Our Chamber Orchestra is a chance for our most advanced musicians to challenge themselves with advanced repertoire. This small-scale orchestra consists of a string section and single winds (1 each of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon & french horn). We may invite other players to join us for specific projects throughout the year. Members of the Chamber Orchestra can also take part in the Youth Orchestra at no further cost. In addition to the orchestra’s own repertoire, they will accompany the youth choir and other ensembles when required.
Rehearsals
Sundays 11:30-12:30 in Azabudai
Performances
A performance takes place at the end of each term, and the orchestra may be called upon to play for special events when invited.
Term Dates 2024 - 2025
Term 1
Sunday 15th September 2024 - Sunday 24th November 2024
Mid-term Break: 20~26th October
Term 2
Sunday 12th January 2025 - Sunday 16th March 2025
Term 3
Sunday 6th April 2025 - Sunday 8th June 2025
Entry Requirements
ABRSM Grade 7-8 Standard
Fees
¥30,000 + consumption tax per term
Click Here to register for the Chamber Orchestra
Why Join?
This orchestra is for advanced players who want to be challenged by repertoire outside of the standard orchestral canon. We choose pieces that are musically interesting and challenging in equal measure, to give members a unique insight into many different modes of performing. Sight-reading will be an essential part of this ensemble, as participants will be expected to get to grips with complex music in a short time-frame, and professional standards will be developed throughout the process.
Aside from the musical benefits (which are the most important), there are many other reasons to join us. We are a friendly community of students from international and Japanese schools, and it is a great way to meet others who share the same interests. We have many students who have commented that their English language skills have improved by taking part in the orchestra too.
Am I eligible to join the Youth Orchestra?
We welcome students up to age 20 who play standard orchestral instruments at approximately Grade 7 or 8 (ABRSM standard) or above. The core group of instruments is shown in the first list, while the secondary list may be utilised from time to time. If you play an instrument from the secondary list and are interested in the chamber orchestra, please contact us to find out whether there are any specific projects you can take part in.
Core Instrumentalists
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
French Horn
Violin
Viola
Cello
Contrabass
Secondary List
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Timpani & Percussion
Harp
Piano
What is Grade 7-8 ABRSM Standard?
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) provides instrument and voice examinations ranging from Grades 1 to 8. After Grade 8, musicians can obtain a diploma. Grade 7-8 shows an advanced degree of technical competency, aural skill and sight-reading proficiency. The exact requirements vary depending on the instrument, but you can find out more about the standard by visiting the ABRSM website or by contacting us at info@tokyoims.jp
Is there an audition?
We ask potential students to send an audio or video recording of a piece they can play confidently, to give an idea of their current level. We will request this once you register for the orchestra. We may also request a sight-reading test, or a reference from your teacher to demonstrate that your sight-reading level is sufficient to take part in the orchestra.
Am I guaranteed a place in the orchestra?
This orchestra has a small number of participants, with only one player of each wind and brass instrument. We will offer places to students who meet the required level as and when they apply, so early application is encouraged. If we are not able to accommodate you in the Chamber Orchestra, we may recommend a place in the Youth Orchestra, depending on the student’s level of experience.
Can I play in the Youth Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra?
Yes! Members of the Chamber Orchestra can participate in the Youth Orchestra at no extra cost. Chamber Orchestra members do not need to attend all Youth Orchestra rehearsals, and they may find it worthwhile to join the Youth Orchestra rehearsals from 11:00, after the sectional rehearsals take place. However, there is no requirement to play in the Youth Orchestra.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals take place at the British School in Tokyo’s new campus in Azabudai. Detailed instructions about entering the campus will be provided to students when they are accepted to the group. The address of the campus is Azabudai Hills, 1-3-3 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
When and where does the orchestra perform?
Each term concludes with a performance. Last year, we held all our concerts at The British School in Tokyo Azabudai Campus. Some of our other previous concerts have taken place at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Yoyogi, and at the Showa Women’s University in Sangenjaya. We will finalise our performance calendar for the 2024-25 year before the end of the summer.
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Students who play an instrument which can be easily transported are expected to bring their own instruments. Percussionists and contrabass players may use the instruments at the British School. Please contact us at info@tokyoims.jp if you have any specific questions about this.
What kind of repertoire will we play?
Our aim is to introduce students to a wide variety of repertoire, and to play pieces which will help them develop an understanding of the conventions of each style. Much of our proposed repertoire is from the 20th-century, although we will regularly perform music from other periods. We may sometimes collaborate with the Youth Choir and Jazz Orchestra on some works.
Examples of repertoire performed by the Chamber Orchestra:
Peter & the Wolf (Sergei Prokofiev)
Valse Romantique (Jean Sibelius)
Piano Concerto No. 23 K488 (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
Ni No Kuni (Joe Hisaishi)
Symphony No. 1, “Classical” (Sergei Prokofiev)
Who will conduct & train the orchestra?
The orchestra is conducted by Jonathan Hammill, assisted from time-to-time by other experienced orchestral players from different instrumental backgrounds. Jonathan was for many years the principal horn of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and has extensive experience working with young orchestral players. He tries to strike a balance between keeping rehearsals fun, whilst achieving the highest musical standards.
What kind of commitment is required?
We expect students to be present at all rehearsals and performances throughout the term, particularly with such a small group. If you already have plans in place that will make it impossible to attend some rehearsals, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate prior arrangements.
Students are expected to spend time looking over and learning the parts for the pieces we are learning in the orchestra. We will make all of the sheet music available from a shared online folder, so students will always have access to this.
Will there be any fees to join the orchestra?
The tuition fee for each term is ¥30,000 (+ consumption tax).
Once you have been offered a place in the orchestra, we will provide you with the bank details to make a transfer. Please let us know if you would prefer to pay in another currency (for example from a US or UK account, as this is sometimes possible). Once payment has been received, we will issue you with a membership card.
Can I sign up for one term, or only for the full year?
Students can register for a single term, two terms, or for the full year. Just make sure you select the appropriate box on the registration form.
