What I like about NOYO: Every time I visit a rehearsal, watch the regional NOYO Ensembles or National Open Youth Orchestra perform, I am totally blown away. We’re showing everyone what is possible if more instruments, ideas and talented musicians are welcomed into orchestras. It’s the future of music, and it’s happening right now.

More about me: Creativity is my life. As well as working for NOYO, I design digital musical instruments like the Clarion, I’m an actor on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers and I’m a sculptor. I also invented a knot called the Farrimond Friction Hitch – strange but true.

What I like about NOYO: I love how the orchestra bring people together and creates opportunities for us to work in new and exciting ways, and create amazing music! Visiting rehearsals to see musicians in action is always so much fun, and spending time with everyone at the National Open Youth Orchestra residential is a highlight of the year.

More about me: I love music and enjoy going to gigs and festivals, listening to all kinds of music. I played the clarinet when I was younger, and whenever I see musicians playing in the National Open Youth Orchestra or regionally, it makes me think I should start playing again. As well as music, I enjoy being in the outdoors hiking or by the sea, travelling whenever I can, and eating good food.

What I like about NOYO: I love being a part of something that creates so many wonderful opportunities for young disabled people. I’ve met a fantastic community of people through working for the National Open Youth Orchestra. I love the diverse range of music that the orchestra plays, the variety of different instruments and how inclusive the musicians are to one another.

More about me: I’m not a musician but I love music. Listening to it, attending gigs, going to festivals and karaoke! I also like hiking, good food, going to the pub and spending time with my friends and family.

What I like about NOYO: I love the sense of community – the talent, the musical skills, but also the fun! The ‘NOYO’s Got Talent’ show at the last residential was awesome.

More about me: I’m the only team member who can’t play an instrument. I started on the ukulele, but seemed to spend more time tuning it than playing it! I spent a year travelling and one of my favourite places was India. I have worked in France and New Zealand, as well as the UK.

What I like about NOYO: What’s not to like? I am constantly impressed by the talent, tenacity and passion that the young musicians and our partners bring. And the music is great and full of surprises. The National Open Youth Orchestra has already proved that a more diverse and inclusive orchestral tradition is not just possible, but that it has so much potential for innovation and exciting new repertoire. So much has been achieved in a short time – it is exciting to be part of a catalyst for real and lasting change.

More about me: I’ve always loved music – I love going to gigs and concerts. I played the piano when I was growing up, and I used to sing and play guitar in bands. I took the piano up again a few years ago. I love art, design, architecture and history, so if I’m not listening to music, you’re likely to find me in a gallery or museum. I also love spending time with friends, watching films and learning languages. I’ve had a very varied career – working in broadcasting, artists’ rights, heritage and the arts.

What I like about NOYO: I like how friendly and hard-working everyone is and the thrill of discovering new music with everyone.

More about me: I like to spend time outside, playing music with my trio, being at rehearsals with our amazing musicians and staff team.

What I like about NOYO: I love that NOYO is an ensemble of super talented musicians that’s specifically made with inclusion in mind. Giving everyone equal access to perform and express themselves is something I am super passionate about and getting to hear the amazing music of everyone in NOYO is an added bonus.

More about me: I love music in all forms, but am especially passionate about activism and representation. My background is mostly in acting and theatre, but I did play flute when I was younger. When not acting or working for NOYO, I can usually be found reading lots of books, drinking coffee, or listening to Radiohead.

What I like about NOYO: I love the space it creates for young musicians to access inclusive opportunities. It feels like they’re at the start of something everlasting and part of giving the music scene the shake up it needs. It is inspiring to see how passionate and dedicated everyone involved with NOYO is, from the musicians and their supporters to NOYO teams.

More about me: I am a big music fan, although not musical. You’ll find me at all sorts of gigs in all sorts of places always having the best time. Creativity and being outdoors are very important to me and I like to spread sunshine whenever possible. I am very sociable and live a full lifestyle, exploring new places, meeting new people and learning new things.

What I like about NOYO: It’s exciting to be part of an organisation that’s creating opportunities for young musicians to express themselves and share their creativity with the world. I also love the passion everyone brings to NOYO, whether they’re performing or working behind the scenes.

More about me: I’m a passionate musician who enjoys playing guitar, producing electronic music, and DJing. I’m also an avid reader, with a particular love for fantasy and sci-fi, though I’m open to exploring any genre! When I’m not immersed in music or a good book, you’ll find me exercising, spending quality time with family and friends, or cuddling my cat, Eno.

What I like about NOYO: I like that NOYO creates a space for creativity with inclusivity at the heart of everything. The unifying power of music is evident at NOYO, the passion and energy from everybody is so exciting and makes NOYO a fantastic space.

More about me: I have been a musician for over half my life! My primary instrument is flute, I can also play piano and sing a little bit. I also play around with electronic instruments on the side. I have had a wide range of jobs, including developing the youth provision for a charity, working as a musical director for a choir and as a youth worker supporting disabled young people.

My main passions are making music, activism and my pet rats. When not involved in music, you may find me exploring art galleries, at the theatre or playing The Sims with a cup of peppermint tea.