured: Trustees, Ambassadors, core team members and special guests gather in Birmingham.

In the spring, we were excited and grateful to hear the news that OFA would be one of the arts organisations receiving new funding from Arts Council England (ACE). Also known as the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Transfer Programme, this funding will help our charity deliver its creative and cultural activity over the next few years and as part of the programme, new NPOs are encouraged to move their registered office out of London to another UK-based location by October 2024. Watch this space!

“This is fantastic news. I’m so glad that OFA’s got the funding to improve the lives of young people – just like they did for me. Their commitment for making a space where young people can thrive both musically and socially is unique.”

— Isaac, former National Orchestra for All Ambassador and young carer

6. Youth leadership takes centre stage

It takes two: Co-Chairs to the Board of Trustees, Susanna Eastburn (left) and Beth White (right).

The growth of our core team has also included welcoming OFA’s first-ever Youth Leadership Coordinator, Elen Derrett – a National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, cellist and recent Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama graduate. She is joined by NOFA alum and trumpeter, Beth White – our new Co-Chair to the Board of Trustees, working alongside Susanna Eastburn MBE. Both Elen and Beth have already made a positive impact and taken OFA’s youth leadership to the next level, regularly representing the charity at arts conferences and events across the UK.

“I am so excited to continue my OFA journey and delve deeper into the organisation. I have found such a fulfilling purpose over these last few years volunteering in numerous roles and can’t wait to see what this new venture as Co-Chair brings.”

— Beth, Co-Chair to the Board of Trustees

7. Spring activity with Modulo and National Orchestra for All

Making friends through the power of music: A group of young participants bond during a Modulo Meet.

With the launch of NOFA’s new season and our first few Modulo Meets of the year all taking place throughout March and April, our spring months were filled with joy, connection and young participants being empowered to take ownership over their music-making. From London’s Cecil Sharp House to the University of York, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, our first tour of the year left us with memories to last a lifetime.

“For me, playing instruments is the best part about music. I think it’s very exciting and I really enjoy it.”

— Xander, Modulo participant and bassoonist

8. Summer extravaganzas

Of course, the musical fun didn’t stop in the spring! During our summer activity, NOFA and Modulo musicians played everything from traditional orchestral works written by underrepresented female composers – including the first movement of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor – to improvised pieces such as ‘Strength in Numbers’, which was written in collaboration with NOFA and Joe Broughton. Young musicians also shared their love of music with their peers in our famed NOFA recital evening – a true annual highlight!

“When you’re improvising, you can do nothing but think of the song you are playing, which gives you a sense of freedom.”

— Farbod, National Orchestra for All flautist

9. Wellbeing remains at the forefront of our work

Pictured: Orchestras for All’s new Wellbeing Lead, Sasha, kickstarts a NOFA day with some relaxing stretches.

At OFA, the wellbeing, safety and happiness of all young people and staff is our top priority. We do everything in our power to promote welcoming, inclusive and accessible spaces and are committed to creating a positive safeguarding culture. This year, Sasha Mattock joined the core team as our new Wellbeing Lead and her key focus is to embed wellbeing at every level of the organisation. The young people we work with have also been encouraged to write ‘About me’ profiles, sharing their individual needs and preferences with us in their own words.

“When I found Orchestras for All, it showed me there are places that value wellbeing completely. It makes me excited that I can use the skills and knowledge I have developed to contribute to creating spaces that support wellbeing.”

— Sasha Mattock, Wellbeing Lead

10. Live webinars for music leaders

As part of our Music Leadership Training programme, we held a series of live webinars for music teachers and leaders across the UK – including a session on ‘Inclusive Arranging for Mixed Ensembles’. Drawing on experience from NOFA and Modulo, and led by Glasgow-based arranger and music educator, James Brady, the webinar introduced participants to practical arranging techniques and approaches, while also exploring the importance of repertoire choice, instrumentation templates and the essential connection between musical content and rehearsal techniques.

“For many of us working in music education, buying arrangements off the shelf isn’t always the best solution. We’re often dealing with groups with wide ranges of ability, or unusual instrumental line-ups, or mixing different genres of music – and this is something we do at NOFA and Modulo all the time.”

