If you play an orchestral instrument (or have played one in the past and fancy rekindling this passion), I hope this event might be of interest.

Musical Chairs offers the chance to play in an orchestra for a day. You’ll spend the day working with a team of professional music tutors and young musicians from the National Orchestra for All (NOFA), rehearsing and performing two favourite works – Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Now into its fourth year, Musical Chairs is a charity  offering support for young musicians with complex lives.

Musical Chairs is encouraging you to reacquaint yourself with an instrument you used to play, or try a new instrument for the first time. The musical parts have been specially arranged to cater for all abilities – whether you’re a complete beginner or a virtuoso!

Money raised on the day will be used to deliver an annual programme of OFA activities offering access to life-changing experience of ensemble music-making for 11-18 years olds.

A full day will be spent rehearsing at Cecil Sharp House in Camden (London) from 10 – 4pm on Saturday 24 February 2018. There will be a mixture of full rehearsals and smaller sectional rehearsals in your instrumental groups. At 4pm, there’ll be an informal concert to friends, family and supporters, followed by a well-earned drink.

There are many ways to secure your seat in the orchestra for Musical Chairs 2018. You can raise sponsorship, make a donation, or even gift a place for a friend or loved one. The suggested fundraising target or donation to take part is £250, but any contribution is welcome. Once you have signed up to take part via the online form, one of the team will be in touch to explain the next steps in terms of securing your seat and will send the sheet music.

For those who feel their instrumental skills are a bit rusty (or if you are a beginner), there are up to three ‘after work’ First Aid Clinics in the run up to the event where you can go for extra support and help. A team member will be on hand to take you through your part and show you how to play the tricky bits.

If you have any further questions, you can get in touch on 0207 267 4141 or at info@orchestrasforall.org.