For the music, of course!
But it’s not just the music.
Community orchestras are special because they offer something far beyond the notes we play. What we get to experience as community musicians is a deeply immersive and multifaceted world. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion – adrenaline-fuelled inertia mixed with moments of pure tension and elation.
And in this shared journey, you are never alone.
Each musician on stage is intensely focused on the conductor (or should be!), counting their beats, reading the music, and fully dedicated to the collective task at hand. For 90 to 120 minutes or so, we are swept up in the rise and fall of crescendos – with no time to dwell on Monday’s meeting or the laundry piling up at home. In those moments, nothing matters but the music. Being on stage, surrounded by friends, colleagues, and fellow musicians, or mentors feels like being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Together, we create something beautiful.
Any difficulties or dislikes melt away in the face of this shared goal.
But it's not just about the performance either. Beyond ticket sales, reviews, and audience applause, there’s an unspoken sense of growth that emerges from mentorship. Experienced players take younger or less experienced musicians under their wing, offering guidance on tricky sections, sharing insights, or even just being a supportive buddy when things get tough. It’s a space where everyone can grow, not only musically but personally, through the bonds we build.
There’s a wonderful accountability that comes with being part of this ensemble – not just the dread of the conductor's frown but the internal drive to excel for the sake of the team.
We’ve all felt that moment when we realise we need to practise a tricky passage more, and the relief and pride when we finally nail it. The applause at the end of a concert is wonderful, but the personal satisfaction and camaraderie we share backstage, knowing we’ve supported each other to create something meaningful, is priceless
Olivia and Wendy
The spirit of a community orchestra is shaped by its members. We come from completely different walks of life – each with our own dreams, responsibilities, and daily challenges. Yet, when we step into rehearsal, we leave all that behind and unite in a shared passion for music. It’s an atmosphere where people of all ages and backgrounds feel supported and encouraged to develop, both as musicians and as individuals.
This sense of community fosters a space where learning is continuous. Mentorship happens naturally, whether through informal conversations during breaks or sitting next to someone who plays a little more confidently. The rehearsal room becomes not just a place to perfect a piece of music but a place where bonds of trust and respect form, where we learn from one another and, in turn, become better musicians and better people.
At the end of the day, this is why we keep coming back, no matter how tired we might feel after a long day at work or school. We sit at our desks or stands and play into the night, not just for the applause or the thrill of performing, but for the joy of being part of this community. A community where every note we play contributes to something bigger, something that leaves us feeling accomplished, inspired, and connected.
Shelley Robertson
Manukau Symphony Orchestra
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