— James Brady, arranger and orchestral tutor at Orchestras for All

11. Inspiring away days

Orchestras for All’s Youth Board, Trustees, core team members and guests meet for an inspiring away day.

Throughout the year, we held thought-provoking away days in a variety of London locations for OFA’s Youth Board, Trustees and core team. Most recently, we discussed key topics such as wellbeing, the environment, artistic development, diversity, inclusion and accessibility as well as how our charity and its activities could become even more youth led in future. Every decision we make at our charity is guided by young people: “Nothing about us, without us.”

“I cannot do all the good the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”

— Co-Chair, Beth, shares a quote from Jana Stanfield with away day attendees

12. Advocacy at national conferences

Making an impact: Executive Director, Nick Thorne, and Youth Leadership Coordinator, Elen Derrett.

To help raise awareness of our charity’s vision, life-changing impact and unique approach, ‘The OFA Way’, with other organisations across the arts sector, we regularly took to the stage at national conferences. Our new Youth Leadership Coordinator, Elen, recently attended Music Mark’s annual conference in Southampton and gave an insightful presentation to delegates about the importance of youth leadership within music education.

“As a National Orchestra for All alum, I feel very privileged to be able to share Orchestras for All’s powerful approach to youth leadership with the world.”

— Elen, Youth Leadership Coordinator and former NOFA cellist

13. Soothing sounds at National Orchestra for All’s winter regionals

A group of NOFA musicians play Gamelan instruments as a percussionist tries his hand at conducting.

To wrap up another memorable year, we held a series of one-day winter sessions for NOFA members in York, London and Glasgow. Here we introduced them to the enchanting sounds of Indonesia’s beautiful Gamelan instruments – and unlike traditional orchestral instruments, they can be picked up by ear, so do not always require sheet music. This makes them the perfect choice for an inclusive group and with the relaxing ambience they create, listening to Gamelan music can be a great way to boost your wellbeing and unwind after a busy day too. Give it a go!

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank each of the incredible individuals and organisations who have been part of our journey in 2023. Without you, our life-changing programmes wouldn’t exist. We are so grateful for your ongoing support and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Roll on 2024!

Keen to support young people in fulfilling their musical dreams?
Please donate what you can to our charity today:

In pictures: tour highlights from the summer Modulo Programme 2023

Making powerful music with young people nationwide…

Earlier this month, the Orchestras for All team went on tour with the Modulo Programme for the first time to bring inclusive music-making activities to school students all across the UK.

From the University of York to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to the Royal Academy of Music in London, our venues for the Meets provided the perfect backdrop for the 330 young people in attendance – 171 of which had never played in an ensemble before.

By working in close partnership with these venues as well as engaging with their participation teams and inspiring students – many of which joined us as orchestral tutors during the Modulo Meets, we were also able to share best practice for running inclusive music-making sessions with our four brilliant ensembles.

Alongside improving their social and instrumental skills during sectional and full orchestra rehearsals, our diverse cohort of participants had the opportunity to perform an eclectic programme of music to special guests together as one large-scale orchestra – with Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’, Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ and Christopher Larkin’s ‘Hornet’ all becoming firm favourites.

During the York Meet, Modulo percussionist, Kiara, from All Saints Catholic College in Huddersfield, told us: “My favourite piece is ‘99 Red Balloons’ – it just sounds so good with everyone playing together! Also, a really kind thing that Modulo has done for me is donated a drum kit. It really helped me out because I needed a drum kit to practice with at home – I’m so grateful for it.”

In London, Modulo musician, David, from Harris Academy Morden, said: “I’m so excited about our live performance later today and I’ve really enjoyed my trips with Modulo and Orchestras for All. I hope that other people have enjoyed them as much as me!”

Scroll down to browse all the highlights…

Read more: Introducing the newest members of the Orchestras for All team >

York: University of York

Birmingham: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Manchester: The Royal Northern College of Music

London: The Royal Academy of Music

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, the Scops Arts Trust, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation as well as each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Please support aspiring young musicians across the UK and donate what you can today:

University of York’s spectacular concert hall hosts the Modulo Programme’s final meet of the spring

We’re already counting down the days to our summer sessions…

Following a successful series of events in Birmingham, London and Manchester, Orchestras for All (OFA) took its fourth and final Modulo meet of the spring to the picturesque city of York.

