Orchestras for All

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Orchestras for All Breaking down barriers to music-making for young people across the UK We know that music-making boosts young people’s skills and enriches their lives forever.

Orchestras for All (OFA) is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that breaks down barriers to give all young people the life-changing experience of making music together, regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing. Its inclusive, non-auditioned National Orchestra for All (NOFA) brings together 100 young musicians from across the UK who would otherwise be unable to access musical opportunities – whether that’s due to physical disability, a mental health condition, economic deprivation or rural isolation. Meanwhile, the charity’s Modulo and Music Leadership Training programmes equip under-resourced music leaders with the vital tools and support they need to run their own inclusive ensembles in schools and local communities. That’s why we value commitment to music over ability and deliver our programmes in a flexible and inclusive way, so that they are accessible to all – regardless of instrument skill level, additional needs or background. OFA continually develops its approach in placing youth leadership at the heart of everything it does through roles on its Board, core and freelance teams, working with external artistic partners, arrangers and composers, workshop animateurs, cultural venues, social and additional needs experts, along with a team of highly experienced orchestral and pastoral tutors, to ensure its programmes are delivered to the highest standard. By sharing values of inclusivity, ownership and collaboration, OFA is sowing the seeds for positive social change.

Feeling inspired by Dom’s impressive Lisbon Marathon run on Saturday? We still have places available to run the Brighton...
13/10/2026

Feeling inspired by Dom’s impressive Lisbon Marathon run on Saturday? We still have places available to run the Brighton Marathon next April to raise vital funds for Orchestras for All! 🏃‍♂️ 👏 🤩

Joining doesn’t just mean joining the race. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated fundraising team, helping you achieve your goals beyond just beating that PB. 🙌 ☺️

Sign up today 👉 https://ow.ly/TJlV50ZXgqf

Huge congratulations to Orchestras for All Trustee, Dom for completing the Lisbon Marathon on Saturday! 🎉 🏃‍♂️ 👏We are s...
12/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Orchestras for All Trustee, Dom for completing the Lisbon Marathon on Saturday! 🎉 🏃‍♂️ 👏

We are so grateful that he took on this challenge in aid of our charity!

Thank you to everyone who has supported him so far. We’re thrilled that he has reached 83% of his goal, but he still needs your help to get him over the (fundraising) finish line 🙌

If you’re able to donate, you can find his page here 👉 https://nofa.enthuse.com/cf/dominic-parker-runs-the-lisbon-marathon

Every pound will go towards our work, breaking down barriers to ensemble music-making for young people across the UK

GO DOM! 🤩

Did you know that today is World Mental Health Day? 🧐 🫶At Orchestras for All, we recognise the importance of supporting ...
10/10/2026

Did you know that today is World Mental Health Day? 🧐 🫶

At Orchestras for All, we recognise the importance of supporting young people’s mental health. At all our charity’s events, we have a dedicated Head of Wellbeing and Wellbeing tutors.

We aim to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, enabling them to thrive and be the best version of themselves. 🙌 🩷

Today we are taking a moment to share why supporting young people is so crucial in our ever-changing world and a few ways this can be encouraged. 🤩

Head to our latest blog to find out more 👉 https://ow.ly/rs1q50ZWqXn

In the UK, the number of young people experiencing mental health problems is at an all-time high, which is why it has never been more important for us to take action. To mark World Mental Health Day this year, we’re taking a moment to share why supporting young people is so crucial in our ever-cha...

