Welcoming a new Co-Chair: Beth White takes up new role as Orchestras for All’s Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees

Susanna and Beth after their first meeting as Co-Chairs of Orchestras for All

Orchestras for All is delighted to announce the appointment of Beth White as the new Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees. Beth will sit alongside Susanna Eastburn MBE, our current Chair, who moves to the position of Co-Chair alongside Beth. This appointment marks a significant moment in OFA's journey as Beth brings with her a unique blend of experience, passion, and connection to the organisation's mission.

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

Beth White: A Remarkable Journey with Orchestras for All

Having joined the charity as a cornet player from Peterlee in County Durham back in 2013, Beth’s journey with Orchestras for All is nothing short of inspiring. She is not only a current Trustee but also a previous participant of one of the charity’s programmes, the National Orchestra for All (NOFA), and Founding Co-Chair of OFA’s Youth Board 2020-2022. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of music.

““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 White - Co-Chair of Orchestras for All

Read more: Music podcast highlights need ‘to take meaningful action against inequality’ – here’s how to listen >

Orchestras for All Ambassadors laughing with guests at the National Orchestra for All summer course

The Power of Youth on Charity Boards

OFA’s Board of Trustees are a group of 12 volunteers who ensure we carry out our mission, use our funding and resources wisely, ensure we are accountable and comply with our governing document and the law.

It’s our belief that Boards whose trustees have different backgrounds and experience are more likely to encourage debate and to make better decisions as a result.

As a charity working with young people, Young Trustees bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a deep understanding of current issues. However, when less than 3% of charity trustees are under 30, charities are in desperate need of young people’s perspectives. This engagement of young people, alumni of OFA’s programmes, not only helps in better understanding the needs of the community but also paves the way for more effective and relevant decision-making and strategic planning.

According to a study conducted by the Charity Commission, organisations with younger Trustees tend to be more innovative, adaptable, and in tune with the needs and expectations of younger beneficiaries.

Read more: Meet Orchestras for All’s barrier-smashing new trustees >

Beth and the founding Orchestras for All Youth Board members

Beth White's Vision for Orchestras for All

Beth’s appointment as Co-Chair is a clear signal of OFA's dedication to promoting the involvement of young people in the decision-making processes. She brings her unique perspective as a previous member of the NOFA programme, having experienced firsthand the transformative power of music and the impact it can have on the lives of young people.

She Founded OFA’s very first Youth Board 2020 – 2022 at a vital moment for young people’s perspectives to be heard throughout the pandemic. Her leadership oversaw the Youth Board rebranding the charity, becoming more invested in artistic and programme decision making alongside creating the Youth Board slogan: nothing about us, without us.

Susanna Eastburn, Co-Chair shared: “I am so looking forward to working as Co-Chair with Beth, who has been a wonderful and committed Trustee and brilliant advocate for our work. Co-Chairing is a new experience for me and I appreciate being able to draw on Beth’s insights from her previous role as Co-Chair of the Youth Board. Putting youth leadership at the top and front of the organisation is what we’re all about, so this is a vital step for us to be taking.”

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

As Beth takes on this new role, we can look forward to witnessing her passion and dedication driving positive change within Orchestras for All. With her unique perspective having taken part in NOFA, Beth is poised to lead Orchestras for All towards even greater heights, ensuring that more young people across the country can experience the transformative power of music.

Introducing the newest members of the Orchestras for All team

Spoiler alert: they’re all pretty darn amazing.

Over the past year, Orchestras for All (OFA) has continued to evolve as a charity and grown at rapid speed, reaching even more young people across the UK than ever before through its inclusive music-making programmes.

To support this demand and further develop OFA’s musical offering, its team has welcomed 10 inspiring ambassadors, who all started out on their journey as young musicians with National Orchestra for All. In these paid roles, ambassadors play a vital part in assisting the core team and championing OFA’s work across all programmes, while also boosting their skills and having the opportunity to focus on a specialty of their choice.

Joining them is OFA’s new Youth Leadership Coordinator, Elen, who will be creating and facilitating opportunities for young people – including current members, ambassadors and alumni – to be involved in the charity’s key decision-making, planning and delivery of work. We believe that young people are best-placed to tell us what they want and need, so it’s essential that their voices and opinions are heard, valued and actioned. Outside OFA, Elen is a member of the ABO board’s Musicians’ Advisory Council, which also ensures that the voices of orchestral musicians are heard at board and executive level.

