Words by Smiley Team
The National Orchestra for All, a 100-strong group of young musicians who have all faced barriers to music-making, are celebrating their creation of a new composition, despite not having been able to rehearse or perform together in person.
The six-minute video ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ combines beautiful sounds and striking animations, and was created and inspired by members of the orchestra, who are all aged 11 to 18.
NOFA is the UK’s only completely inclusive national youth orchestra, but due to the pandemic members have had to meet and rehearse this season on Zoom.
As part of NOFA’s four-day spring course, members were invited to a series of workshops on remixing and collage led by British composer Jack McNeill and digital visual artist Bryony Simcox.
The stories and creations that emerged during these sessions went on to form the basis of the audiovisual composition that was created.
NOFA percussionist Abz, who was part of the project, said: “It’s got the different noises and different instruments, and it represents us all as a whole. We’re not the same but we’re all linked in some way.”
Troy, a young pianist with NOFA, added: “It had all the unique elements of people’s different ideas put together, I thought it was amazing.
“I’m really happy that I was a part of it and that I was able to contribute to all of this. It will show [others] how we’re all going on a journey… where we are, what we want to do and what we want to achieve.”
The orchestra supports young people who have shown commitment to music making in spite of the barriers they face, and who would not typically have a chance to make music together in this way.
They can play any instrument, and are typically nominated for a place by a social worker, teacher, youth worker or community leader.
Composer Jack McNeill said: “The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ is all about giving young people a voice and showcasing their creativity. And this is exactly what this piece does.
“The audio track is constructed (almost) exclusively of the NOFA members’ own recordings, processed, chopped up and warped to create this digital ensemble.
“Within the texture, every single sound that was sent has been included in some way and every member has an important role and voice within the team.”
For more information and to watch the NOFA’s video go to their website, or follow them on Twitter.