Taking place in the grand surrounds of the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall at the University of York, which boasts a peaceful riverside setting for its music students, the programme welcomed 60 young people to enjoy its inclusive music-making activities this time round, led by Associate Conductor, Rocco Brunori.

A superb effort from each of our mixed-ability participants – who joined us from Heworth Grange School, Parkside School, Immanuel College​, All Saints Catholic College, Woodham Academy and St. Bede’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic College – as well as OFA Ambassadors, Nell and Grace, who kindly supported young musicians in the string and woodwind sections.

Despite having only met each other for the first time on the day, the newly-formed ensemble played Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’ and Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ beautifully, rounding off this year’s spring sessions in good spirits and leaving us all feeling energised for the summer Modulo meets ahead.

We look forward to seeing you again soon – but first, please enjoy our York snaps below!

Read more: Royal Northern College of Music welcomes 83 young people for a day of group music-making with Modulo >

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

Royal Northern College of Music welcomes 83 young people for a day of group music-making with Modulo

Making lifelong memories at our third meet of the spring…

After kickstarting our spring Modulo meets in Birmingham and London, the Orchestras for All team took to the road once again to bring the charity’s powerful music-making programme to students in and around the city of Manchester.

Held at the Royal Northern College of Music, the third Modulo event of the season was attended by 83 young people from six maintained schools in the UK – including Hathershaw College, Bellerive, Bridgewater, Philips, St Patrick’s and Ullswater – and with bassoons, drum kits and electric guitars in the room, what a wonderful sound they all made.

With a revitalised push for more music in schools following the national plan for music education, the Modulo Programme exists to support teachers and community music leaders in setting up a small, inclusive ensemble of their own, before inviting participating students to team up with others from across the country to play together as one giant orchestra.

From soothing warmups with our Artistic Director, Emma, and a friendly greeting from Ambassador and former National Orchestra for All member, Haseeb, to an energising orchestral rendition of of an 80s pop classic, our Modulo meet in Manchester was surely a day to remember. Scroll down for a few of the highlights!

Read more: This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need >

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

This gallery of 108 young Modulo musicians gathering in London is the wholesome content we all need

Pure joy in the form of young people and their musical instruments…

As part of our spring meets for the Modulo Programme, 108 students from schools all across the country joined Orchestras for All in London for an energising day of group music-making.

Taking place at Camden music venue, Cecil Sharp House, the inclusive event came following a successful first Meet of the year at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, kicking off an exciting new season of activity with our mixed-ability ensembles.

Modulo’s main aim is to create a warm environment where young people from any background can thrive and enjoy making music with others – regardless of their musical ability, experience, personal circumstances or the instrument they choose to play – and the London leg of our spring Modulo tour certainly left both participants and staff members with fond memories.

All students did a fantastic job of playing through Nena’s ‘99 Red Balloons’ and Hisaishi’s ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’, with schools in attendance including Oak Wood​, Gable Hall, Southborough High School, Oasis Shirley Park, Thames Park as well as Harris Academy schools from Bermondsey, Merton, Morden and Orpington. Scroll down for all the highlights!

Read more: Modulo in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet >

Modulo Programme in pictures: Midlands Arts Centre hosts OFA’s first spring meet

What a wonderful start to live activity in 2023…

On Tuesday, Orchestras for All welcomed 120 school students to the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham for its first Modulo Meet of the spring – and it was pure joy.

From calming stretches during group warmups and energetic sectionals to conducting demos with young people and full orchestra rehearsals, it was surely a day to remember and we’d like to extend our thanks to all those involved (including two of our inspiring Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah!).

Next week, we’ll be taking the Modulo Programme to Cecil Sharp House in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester but before we do, scroll down for a few of this week’s musical highlights!

Read more: 504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme >

Orchestras for All Ambassadors, Chloe and Noah

Here come our Modulo musicians!

