Invited to assist their rehearsal
Waki Rose Orchestra
Yesterday, I assisted with a rehearsal for the first concert of the Waki Rose Orchestra, which was established less than a year ago. We are now one month away from the concert.
While I was already acquainted with the string section members, this was my first time meeting the wind and percussion members.
The orchestra has a unique composition, with members ranging from elementary school students to mature adults.
In the first half, the percussion section had sectional practice under Ms. Yasuyo Nishimura's guidance, while I was assigned to lead the string and wind instrument sectional practice. The second half was with the whole orchestra.
The three pieces to be performed at the concert have been practiced over six months. They have invited professional musicians for instruction, the passion for music was evident from all the members who participated in the rehearsals.

Orchestra Conducting
My conducting experience dates back to elementary school. When I started playing clarinet in the school band, I was entrusted with leadership responsibilities and received conducting instruction from my supervising teacher, which drew me to its appeal. I occasionally had opportunities to conduct during school events. While studying in America, I also took conducting classes as part of earning credits. Through my musical activities, I've met many conductors and instructors, and I've come to realize that conducting is a profound art that requires deep knowledge and artistic sensitivity.
Incidentally, my father-in-law is a conductor, and my husband also transitioned from being an oboist to a conductor.
Beyond conducting technique, rehearsal technique is also a crucial element. A conductor requires a wide range of skills, including how to structure musical pieces, give appropriate directions, and communicate effectively with performers.
While I was involved this time as a rehearsal assistant and understood that deep conducting technique or orchestral music structuring wasn't strictly required, I still prepared as thoroughly as possible for the day.
Now, Looking back at the recording...
Well, there were quite a few shortcomings!
I regret that my conducting may have caused inconvenience to the performers.
Here's a video clip without sound. Can you guess which piece's ending this is?
Challenges of Community Orchestras
Having an orchestra in the community is an irreplaceable treasure.
However, like any other organization, having a clear vision is essential.
Community orchestras currently face various challenges. In Japan, extracurricular activities in general, particularly music-related group activities, are declining. Under these circumstances, we need to address multiple challenges: not only providing a platform for experienced musicians but also creating opportunities for children's music education, improving members' performance skills and teaching abilities, and raising community awareness.
Furthermore, differences in performance levels, musical understanding, and practice approaches can compromise ensemble unity and hinder the achievement of high-quality performances. Therefore, it is essential to create an environment where each member wants to participate proactively and establish a system where everyone can share and achieve both short-term and long-term goals.
By observing this musical organization's activities from its establishment to the present, as well as the situation of surrounding organizations, I have gained many insights.
My Thoughts: El Sistema
When I moved to this area eight years ago, my first vision was of a town with a youth orchestra.
El Sistema, which originated in Venezuela, is an educational system where children learn instruments and develop their musicality through the community of an orchestra. Gustavo Dudamel, who currently conducts the LA Phil and is set to move to the New York Philharmonic in 2026, is one of those who studied in El Sistema from the age of five.
There are music education organizations around the world that have been inspired by and support El Sistema. Friends I studied with in Boston are also developing wonderful organizations. Similarly, I am exploring ways to create a community where all children who wish to can learn instruments and grow together.
If I receive future coaching requests, I hope to continue learning and growing together while sharing my knowledge and experience.
Will be listening their performance as an audience at the concert.

Waki Rose Orchestra:Instagram
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