Finally, OFA is pleased to welcome Sasha, who will be supporting the wellbeing of both staff and participants across the charity as Wellbeing Lead, alongside superb Associate Conductor, Rocco, barrier-smashing Programmes Coordinator, Jenny, and Production Manager, Chris, whose role is key to making our live events a success.

From Arsenal fans and filmmaking students to keen cellists and music-loving maestros, let’s meet the latest additions to the team…

Read more: National Orchestra for All’s barrier-smashing spring residential in pictures >

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Atse, Ambassador

Hi, my name is Atse and I’m an OFA Ambassador. I’ve been a part of OFA since 2014, when I joined as a NOFA member. As an Ambassador, my role is to help guide young people through the experience of being part of OFA, using my own knowledge of being a NOFA member.

I am also a member of the Youth Board, which is where we take the feedback of members and discuss how we can improve the OFA experience. Outside of OFA, I’m studying to be a music producer and sound engineer and I’m a big Arsenal fan.

Beau, Ambassador

Hello! I’m Beau and I’m an Ambassador for OFA. I’ve been with NOFA since 2016 and I’ve enjoyed every year I’ve been here. An ambassador helps young people feel more comfortable within OFA as we act as a bridge between staff and members as we were once members ourselves. 

Music has always been a big part of my life and I’m always doing something that has music. Outside of OFA, I love making my own music – OFA helped me gain the confidence to be able to do that. I’m also a filmmaking student in Brighton, specialising in production design, sound design and soundtracks for film. 

Chloe, Ambasssador and Trustee

I’m Chloe and I loved music from a young age – sitting in my Granny’s kitchen in Belfast, listening to my family have a trad session, I desperately wanted to join in. I felt then how music brought people together and created a feeling of community. Naturally I did the only reasonable thing… stole one of my uncle’s tin whistles and began to make a racket.

I then started learning the cello in school at age eight. There was very limited opportunity for ensemble playing and my idea of an orchestra was “serious and stuffy”. Joining National Orchestra for All in 2018 changed that entirely! There I felt that same sense of community but this time it was with 99 other young people that I’d only met three days prior! Most importantly, as an Ambassador and Trustee I’m looking forward to helping OFA achieve what the Youth Board likes to call… “world domination”!

Chris, Production Manager

Hi everyone, I’m Chris Tindall and I’m the Production Manager at Orchestras For All. My job is to make sure all the equipment, such as stands, chairs, power for guitars and so on, is set up and working for rehearsals. I also help with the lighting and sound for the recital evening.

I love working with musicians and have previously worked for lots of opera companies. The thing I’m most excited about with NOFA is hearing the orchestra play together for the first time! I also live in the North East of England, love cricket and am a trained umpire.

Elen, Youth Leadership Coordinator

I’m Elen and I am the Youth Leadership Coordinator at Orchestras For All. My role will be focused on amplifying youth voices and furthering the youth involvement in all areas of OFA. I have recently graduated from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama but prior to this, I was a member of OFA’s National Orchestra For All. My experience with music education, especially conservatoire, has meant that I have experienced first-hand the inaccessibility of the music industry, but these experiences have only made me more passionate about OFA’s mission.

My time with OFA has given me an insight into the lives of young musicians from all walks of life and has truly shown me the value of music-making opportunities. I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make music regardless of their background or personal challenges, so I am incredibly excited to be a member of the OFA team and to be part of the positive changes they are making!

Grace, Ambassador

Hi everyone! My name is Grace and I’m one of the NOFA ambassadors. A bit about me – I’m a violinist and auditioning for a conservatoire in November, but I also play piano and like to sing. I love buying clothes from charity and thrift shops – you will often see me in brightly-coloured clothes! 

I’m very excited to meet NOFA’s new musicians in the summer – I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic week! 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! 

Haseeb, Ambassador

Hello everyone! I’m Haseeb, an OFA Ambassador. I have been with the organisation since 2015 and have loved every second (as you can probably tell as I’m still here). As one of the ambassadors and someone who only recently aged out of being a NOFA member, I essentially act as a bridge between members of OFA’s programmes and its staff.

