Which Amaoke is right for you?

There are countless amateur orchestras throughout Japan.
The word "amateur orchestra" can be used to describe a variety of orchestras, from the age and level of the orchestra to the attributes of the orchestra members.

For those who want to join an amateur orchestra or transfer to another amateur orchestra, please visit ・・・・
In this issue, we would like to explain the characteristics of various amateur orchestras.

◆Standard amateur orchestra
There is one amateur orchestra in every town.
Many orchestras have names such as "XXX (name of municipality) Philharmonic.
In most cases, they hold regular concerts twice a year.

In addition, they may also engage in community-based activities such as volunteer performances and ceremonial performances.
For this reason, many organizations receive subsidies for their activities from local governments.


Orchestras created mainly by the leaders.

Mid-career musicians who want to focus on teaching sometimes create amateur orchestras.
In such an organization, the leader (often an instrumentalist) assumes the role of conductor as music director,
It is common that the students and fans of the leader are enrolled as members of the group.

Some organizations are like a cult, with the leader as an absolute figure.
You should examine the organization carefully before joining.


◆College orchestra
This is a so-called student orchestra.
Orchestras are established as club or circle activities.
The level of the orchestra varies from group to group.

Some of them require a high fee.
Some students are so enthusiastic about the activities of the group that they stay in school.


◆College alumni orchestra.

This is an organization established by friends who met in the university orchestra and wanted to continue to enjoy the orchestra after graduation.
However, many alumni orchestras have many members who are not from their home universities.
This is because it is difficult to form an orchestra with only members from the university they graduated from.


◆Corporate orchestra
Mainly in large companies, orchestras are sometimes established as a club activity.


◆Junior orchestra

It is sometimes also called a youth orchestra.
It functions as an out-of-school learning experience for elementary through high school students.

They range from community-based groups to advanced only groups.
Some of the organizations are backed by professional orchestras.
(I assume the purpose is to supply teaching jobs...)


◆High-level amateur orchestra
This group is for advanced players who are not satisfied with ordinary amateur orchestras, and businessmen who have graduated from music universities.
They are proud of their professional performances, but they are also very proud of themselves.
Because of this, it is rumored that some of these groups have a deadly atmosphere.


◆Master orchestra.

It does not mean that they have mastered their instruments, it is an orchestra exclusively for elderly people.


◆Orchestras focusing on a specific genre or composer.

Orchestras that focus on specific genres or composers The goal of the orchestra may be to complete all of Shostakovich's symphonies,
We are an amateur orchestra with a distinctive style of music selection, such as holding concerts of Scandinavian and contemporary music only.


◆Music School Orchestra
Larger music schools have the opportunity to have orchestras perform at their presentations.


◆Conclusion
How was it?
We hope it will be helpful for your future musical activities.


◆For those scared of suddenly jumping into an amateur orchestra

Why don't you take private lessons with our online music lesson "Lesson Grid"?
You can take the measures necessary to play in an orchestra!
We are looking forward to your application!