Modulo participants head to the Theatre

Ambassador Chloe sets up the space

Xylophones at the ready

All about that bass...

Happy smiles with the glockenspiel

Hands up if you think percussion is the best section?

Our first Modulo ensemble of the year!

What a wonderful place to be

Breaking down musical barriers

Our brilliant conductor for the day, Emma!

All together now

Time for sectionals

Guitar tutor, Ralph, leads the way

Guitars rehearse '99 Red Balloons'

Our woodwind sectional, led by conductor Rocco

A snapshot of the brass

Fluttering flautists

Orchestral tutor, Lawrence, meets the strings

Pals in percussion

Melodicas work with orchestral tutor, Matt

Picking up the beat

Our orchestral tutors perform a surprise rendition of 'Spoitoresa'

Making new Modulo friends

Our inclusive orchestra welcomes keyboards too!

We do love a pink guitar

Rocking out

Is there anything better than a room full of musicians?

Ready to roll

Soaring strings

Time for a quick conducting demo!

Our superb woodwind section

Booming brass

So many shiny instruments!

Melodicas master 'Merry-Go-Round of Life'

Playing beautiful music

A Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student guides the percussion

Our magnificent Modulo ensemble

They looked and sounded spectacular

After a great day, it's a thumbs up for Modulo from Trystan!

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

504 students from 35 UK schools to perform a protest song as part of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme

Modulo participants will also be teaming up to play a popular film theme penned by esteemed Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi.

The 2023 spring season of musical activity is well underway at Orchestras for All (OFA) and for the Modulo Programme, this means working with a keen new cohort of students and music leaders from maintained schools across the UK.

Due to growing demand for participation in its music-making activities, the Modulo Programme was oversubscribed for the first time in OFA’s 10-year history, with a total of 43 applications. The team are now pleased to welcome 504 students from 35 schools, from Croydon to County Durham – 26 of which are new to the programme and eight returning.

Of these schools, 11 are from Arts Council England’s Levelling Up for Culture Places​, six are from its Priority Places, 22 have more than the national average claiming Pupil Premium (27 per cent) and seven have 40 per cent of pupils eligible due to economic deprivation.

A participating teacher said: “I am developing my music department and need support – every year, we are getting more and more students picking up an instrument or wanting to learn; however, we do not yet have an established orchestra or ensemble as I don’t have the time or resources to set up and lead an accessible ensemble.”

While the majority of Modulo ensembles are based in schools, we are delighted to share that one of this year’s ensembles has also been set up for young people who are home-educated, making our charity’s work even more inclusive as we strive to reach those who are otherwise unable to access group music-making opportunities.

Read more: BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All >

Modulo’s inclusive arrangements have been specially designed to cater for all levels of experience and abilities – from beginners right through to Grade Eight musicians – as well as different instruments, including non-traditional instruments. Some participants have physical disabilities, others are young people with SEND and throughout the season we will be collaborating with a member of OFA’s wellbeing team, Xia-Leon, to produce parts using Braille music for visually impaired members of the youth orchestra.

This year, OFA’s Modulo Meets will be taking place in four vibrant city locations, at arts venues and higher education institutions each boasting a prestigious reputation as we seek to inspire the young musicians participating in our programmes.

Learn more about Orchestras for All’s impact >

In Birmingham, we’ll be heading to the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, while London Meets will be held at Cecil Sharp House and the Royal Academy of Music. Further north, participants will be teaming up at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester as well as the University of York.

Repertoire is based around the theme ‘Sounds of Change’ and will include the 1984 chart hit and protest song, ‘99 Red Balloons’, which was made famous by German singer-songwriter Nena, along with ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’ – the stunning main theme for anime movie, Howl’s Moving Castle, written by Japanese composer, Joe Hisaishi. With several bass guitarists, alto saxophones, drummers and French horn players joining the ensemble in 2023, our new cohort of young musicians will surely be making a powerful sound.

Alongside Artistic Director, Emma Oliver-Trend, a team of professional orchestral tutors – including BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, Ralph Porrett (watch video below) – and conservatoire and university students will be on hand to support each section of the ensemble.