I’ve also been a member of the Youth Board, so if you have an idea on how we could improve something, I would love to hear it and feed this back to the Board, who can take it further up the ladder. Outside of OFA, I've completed my A-Levels and I'm currently a Medical Engineering Apprentice at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Jenny, Programmes Coordinator

Hello! My name is Jenny and I’m the Programmes Coordinator for Orchestras for All. My role is new and was created because OFA’s programmes are reaching more people than ever before! I support the lovely Sam (Modulo and MLT Manager) and Paula (NOFA Manager) in the delivery of OFA’s three innovative programmes. Something I am particularly looking forward to is attending OFA events, meeting the young people involved and experiencing their incredible performances!

Music has been a part of my life since I started learning to play the violin aged eight. My favourite part of learning an instrument was playing in ensembles – particularly orchestras! If I hadn’t participated in orchestras while growing up, I wouldn’t have the skills, friendships and life experiences I am fortunate enough to have today. I am delighted to be joining the OFA team and contributing towards inclusive music-making opportunities in the UK.

Keefe, Ambassador

Hi, I’m Keefe and I come from London. Music has been a large part of my life for a long time now, ever since I started playing the piano in Year Three. I love it because although music can vary massively, it has always been a universal language for everyone. Music has always been a sort of safe place in my mind that I can retreat to when I’m nervous or overwhelmed, almost a sort of second language. I can't imagine a life without it now.

I’ve been with OFA for three years now (although it seems a lot longer than that!) and it has given me invaluable experience, many unforgettable memories and great friends. I’m absolutely honoured to be an Ambassador for OFA! Outside of music, my biggest interest is medicine and I’m aiming to become a doctor in the future. I will also never say no to a game of chess, although I’ll probably lose very quickly!

Nell, Ambassador

I’m Nell and I’ve enjoyed playing music since I was little, bouncing around between instruments until ultimately settling on the clarinet. I joined NOFA back in 2015 and they’ve yet to manage to get rid of me. OFA were the first to introduce me to the joys of playing with others, especially on a large scale. My hope as an Ambassador is that I can play a part (get it?) in helping the current generation to experience all the opportunities OFA has given me.

Outside of music, I study physics at university. I’m also always on the lookout for another sport to try; the current list includes trampolining, netball and gymnastics. I try to find the time to play in an orchestra but none of them ever quite match up to NOFA (we’re just that good!).

Noah, Ambassador

I’m Noah and I’ve been a part of OFA for nearly six years – and every year has been better than the last. Over the years, OFA has helped me to improve my confidence and musical ability. I can play things now that I thought were impossible for me to do. I have been playing double bass for the past eight years and thanks to OFA, I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. I have always had a passion for music as it allows me to imagine and create from my mind, something which I am very grateful to be able to do.

I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity of being an Ambassador as I would like to be able to give back to the orchestra and organisation that I have been a part of for so long. Outside of OFA, I enjoy programming – especially in the field of cyber security, as well as making robots and machines. I also enjoy outdoor sports like bouldering and kayaking.

Rocco, Associate Conductor

My name is Rocco and I am the Associate Conductor of Orchestras for All. I was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy, where I started playing the trumpet aged seven. I immediately fell in love with ensemble playing – that hasn't changed yet! I studied classical trumpet, jazz trumpet and music education, and have played in 1,500 concerts all over Europe, Asia and Oceania.

After a few years travelling around the world, I settled in North London, where I work for several music services. I truly enjoy seeing so many young musicians and colleagues every week. I conduct all sorts of musical styles (symphonic, jazz, big band, wind band, choir and brass band) and I love the challenges that this role is offering me every single time. It’s never-ending fun! I also love coffee, painting, cooking, reading and my dog Frank.

Sasha, Wellbeing Lead

Growing up, I was taken to a local brass band concert and my mum asked me what I would like to play. I vividly remember choosing the drum kit, which I think surprised even me as my mum and brother both played a brass instrument! Later on, I volunteered with a community theatre company in Toronto, where I learned about the different access points of music, before studying psychology at Goldsmiths, specialising in musical ability in children who are neurodivergent. We explored the positive sides of neurodiversity and I loved it!

