Who is NOFA for?

NOFA is for you, if you:

• Love music

• Want to experience music by playing in an orchestra

• Are creative (you can also get involved in composing, conducting and other musical activities!)

• Might not feel confident auditioning for an orchestra

• Want to make music in a supportive environment

• Are not yet confident on your instrument or are at the start of your musical journey – (don’t worry, we’ll support you!)

• Are already confident and want to develop as a musician and performer

• Are aged 11-16 on 1 September 2022 (please note: only those re-applying to NOFA can be aged 17 on this date)

• Play any instrument – not just a ‘traditional’ one usually found in an orchestra – and have any level of experience or skill

• Want to boost your wellbeing by playing music and participating in social activities

• Don’t have access to ‘inclusive’ musical opportunities (see below to understand what we mean by this).

If you don’t currently play an instrument but would love to learn, please still apply and get in touch, so we can chat further.

What do we mean by ‘inclusive’ musical opportunities?

We want to make sure that NOFA reaches young people who will most benefit from taking part. Previous NOFA members have not been able to participate in other musical opportunities as they live in a remote area, can’t afford the fees, need extra support or for various reasons, don’t always feel confident or welcome enough in other environments.

This may be due to mental health or because they’ve faced discrimination as a result of their disability, skin colour or ‘difference’. At Orchestras for All, we celebrate differences and take huge pride in working with people from all walks of life, who can come together in a friendly and supportive environment to have fun making powerful music together.

NOFA Ambassador, Kate, said: “Coming from a rural town in Northern Ireland, you don’t get to meet different types of people. I love that you can take this experience back home and talk about how people are people. It gives you the chance to share with your community.”

Can any instrument be part of NOFA?

Yes, absolutely! We can create music parts for any instrument and are proud to be an orchestra that welcomes all instruments.

Please note that if you play piano, we may ask you to play a melodica (a small keyboard instrument played by blowing through a mouthpiece) for some pieces of music, or join the percussion section. However, each pianist will have the opportunity to play a piano or keyboard for at least one piece.

What does membership involve?

NOFA members experience being part of an orchestra, supported by professional orchestral tutors and wellbeing staff. The focus is on playing music together in ensembles.

NOFA members play a crucial role in choosing the music that we play and will also have the incredible opportunity to work with a composer to create a new piece of music this year!

At the end of each in-person meeting, they will also have the chance to perform – whether that is a sharing of the work or a public concert.

The forthcoming season is set over two years and will include:

• Two online preparation sessions via Zoom, prior to residentials, plus one-to-one sessions where needed
• Three in-person residentials that last for four days and three nights
• One regional meet in the city closest to the member
• End-of-season finale concert (s)

In 2023/24, we will be taking up residency in Birmingham. The whole orchestra will travel from across the UK to rehearse and perform in the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. We will all stay in university accommodation nearby.

All travel, accommodation and food is covered for NOFA members. They are supported by an experienced and friendly team of wellbeing tutors and staff.

As well as learning how to play in an orchestra and improving musical skills, NOFA members take part in other fun activities and games, boost their confidence and make new friends along the way.

For those members who are aged 16 and over, we offer further opportunities through our Young Leaders Programme. Through this, the young person can choose which area they would like to develop whether this would be in composition, conducting, leading a section or another area they would like to explore. This may also include the possibility of gaining an Arts Award qualification.

Please note: we are currently halfway through our current season and will start recruiting new NOFA members later in the year (2024).

What is a residential?

A residential is a trip that takes place over a few days where you travel away from home, stay overnight and take part in activities. At NOFA, a residential usually lasts for four days and three nights. We all stay in the same accommodation and have our meals together. We support you to travel to residentials, either by coach or whatever mode of transport works best for you.

During the residential, you will take part in music rehearsals throughout the day as well as in games and social activities in the evenings. Each residential ends with a musical sharing or concert.

There will always be a chill out space if you need some quiet time, or a place to go if you feel overwhelmed in any way. Each NOFA member is also part of a group, led by two wellbeing tutors who check in with you throughout the day and support you to and from activities. Throughout the week, they will make sure you feel comfortable, confident and safe.

Why should I take part in NOFA?

There’s so much to gain from being part of our musical family! Here are a few quotes from NOFA members who shared their personal experiences with us:

NOFA pianist, Troy, said: “In secondary school, I didn’t have much going for me and didn’t have many opportunities, but then my teacher found NOFA and suggested that I should apply. “I’m so happy that I did – it’s amazing and has made my life much more interesting!”

NOFA oboist, Lily, commented: “I love all the different music we’re playing – I wouldn’t play this type of music back home. Being part of NOFA has also helped me to develop as a musician – the music we’re learning takes you out of your comfort zone but not to the point of breaking you, so it’s good to have that little push.”

NOFA guitarist, Kit, added: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people. You’re surrounded by others doing the same thing and the support has been really good.

“NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity. Regardless of how nervous you might feel, you really enjoy it – and not many young people have the chance to do this, so I’m really grateful.”

Is it free to take part in NOFA?

Yes! We want to make sure that cost isn’t a barrier to participating. Everything is covered for you to join us, including food, travel, accommodation and tuition.

We will invite the adult nominating you to apply for NOFA (your school, community music leader, support worker, youth worker, charity worker, parent or guardian) to make a financial contribution of £250.

Please note: Your application will not be judged on whether or not the financial contribution is possible; it is based on who would benefit from the experience of joining NOFA most.