They will be joined by OFA’s core team, 10 inspiring new Ambassadors (former Modulo and National Orchestra for All members) and Modulo Leaders, who will also be supporting participants throughout.

While each event will provide a similar structure – including full orchestral rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, a creative project and time for performing and social activities – each participant can expect to enjoy a bespoke musical experience based on their individual needs.

A recent Modulo participant said: “I feel more confident after this experience because I’ve played in front of a lot of people, so now I feel like I can do anything!”

Another commented: “Go to Modulo if you want to learn how to play a new instrument – but even if you already play one, it’ll still help you to build on your skills.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our funders, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the Rayne Foundation, and each of our individual donors, charity volunteers and loyal supporters who help make the Modulo Programme possible.

Keen to support a young musician on the Modulo Programme? Please donate today:

BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist Ralph Porrett shares a virtual tea break with Orchestras for All

The guitar virtuoso will be supporting young musicians in this year’s Modulo Programme, so we caught up with him to find out more...

Inspiring guitarist, vocalist, composer and improviser, Ralph Porrett, has been making waves on the music scene following his stellar live performance in the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 final last November.

Taking place at London’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, Ralph’s captivating show included an original suite of music, Ode to Arnheim, which he had written especially for house band, Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum, who accompanied him throughout.

The 23-year-old Guildhall graduate has also collaborated and toured with the likes of saxophonist and MOBO Award winner, YolanDa Brown, pop singer-songwriter, Tom Rosenthal, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, among many others, and is due to release his highly-anticipated collection of EPs throughout 2023.

When he’s not busy pursuing his own passion for music, Ralph dedicates his time as a guitar tutor and arranger to support participants of Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme, which kickstarts a vibrant culture of orchestral music-making in maintained schools across the UK and brings young musicians together to perform as one large-scale ensemble.

During a recent interview (watch video above), Ralph told us: “I’m really excited to be involved with Modulo again this year, with our dates taking place in March and July. I’ve been looking at the guitar parts already and re-orchestrating some of them to make them as fun, guitar-friendly and accessible as possible for all levels and abilities.”

Read more: OFA celebrates positive change for young musicians in latest impact report >

Pictured: Guitarist Ralph Porrett performs live at the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 final (BBC)

Ralph continued: “Guitar isn’t a traditional orchestral instrument – but participants of Modulo can expect to be playing some really fun music that does fit in to an orchestral ensemble. I think they’ll have a great time collaborating and music-making with some classical instruments that guitarists might not usually have the opportunity to play with.”

Learn more about the Modulo Programme >

Before teaming up with students from other schools at OFA’s Modulo Meets, individual Modulos – a group of up to 15 young people, aged 11-18 – are formed, which are totally inclusive and welcome players regardless of their musical ability, previous experience or chosen instrument, in a bid to break down barriers to music-making.

A recent Modulo participant said: “I feel more confident after this experience because I’ve played in front of a lot of people, so now I feel like I can do anything!”

Another commented: “Go to Modulo if you want to learn how to play a new instrument – but even if you already play one, it’ll still help you to build on your skills.”

All about that bass: Ralph supports a Modulo guitar sectional at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Sharing top tips for new Modulo participants, Ralph said: “Collaborate with like-minded individuals in your section and make new friends. You’ll also play diverse repertoire at Modulo, which can present stylistic challenges and expose you to music that you might not necessarily listen to but have the opportunity to play.

“And finally, at the end of a Modulo day you’ll get to perform your work – that’s so important because you can be in your bedroom all day long practising your music to your heart’s content but actually, music is about giving and expressing these things that we’re feeling with others.”

Watch Modulo musicians in action at the Royal Northern College of Music >

Speaking out about the importance of diversity and inclusion, Ralph added: “When you have a network of people from different backgrounds, how amazing that can be. They might have different education, be different ages and listen to different music at home but when you throw them all in a room together, that’s when special things happen and the most original music-making can take place.

“The arts industries are usually a reflection of what’s happening culturally and art should drive the ideas and thoughts of wider society. It’s important that musical institutions think really seriously about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility – and that’s why it’s so brilliant that children can get involved with Orchestras for All because that’s their mission.”

To support young musicians on our Modulo programme, please donate today >