I found my early 20s quite hard mentally, so started exploring different ways of looking after my wellbeing. Music, dancing, family, friends and being outside were all helpful for me during difficult times. After my dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, I also became an advocate for my family, keen to challenge systems that did not put the person receiving the care or support first. My dad shared all his music with me throughout this period and it held us together. Then, I found Orchestras for All. It showed me that there are places that value wellbeing completely. It makes me excited that I can use the skills and knowledge that I developed to contribute to creating spaces that support wellbeing.

Shannon, Ambassador

I’m Shannon and I joined NOFA in 2018. It changed my life as a musician – NOFA’s approach to music-making was different to anything else I’d experienced and made me realise just how much music could connect people. Since first picking it up in secondary school, my cello and I have been inseparable. I ended up studying music at college and I’m now studying Actor-Musicianship at a drama school.

I’m so excited to be joining the OFA team as an Ambassador and supporting their mission towards making music education more inclusive. I’ve been so inspired by the way OFA empowers young voices and by their commitment to making music accessible – giving me an opportunity that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Tashan, Ambassador

Hey! It’s Tashan here. I’ve been part of OFA for quite some time actually – it’s been seven years. As an Ambassador, I feel that it’s important to assist the core team to make sure all OFA courses, sessions and events run smoothly. I also believe that being an Ambassador puts me in a position to be the bridge between the staff and the young members of OFA, to gain insight on what the young members like and how these OFA courses can be improved for them in the future.

I’m just another guy who really likes music and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate how much music touches people and brings them together. Outside of music, I’m also studying physics at university, which is another interest of mine. It’s challenging but it’s quite fun too.

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On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank our individual donors and funders for their kind generosity; without them, these opportunities to strengthen our team wouldn’t be possible.

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Keen to support aspiring young musicians across the UK? Please donate what you can:

Season’s greetings: 12 days of Orchestras for All memories

From award wins to powerful live concerts, that’s a wrap on 2022…

What a memorable year it has been! We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for here at Orchestras for All (OFA) and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were part of our journey in 2022.

Without the ongoing support of our incredible partners, funders, supporters, tutors, trustees, volunteers, alumni, ambassadors, and of course, our brilliant Youth Board, OFA’s life-changing programmes for young people would not be possible.

OFA’s young trustees, Beth and Joelle, told us: “It’s been yet another eventful year, full of exciting activities, productive meetings and incredible achievements as well as a time for reflection. Seeing how energised our young musicians were while making music together again after a long two years of the pandemic was a perfect reminder of why this charity exists and is so needed.”

We can’t wait to meet and get started with our new cohort of National Orchestra for All and Modulo musicians very soon.

For now though, it’s time to rest up and recharge but to mark the festive period, we’ll leave you with 12 OFA memories from 2022 – and 2023, we’re ready for you! 

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1. The excitement of returning to live activity and reconnecting with our musical friends

2. Winning the award for ‘Outstanding Musical Initiative’ at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2022 – OFA’s first ever award

3. We met with Modulo schools and collaborated with diverse students and music leaders from all across the country, playing an eclectic programme of repertoire

4. Welcoming barrier-smashing new members of the team, Youth Board and trustees – including National Orchestra for All (NOFA) member, Chloe!

5. NOFA’s famed recital evenings – we laughed, we cried and most importantly, we went away feeling inspired by the young people we work with

6. Our powerful summer concert with NOFA, complete with body percussion, a Britten masterpiece and spoken word produced in collaboration with poet, Ben Macpherson

7. Raising over £18,000 from our winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, hosted by NOFA members Tashan, Nell and Chloe

8. Being constantly blown away by how incredible our five Ambassadors were – for example, Kate and Joe’s epic presentation on behalf of OFA at NYMAZ and Harrison Parrott’s Symposium

9. Collaborating with experts from across the music and education sectors during our thought-provoking Music Leadership Training webinars

10. Sharing a virtual tea break with esteemed conductor and Artistic Director at El Sistema Greece, José Ángel Salazar-Marin, who led the way at NOFA’s summer concert

11. Introducing pen profiles for all the young people and staff that we work with to ensure they receive the right level of support and their wellbeing remains a top priority

12. And finally, celebrating becoming a National Portfolio Organisation, helping us support even more young musicians nationwide who need it the most – a fantastic way to end the year!

