In 2014, partly due to reductions in government funding of local music education, the landscape of available musical ensembles for students working at an intermediate level, changed. Although great opportunities to access intermediate ensembles subsidised by government still exist, the changes were substantial. This in turn meant that one particular model of operating ceased to be accessible - namely, the provision of a youth orchestra which meets monthly.
After being approached by many parents and students who were keen for the monthly model to continue, John Stephens took up the challenge to set up a new youth orchestra which hopes to cater for those wanting access to a larger musical ensemble than might be available in their school or home town, but which would continue the model of a monthly commitment to rehearsals. Thus, the idea for The Orchestrate! Project came into being.
The Orchestrate! Project aims to offer musical opportunities which do not rely on government funding in order to operate on a day-to-day basis - hopefully being able to provide stability in provision, regardless of the ever changing climate of governmental priorities.