National Orchestra for All launches 2020-2022 recruitment for young musicians

The UK’s only national youth orchestra for young musicians of all skill levels facing barriers to accessing music-making, has announced that it is now accepting nominations for aspiring young players to join its 2020-2022 Season. This special two-year season celebrates the orchestra’s 10th anniversary, performing music that reflects its unique and evolving identity.

The National Orchestra for All (NOFA), which is run by youth music charity Orchestras for All, provides an opportunity for young people (aged 11-18) experiencing barriers to music- making to join a full-scale symphony orchestra and perform in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues. Instead of auditioning for players, potential members of the orchestra are nominated and selected on the basis of commitment and dedication to music in the face of challenging circumstances. The young musicians of the orchestra get the opportunity to take part in four residential courses in major venues across the UK, rehearsing and performing with support from a team of professional orchestral tutors and highly trained pastoral staff. Furthermore, the young musicians will take part in a number of ambitious, exciting and high-profile performance opportunities in 2021-2022.

NOFA is for young musicians...

• Who have shown commitment to music in the face of barriers to music-making, and do not readily have access to ensemble music-making opportunities.
• Who play any instrument (including traditionally non-orchestral instruments such as guitars, pianos, recorders or saxophones).
• At all instrumental skill levels. NOFA members are pre-Grade 1-Grade 8 standard.
• At all stages of notation-reading. All of our music is specially arranged for players to suit their notation reading level
• Who are aged 11-18 from 1 September 2020. A place in NOFA lasts for two years, even if the member turns 19 during this time.

Nominations can be made by anyone not related to the young musician who can vouch for their commitment to music and the barriers they face to accessing music-making opportunities.

The deadline for applications is 12pm, Monday 2 March 2020. Full details and the application form are on our website: https://www.orchestrasforall.org/national-orchestra-for-all