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A winter-ful design

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank National Orchestra for All violinist, Patience, for designing this colourful greetings card for OFA! We’re sure you’ll all agree that her musical snowman looks super cool.

Have a restful, music-filled festive break, everyone!

Keen to support young musicians through our programmes? Please donate today >

‘Tis the season to be jolly: meet Orchestras for All’s barrier-smashing new trustees!

From fundraising experts and young musicians to marketing-savvy professionals, here we introduce the latest additions to our team…

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that its Board of Trustees has welcomed six inspiring new members in a bid to elevate its practice and take the charity to new heights.

The decision comes as OFA continues to strive towards its bold vision: a country where all young people have access to the benefits of orchestral music-making regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing.

According to the Young Trustees Movement, less than 3 per cent of charity trustees are aged 30 and under despite young people often being an integral part of their work, while one in 12 trustees are named either John or David – highlighting the growing need for board diversity across the sector.

With this in mind, OFA is proud to share that its new trustees include Belfast-based musician, Chloe Morgan – an alumna of its inclusive, non-auditioned youth orchestra, National Orchestra for All (NOFA), who participated in three seasons of the programme and also supported the charity as a dedicated Young Leader, Youth Board member and co-host of OFA’s online fundraising launch event last winter.

This means that a quarter of OFA’s Board of 12 Trustees are currently aged 23 and under or alumni of its programmes. Chloe said: “Joining OFA back in 2018, I had no idea that I would wind up a trustee but I always wanted to give back to the organisation that led me down the path to here. From a young age, I’ve had a passion for politics and community work (and of course music) but it was joining OFA that made me realise the gap that existed for accessible music-making – and the need to fill that gap.”

Read more: ‘A more equal world is a safer place for everyone,’ says visually impaired composer, Xia-Leon >

Chloe continued: “Having benefitted so much from music and NOFA, I’m excited to help OFA evolve and I’ve already been involved in discussions about exciting new things. Learning from the OFA team and Board of Trustees is a big thing for me – they have so much experience in so many fields and I’m sure I’ll be all the wiser from working with them. Most importantly, I’m ready for OFA to achieve what the Youth Board likes to call “world domination!”.

Learn more about Orchestras for All’s young musicians >

Joining Chloe on the Board is senior leader in the international development sector, Rosie Parkyn, who runs a radio station for young people at Riverside Studios, and Rachael Adediran, who takes over from former trustee, Emily Sayers, and has kickstarted a culture of music-making for hundreds of young people during her time as Associate Assistant Principal at Skinners’ Academy in Hackney, London.

Rosie said: “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to access and make music as much as they wish. It is always life-enhancing and can be transformational. I am frustrated that these opportunities are still not available to all young people – they should not be a luxury. This is why I support the fantastic work of Orchestras for All. I am immensely proud to be a Trustee and hope that my professional experience in non-profit leadership will help this organisation realise its immense potential.”

Rachael added: “I first knew music was going to feature in my life aged seven when I passed the ‘test’ to have flute lessons at school and, in the same year, joined the Steel Band – no test necessary! These two steps started me on a lifelong journey of music-making and I have actively worked to remove barriers to participation for young people. OFA also does fantastic, truly inclusive work in removing those barriers, so I'm really excited to be part of its journey as a Trustee and support the team who drive it forward!”

Pictured (clockwise): New Orchestras for All trustees Rachael Adediran, Chloe Morgan, Philip Raperport, Rosie Parkyn, Dominic Parker and Lucinda Coulthard

Working alongside Rosie and Rachael is Director of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Dominic Parker, whose background includes fundraising and marketing for Southbank Centre, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, as well as freelance arts fundraiser and former Head of Development at Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Lucinda Coulthard, and Commissioning Executive for BBC Sounds and Radio 3, Philip Raperport.

Dominic said: “OFA is doing incredible work and is at a pivotal point in its development, having just joined the Arts Council’s NPO portfolio. I’m very happy to be joining the Board of Trustees and to lend my support and experience as this inspirational company continues to make music with hundreds of young people each year.” 

