Inclusive youth leadership in action: Orchestras for All Ambassadors share their insights

Sophie (far left) performs with the bassoons at CBSO Centre in Birmingham

Orchestras For All (OFA) is an Arts Council England National Youth Music Organisation that exists to create inclusive, high-quality group music-making opportunities for young people who would otherwise be excluded. OFA Ambassadors and National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alums Bella, Kali, Kit, Jesse and Sophie told us more about the importance of youth leadership within the organisation.

Inclusive youth leadership is empowering.

Creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in your key decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enabling them to grow in confidence and build valuable life skills.

At Orchestras for All (OFA), this approach is central to its mission of breaking down barriers to music-making, providing all young people in the UK with transformative and often life-changing experiences.

From trying their hand at conducting and leading small orchestra sessions of their own, to joining the Youth Board, planning group work or becoming a Young Leader, inclusive youth leadership is the backbone of OFA.

OFA Ambassador, Jesse, said:

“By involving youth in leadership roles, OFA nurtures future leaders and allows young members to see the progress they can make within the charity, while also ensuring its programmes remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the young musicians it supports.

 

Across the wider music sector, inclusive youth leadership is vital for cultivating diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, contributing to the evolution and sustainability of ensembles and arts organisations.”

However, creating youth leadership spaces can still present challenges, including the need to address power imbalances, overcome preconceived notions about young peoples’ capabilities, and provide adequate support and training.

OFA Co-Chair and NOFA alum, Joelle Sogunro, with Co-Chair Susanna Eastburn MBE

Establishing safe environments where young leaders feel valued and heard requires intention, effort and a real commitment to inclusivity.

At OFA, one of the ways this is achieved is through the recruitment of ambassadors. Ambassadors are NOFA alums who have progressed to a season of paid work, acting as role models for current NOFA members and promoting the charity’s core values.

An ambassador’s work might include supporting the OFA team to fundraise, prepare music, or deliver live events and concerts. In doing so, they can learn an array of transferrable and specialist skills, improving their employability going forward.

Plus, current NOFA members may find Ambassadors more approachable than adults due to their previous experience in the orchestra. This fosters a friendly, effective and interconnected environment, enabling them to feel more comfortable sharing ideas.

But it’s not just the young people who benefit. Arts organisations should consider introducing an ambassadors’ programme to help them grow and evolve too. Young leaders don’t just gain firsthand experience of your work – they can also contribute to its future development and sustainability.

By hiring alums, charities like OFA create a truly lasting and meaningful impact on their participants, resulting in continued support and advocacy.

Meanwhile, OFA’s Youth Board is made up of both current NOFA members and alums (aged 16-25) who share their view and provide valuable input on key decisions relating to the charity’s work.

Youth Leadership Coordinator and NOFA alum, Laura, with former Ambassador, Tashan

Youth Board members meet multiple times throughout the year to discuss priority topics and projects. They also meet annually with OFA’s core team and Trustees to share ideas and information about the future of the organisation.

OFA’s Youth Board offers young people participating in its programmes the chance to have their voices heard and make a positive impact. Recently, they were involved in discussions regarding the relocation of OFA’s headquarters to Sheffield and how the charity’s resources are used to carry out its vital work.

Having a Youth Board means that OFA is always held accountable and ensures that every decision made is in the best interest of its members, while welcoming fresh ideas and a new point of view.

OFA Ambassador, Isabella, said:

“I believe youth leadership is key for creating fun and engaging career pathways for young people. Thanks to NOFA’s Young Leaders scheme and the Ambassadors’ scheme, now I’m 18 I’ve been able to obtain a paid role within the orchestra.

 

This has worked as a pedal to push my confidence in my own musical ability, while also giving me the tools to work for a company I am not only familiar with but actually enjoy working for. I have always been inspired by the work OFA does with its orchestras and the ability to take part in that work is a priceless opportunity.”

Keen to support OFA’s inclusive work? Learn more and donate via the website >