The final countdown to Dom’s epic marathon challenge has officially begun! ⏰ 🏃‍♂️This time tomorrow Dom will have comple...
09/10/2026

The final countdown to Dom’s epic marathon challenge has officially begun! ⏰ 🏃‍♂️

This time tomorrow Dom will have completed his race through the streets of Lisbon to raise vital funds for our charity. 🤩 👏

He is now less than £1,000 away from reaching his goal thanks to everyone who has generously supported him so far 🧡

Do you think you can help him smash his target? Please consider donating today and help us to continue providing life-changing musical experiences for young people up and down the country 👉 https://ow.ly/GFQN50ZWqpE

We want to say a huge thank you both to Charity Symphony Orchestra and A Night of Music 4 (Polly Jacobs) for their recen...
08/10/2026

We want to say a huge thank you both to Charity Symphony Orchestra and A Night of Music 4 (Polly Jacobs) for their recent concerts in support of Orchestras for All. 👏 ☺️

With repertoire ranging from Mahler’s Symphony No.3 to Bart Howard, Joni Mitchell and Avicii, both nights were filled to the brim with impressive music-making. 🤩

We’re incredibly grateful to have received a total of over £4,000 as a result of these events. Huge thanks to everyone who attended and donated - we couldn’t do what we do without you! ❤️

📸 for A Night of Music 4 by Ash Mills Photography

There’s only 5 days to go until Dom takes on the Lisbon Marathon in support of Orchestras for All! 🤩 🏃‍♂️ 👏Thanks to you...
05/10/2026

There’s only 5 days to go until Dom takes on the Lisbon Marathon in support of Orchestras for All! 🤩 🏃‍♂️ 👏

Thanks to you, our wonderful community of supporters, Dom has now raised almost 75% of his target 🤩

…but he still needs help reaching his final goal.

Your donations will go directly towards our life-changing programmes and enable to experience inclusive, accessible ensemble music-making. 🙌

If you’re able to donate, you can find his page here. Thank you 🧡 👉 https://nofa.enthuse.com/cf/dominic-parker-runs-the-lisbon-marathon

Gold star behaviour (orchestra edition…) 🌟 🎶1. Celebrating every win, not just when you hit the right notes (because pro...
02/10/2026

Gold star behaviour (orchestra edition…) 🌟 🎶

1. Celebrating every win, not just when you hit the right notes (because progress comes in all shapes and sizes)
2. Joining in even if it feels uncomfortable
3. Making sure everyone’s voices are heard (and actually acting on their feedback and ideas)
4. Remembering that orchestras are a team effort - sharing the spotlight and supporting each other is what makes playing together so magical!
5. Being the person who notices someone sitting on their own and says “come and join us”
6. Regularly checking in with yourself and others (wellbeing is crucial)
7. Meeting people where they are instead of expecting them to change for you
8. Appreciating and encouraging everyone’s individual learning styles
9. Always carrying an extra pencil (and orchestra essential)

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments 👇

As Orchestras for All celebrates its 15 years milestone, we’re looking ahead with a bold ambition and are recruiting for...
29/09/2026

As Orchestras for All celebrates its 15 years milestone, we’re looking ahead with a bold ambition and are recruiting for a new Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees to drive forward our next strategy.

Working in partnership with a fellow Co-Chair, who is an alum of the charity’s programmes, they will play a crucial leadership role, the charity’s mission to make music accessible to young people from all backgrounds.

Find out more and apply here: https://www.orchestrasforall.org/join-the-team - but hurry, as the deadline to apply is Friday 2 October 2026 at 9am.

"NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! Yo...
26/09/2026

"NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes." - Jess, NOFA cellist

Recruitment for NOFA - our inclusive, non-auditioned national youth orchestra - is open. We welcome young people with a wide range of musical abilities, playing any instrument. NOFA is an 18-month programme where young people attend in-person residentials and online events - and its all free!

Interested and want to find out more? We'd love to hear from you, complete a short form here: https://www.orchestrasforall.org/national-orchestra-for-all - and a member of the Orchestras for All team will contact you with next steps.

"For me, community isn’t just about sitting in the same orchestra; it’s about supporting each other through every note. ...
24/09/2026

"For me, community isn’t just about sitting in the same orchestra; it’s about supporting each other through every note. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we are all united by our shared love and passion for music."

In our latest blog, NOFA member Khadijah shares her experience from the last NOFA season and 'the highlights that stole [her] heart.'

You can read more here: https://www.orchestrasforall.org/blog/2025-26-nofa-highlights-from-a-nofa-member

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