Lucinda commented: “I can’t remember when music wasn’t part of my life. Learning the recorder with my classmates during Year one at Primary School was possibly the first time I felt genuinely good at something – and now I know how much I benefitted from that newfound confidence. I firmly believe that every young person should be able to achieve their potential – and there is plenty of evidence to prove how much performing music in ensembles can help with so many important life skills. I’m so pleased to be a Trustee of OFA and I look forward to playing my part in its future.”

Watch National Orchestra for All’s epic summer concert >

Philip added: “The role of collective music-making in stimulating creativity, developing social skills and supporting wellbeing is hugely undervalued, and OFA’s mission to support and empower young people through access to instruments and playing music together has never been more important. As a Board Trustee, I hope I can play a small part in supporting the charity’s big ambitions. I’m most excited about working with and learning from the Youth Board and other young trustees. OFA is unique in the way it prioritises and champions young voices, not only through its programmes but within the charity itself.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, huge congratulations to each of our new trustees and a warm welcome to the team!

Please support OFA’s life-changing programmes and donate today >

5 reasons why becoming an Orchestras for All trustee is the volunteer role you never knew you needed

Making a difference: Trustees Joelle (top right) and Beth (middle) host a youth board meeting

Ever considered becoming a charity trustee? Here are just some of the ways that you could benefit…

At Orchestras for All (OFA), trustees are valued members of the team who use their specialist skills to help us achieve our charity’s ambition: breaking down barriers to music-making for young people across the UK.

From fundraising and finance, to HR and digital marketing, our passionate volunteers provide us with the vital support that we need to make an impact on the lives of thousands of aspiring young musicians and create lasting change in society.

But when you join the Orchestras for All family in this inspiring and fast-paced role, there are so many ways that you can benefit too.

To find out more, we caught up with a few of our loyal trustees – Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, Emily, Director at Western Jerwood Creative Bursaries, Kate, and university students, Joelle and Beth.

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

Pictured: Cellist and Orchestras for All trustee, Joelle

1. You’ll experience the joy of live (and virtual) events

Emily: When our artistic events were live, the concerts and fundraising activities were hugely enjoyable. Talking to the supporters, young people and their families and seeing the performances themselves was a powerful motivator!

Nowadays, being invited to the online events and viewing the videos created after the courses has definitely been a lockdown highlight.

Kate: The pride I feel when the orchestra plays to a packed audience of thousands at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, or when a player talks about the impact of OFA on their life, is immense.

Please donate today and make a difference to young musicians’ lives >

2. You’ll contribute to a great cause

Joelle: I’ve been part of Orchestras for All since 2016 and gained so much knowledge and musical appreciation from the charity, which I’m really grateful for. I’d like to take this opportunity to give back to OFA, an organisation that has given me so much.

Being a trustee is a great opportunity to make an impact within the charity and represent the young people as a young person.

Beth: I would like to bring the voice of the people that benefit from, or have benefitted from, the programmes at Orchestras for All. I’m excited to support OFA to launch its new strategy in the best way possible.

Emily: Hearing from our youth board about the difference that Orchestras for All has made to their lives is key, and celebrating the successes of our young people in a range of fields proves that we are making an impact.

Kate: I feel I have played my part, however small, in helping to break down barriers to music-making for young people. Being an OFA trustee gives me a fantastic insight into what goes on behind the scenes to make the charity’s vision a reality. 

3. You can build your professional network

Emily: Being involved in recruitment for key positions is a very practical way of seeing how the charity’s strategy is being implemented and ensuring that we have the skills on the team to achieve it. Helping to build a super team is very satisfying! 

4. You’ll make friends for life

Emily: It’s so wonderful to meet like-minded individuals with a common goal. The thrill when we find out that applications to trusts, foundations and grants have been successful is wonderful and shows that other organisations share and understand our vision. The artistic update at every trustees meeting keeps us focused on the art and lets us know what the young people (and the audience) have to look forward to at the next performance.

Beth: When I joined Orchestras for All, I was 13 years old. Before then I’d only had access to brass bands, so for me it was a great opportunity to join an ensemble and meet people from different backgrounds from around the country. It was my only source of diversity growing up, and I still benefit from this now as a trustee.

