Tokyo International Music School Community Orchestra is a new orchestra open to adults and university students who play orchestral instruments to a good standard. Experience of playing in orchestras and ensembles is preferable, but not necessary. This group will be starting from September 2024.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays 19:00-20:30 in Azabudai
Performances
A performance takes place at the end of each term. There may be other opportunities to sing throughout the year.
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
A good level on your instrument, and the ability to sight read.
Fees
¥25,000 + consumption tax per term
Click Here to register for the Community Orchestra
Why Join?
It can often be quite difficult to find an orchestra to commit to whilst working or studying full time. Being part of an orchestra provides an opportunity for musicians to perform pieces that are outside of the scope of the individual playing at home. The experience of performing in a large and powerful group is a fun outlet for musicians who play an orchestral instrument.
Aside from the musical benefits (which are the most important), there are many other reasons to join us. We are a friendly community of members from different walks of life, and it is a great way to meet others who share the same interests. We invite members to make suggestions about the repertoire we play, and there will be social events, which members can join throughout the year.
Am I eligible to join the Community Orchestra?
We welcome members who play orchestral instruments to a good standard, who are comfortable with sight reading. If you are not sure whether you are at the right level for the big band, please email info@tokyoims.jp with an example of a piece you can play fluently - this will help us to work out your current level.
The list of standard orchestral instruments is below. We unfortunately do not accept pianists to the orchestra, although there may be opportunities to get involved in the percussion section if piano is their first instrument.
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Timpani & Percussion
Harp
Violin
Viola
Cello
Contrabass
Is there an audition?
We ask potential members 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.
Am I guaranteed a place in the orchestra?
Some instruments appear in greater numbers than others in an orchestra. The orchestra is able to accommodate more string players than wind instruments. We will be accepting members on a first come first serve basis. Once the maximum number is met, applicants will be put on a waiting list until the spot opens up.
What kind of repertoire will we play?
Our aim is to introduce members to a wide variety of orchestral repertoire, playing music from the symphonic canon, film scores, works from musical theatre, as well as works which cross over into popular and jazz styles. We sometimes collaborate with the Community Choir and Community Big Band on some works.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals will 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.After a group warm-up, we will introduce new material, and sometimes split into section rehearsals if the piece is in more than one part. During rehearsals we offer tips on tone production, diction, breathing and phrasing depending on the demands of the piece.
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 also intend to seek out other opportunities to play across Tokyo, as we develop our repertoire. 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?
Members 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 commitment is required?
Members will get the most benefit from playing in the orchestra if they attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the term, but we understand that working life and other plans can sometimes get in the way of attending rehearsals. 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.
Members are expected to spend time looking over and learning the pieces we are working on in the band. We will make all of the sheet music available from a shared online folder, so members will always have access to this. We will sometimes produce guide tracks to assist in members’ preparation for specific pieces.
Will there be any fees to join the orchestra?
The tuition fee for each term is ¥25,000 (+ consumption tax).
Once you have been offered a place in the group, 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?
Members 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.
