Orchestras for All commits to 'enacting positive change' over the next five years
Harriet Clifford
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Kicking of its spring season with a 150-strong Zoom call and the release of a video featuring young musicians, Orchestras for All has launched its five-year strategy to move towards more inclusive, diverse orchestras in Britain.
The 10-year-old charity, dedicated to inclusive group music making, has announced a renewed vision of a country in which all 11- to 19-year-olds can access ‘the joy and benefits of playing music with others, regardless of the daily challenges they face.’
During the season launch on Zoom, young members and ambassadors of National Orchestra for All (NOFA) shared inspiring stories about how the orchestra has helped them overcome financial, physical and psychological barriers to music making.
Orchestras for All has reported that 55 per cent of its members were previously unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difficulty, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
NOFA course on Zoom
It is hope that further change will occur through the orchestra’s three core programmes: NOFA, Modulo (which supports teachers and schools to develop an ensemble), and Music Leadership Training (boosting the skills of music leaders and educators). In 2021, 710 young people will benefit from the results of the Modulo programme, with 77 secondary schools taking part across the UK.
NOFA clarinetist Joe said: ‘Coming from a working class background, classical music seemed so inaccessible. It just seemed like something for the rich and wealthy. You could learn but weren’t given the opportunity to unless you had the money.’
Violinist, NOFA ambassador and young carer, Isaac, said: ‘Being a NOFA member gave me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. You play great music, you meet amazing people – and there’s a tonne of support, so that any problems that you have can be dealt with.’
A blog post announcing the orchestra’s plans states that NOFA is now the most diverse orchestra in the UK, with 37 per cent of players coming from underrepresented groups and 54 per cent also based in the lowest three IDACI multiple deprivation deciles.
