Making Music Together
The Kitamae Orchestra was started to help piano students experience a different way of engaging with music that they wouldn’t find with the piano. Surprisingly, many parents have shown interest in the violin, often asking, “What does playing the violin feel like?” As a result, we’ve been encouraging them, saying, “Why not try it together?” Slowly but surely, a few have responded with, “Is it really okay? 😃” as they try it for the first time.
Watching others practice, they become curious, wondering, “What makes it challenging?” and feel the urge to try it themselves. Moving forward, we want to emphasize the slogan, “Let’s make music together as a family!” We also aim to develop a variety of methods so that adults can participate in the events we’ve been involved in so far.
Play Anywhere
I’d like to share a heartwarming story amidst everyone’s various approaches. One of the students, who had only recently joined the orchestra, tended to focus on simpler pieces rather than more difficult ones. But one day, they played a fairly challenging piece, and when I praised them, saying, “That’s amazing!!”, they explained that they had been practicing in the car while waiting for their sibling at their lesson!
When I first started playing the violin, I realized, “I can bring this with me on business trips.” I was delighted to be able to play in my spare time at my accommodation, and now, I can’t imagine going on a trip without my violin.
Having spent years playing only the piano, I started the violin out of a longing to be able to carry my own instrument around. Seeing others make full use of their violins gives me a sense of fulfillment as well.
The Kitamae Orchestra is still in its early days, with lots of potential for growth.
I hope that 2024 will be a year of even greater achievements!
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