A violinist holds up his instrument and smiles at the camera in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House

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!

Two students in school uniform smile at the camera

A brass player holds her instrument and smiles at the camera, while other Modulo students prepare instruments on stage behind her.

A Modulo flautist enjoys a quick chat with her neighbour during sectionals.

Two percussionists enjoy a playful exchange with drumsticks and mobile phones at break time.

A student wearing a pink school shirt and glasses smiles with her guitar.

A Modulo participant holds up her violin and bow.

A group shot of Modulo students in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House, with a keyboardist in focus and others can be seen playing their harmonicas in the background.

A bold image of brass players lined up in a row, holding their shiny trumpets and trombones up high.

Conductor Rocco stands up and holds his arms up high in the air as he leads the London Modulo ensemble, who can all be seen sitting in front of him.

Two girls with blonde hair and school blazers strike a pose with the xylophone.

A woodwind player smiles from behind his music stand.

A Modulo guitarist focuses on the music as she looks down towards her instrument.

A Modulo drummer smiles at the camera, holding up his drumsticks in an 'X' shape.

This photo was taken from behind the grand piano, with two students seated there and they look out towards a busy group shot of the London Modulo ensemble in Cecil Sharp House, with a large artwork on the wall in the background.

Three girls in school uniform sit in a row and laugh with their mobile phones during break time.

A Modulo student and her teacher catch up in the main hall.

A string player stands tall with her instrument, smiling towards the camera.

A violinist reads sheet music as she plays her instrument.

Two woodwind players sit and rehearse together.

Woodwind and saxophone players pick up the melody during a sectional rehearsal.

Conductor Rocco stands in front of the Modulo ensemble in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House.

The London Modulo ensemble play together in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House.

Conductor Rocco is in focus, addressing the orchestra with his microphone.

Modulo flautists flutter with their instruments.

Percussion tutor Andre guides students in his section.

A violinist holds up her instrument and looks up towards the conductor.

A young participant laughs with her musical neighbour in the guitar section.

Two boys enjoy each other's company at lunchtime over cake and fizzy pop.

OFA’s Operations Manager, Helen, sits next to her laptop and smiles at the camera

Two students volunteering to do vox pops laugh with Communications Manager, Helena

Broaden Productions’ videographer, Sam, stands behind the camera as he gets ready to record vox pops

OFA Ambassador, Keefe, gives videographer Sam the thumbs up as he stands in front of the camera

Three girls stand in a line and give videographer, Sam, the thumbs up

Conductor Rocco shares his conducting skills with a Modulo participant

A great group shot of the orchestra taken from the angle of the strings

Conductor Rocco doing what he does best and leading the way

Cellists focus during full orchestra rehearsals

A guitarist looks down towards her instrument as she plays

Artistic Director, Emma, holds up her violin and laughs during a full orchestra rehearsal

Two girls who are good friends at their school sit with their keyboards and hold hands

Two girls play the grand piano in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House

A group shot of the London Modulo ensemble in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House

A percussionist smiles at the camera as he stands by his instrument

Two percussionists smile and give the camera the thumbs up

Two guitarists sit side by side – one is a blue electric guitar and the other black and white.

Two guitarists sit with their instruments and smile up at the camera

A group shot of the strings in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House

Brass players sit in a row and hold up their trumpets as they play.

A group shot of participants in the percussion section, with a drum kit and bongos in focus.

Percussion tutor, Andre, holds up his arm and makes students laugh as they all stand in a circle during a sectional rehearsal.

A group of flautists play together during a sectional rehearsal.

Woodwind players and flautists play together during a sectional rehearsal

Guitar tutor, Ralph Porrett, leads the way during a sectional rehearsal

A group shot of the string sectional, with participants all gathered around in a circle.

A photo of the main hall at Cecil Sharp House, facing a painting on the wall and with a xylophone and other percussion instruments in focus

A group shot of the full orchestra in the main hall at Cecil Sharp House

Modulo Programme Manager, Sam, smiles and points towards the orchestra in the main hall

A group of participants wave goodbye to the camera at the end of the day

Surrounded by trees, a sign outside the venue reads: 'Cecil Sharp House, The English Folk Dance And Song Society'