5. It looks great on your CV

Kate: I have learnt so much over my years as a trustee about how to make music-making accessible to all young people and this knowledge helps me with my day job promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.  It really is a two-way exchange of experience between the charity and its Board. 

Emily: As a volunteer, feeling like you are making a difference is vital – if you work for a very large organisation in your day job (as I currently do) you can feel like a tiny cog in a very big machine. But as a trustee you feel more like you are the sat nav or co-pilot on an exciting journey. Come and help drive Orchestras for All forward to our next destination!

Keen to become our next trustee? Find out more and apply for our current vacancies >

Welcome to our new Trustees - NOFA alumni Beth and Joelle!

Orchestras for All believes in the power and importance of young people’s voices. We know that young people have great ideas and important opinions to share about decisions that affect them. Our ambition is to ensure their voices lead the organisation forward, supercharging its future.

National Orchestra for All members already co-create new music that enables their collective voice to be heard throughout NOFA performances, both in style and content. We also have Young Leaders (members aged 16 - 18) and Ambassadors (alumni aged 18 - 20) who take on leadership roles across the year, offering fresh insights and perspectives to lead, motivate, inspire, champion and develop our work and practice.

Now, as the next step in this vital area, we’re excited to announce the appointment of our first Trustees recruited from NOFA alumni: Beth White and Joelle Sogunro.

Beth and Joelle will join our eight existing Trustees, supporting crucial discussions in the lead-up to the launch of a new five-year strategy in Spring 2021 that will continue our mission to break down barriers young people face to music making.

Having been part of Orchestras for All programmes in recent years, Joelle and Beth will bring their own unique experiences to the conversation.

“I’ve been part of Orchestras for All since 2016 and gained so much knowledge and musical appreciation from the charity, which I’m really grateful for. I’d like to take this opportunity to give back to OFA, an organisation that has given me so much.”

— Joelle Sogunro, Trustee

“I would like to bring the voice of the people that benefit from, or have benefitted from, the programmes at Orchestras for All. I’m excited to support OFA to launch its new strategy in Spring 2021 in the best way possible.”

— Beth White, Trustee

Over the coming year, we will be exploring the next evolution of our youth voice strategy, bringing together voices from our Modulo schools with those of National Orchestra for All members past and present in a Youth Advisory Board, chaired by Joelle and Beth.

We’re so excited for a future that integrates youth voice into all conversations; a future that provides a different insight, perspective and representation of our young people, that brings fresh perspectives and challenges our thinking, and which builds a network of advocates for the future.

Or, to think of it another way (and to paraphrase from the inspirational work of Contact, Manchester): If Orchestras for All was a stick of rock, wherever you break it you’d find young people leading - it’s at the core of everything we do.

Beth and Joelle at their first Trustee meeting

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Find out more about Beth and Joelle by clicking on their names below, and meet all of our Trustees here.

Meet Beth

"Being a music production student and trumpet player from Durham, I didn’t have access to any orchestral opportunities growing up - until Orchestras for All was founded. I played within OFA programmes for seven years and in recent years have undertaken volunteer roles. With experience in both classical and popular music, I’ve played in numerous notable venues and with numerous artists, such as Dave Stewart from Eurythmics. These are opportunities that I likely wouldn’t have been able to access without the confidence OFA has instilled in me.

My individual love for music has now developed into a love for sharing music, and giving young musicians the help that I was given, in order to give everyone a fair chance. Music has a strong power that can make us feel every emotion, and it’s this magic that keeps us coming back."

Meet Joelle

"Hello! I am Joelle and have been a part of Orchestras for All since 2016 as a National Orchestra for All member, then as an Ambassador, and now as a Trustee!

I started off in the NOFA trumpet section, but in 2017 started learning the cello aged 17, and so joined the string section for my final year despite being a complete beginner. One of the awesome things about NOFA is that it welcomes players of all abilities to join, and so coming to NOFA every year alone was a huge motivation for me to continue with music at all, especially as I am currently studying a STEM subject at university.

Being a part of NOFA has opened up many opportunities for me, including helping me to join a brass band and several orchestras over the years, so now I would really like to take this opportunity to give back to the charity as a Trustee, and do what I can to help OFA grow. I look forward to working with OFA over the coming year and seeing the impact we have on young people close-up, especially during these trying times."