Tokyo International Music School Youth Orchestra has been bringing together young orchestral instrumentalists from Tokyo's international and Japanese communities to rehearse and perform a wide variety of repertoire.
Rehearsals
Sundays 09:30-11:30 in Azabudai
Performances
A performance takes place at the end of each term.
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 5 Standard
Fee: ¥35,000 + consumption tax per term
Click Here to register for the Youth Orchestra
Why Join?
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 can be an inspiration to those who take part, and often encourages instrumentalists to work more diligently on their individual instruments.
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 5 (ABRSM standard) or above. 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
A Typical Rehearsal
09:15 Arrival and set up instrument
09:30 Rehearsal Starts
09:50 Sectional Rehearsals
10:20 Return to main group to combine sections
10:30 Break - Tea & biscuits
10:45 Full rehearsal
11:30 Pack away - Dismissal
What is Grade 5 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 5 shows a good 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.
Am I guaranteed a place in the orchestra?
Some instruments appear in greater numbers than others in an orchestra. We will offer places to students who participated in the orchestra in the previous term. After that, we will start to offer places to new members. We may also recommend a place in the Chamber Orchestra, depending on the student’s level of experience.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Youth Orchestra rehearsals take place at the British School in Tokyo Azabudai Campus. 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 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 Youth Choir and Jazz Orchestra on some works.
Examples of the repertoire performed by the Youth Orchestra in the past are:
Piano Concerto No.2 (Sergei Rachmaninoff)
Raiders March (John Williams)
Concerto for 2 Violins BWV 1043 (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Excerpts from Beauty and the Beast & Les Miserables
Excerpts from Suites 1 & 2 for Chamber Orchestra (Igor Stravinsky)
Les Toreadors from Carmen Suite No. 1 (Georges Bizet)
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Felix Mendelssohn)
Montagues & Capulets from Romeo & Juliet Suite (Sergei Prokofiev)
Who will conduct & train the orchestra?
The orchestra is conducted by Jonathan Hammill, assisted by Chris Koh (strings) & Jessica Cesana-Hashimoto (lower strings), and Jun Kubo (woodwind). Jonathan also works with the brass players during section rehearsals. 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. 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. We will sometimes produce instrumental guide tracks to assist in students’ preparation for specific pieces.
Will there be any fees to join the orchestra?
The tuition fee for each term is ¥35,000 (+ 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.
