Interview
We spoke with the following people involved with the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra, which continues its community-based activities.
- Ejima Mikio
Music Director - Yamashita Saki
Horn Instructor - Kozuki Masako
Alumna and oboe instructor - Miyake Yumi
Alumna - Horiuchi Yui
Orchestra member - Konishi Yuki
Orchestra member - Morita Kotoko
Orchestra member
Interview with instructors and alumni
What do you think makes the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra special?
Ejima
It is supported by everyone in the community.
Before concerts, alumni, university students, and local residents join us in performing. These days, it has become difficult for children to sustain an orchestra on their own, which is why I feel it is important for the entire community to support it.
Miyake
Children of a wide range of ages can take part together.
Younger children learn by watching older ones, while the younger ones inspire the older children to work harder. I feel it is a place where people grow through music.
What do you consider important in your teaching?
Yamashita
First, it is important to master the basics.
Once students learn how to handle and play their instruments, I also focus on developing their ability to listen to the sounds around them.
The young children in our classes are at an age when it is difficult for them to sit still and practice. We make adjustments to suit their age, such as placing a railway mat in front of the music stand and telling them, “Let’s play without stepping off the tracks.”
Kozuki
The children’s enthusiasm for choosing the orchestra among all the activities they could take up is truly remarkable. I try to provide instruction that makes them feel their time was well spent, while honoring that enthusiasm.
I also make a point of teaching them about the historical context and history of music. Rather than oversimplifying things because they are children, I always aim to raise the bar just a little.
When do you feel the children are growing?
Yamashita
When I see the children’s faces after they finish performing on stage.
Even if they are usually shy, seeing their confident expressions after a performance gives me goosebumps.
Abilities that weren’t apparent during practice really come out on stage. It’s a moment that makes me truly glad we did this.
How are you involved as an alumna?
Miyake
Alumni take part in concerts as performers or help out as staff.
I think there is support that only alumni can provide, since we are neither parents nor instructors. As a group of alumni, we stay involved while thinking about how we can support the current members.
Interview with orchestra members
We spoke with three current orchestra members: Horiuchi Yui, a first-year high school student who plays violin; Konishi Yuki, a first-year vocational school student who plays horn; and Morita Kotoko, a sixth-grade elementary school student who plays violin.
What led you to join the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra?
Konishi
I tried playing saxophone in my middle school wind band, but I wasn’t making much progress. Someone told me that the horn I was practicing at the same time might suit me better, and from then on I focused entirely on the horn.
Later, I watched an anime about an orchestra and joined because I wanted to play in an orchestra too. If I had played saxophone, I wouldn’t have been able to join an orchestra, so I’m glad things worked out with the horn.
Morita
A close friend of mine was learning violin, so I started too when I was four.
I joined around the summer of fifth grade. The deciding factor was that I had so much fun playing together with everyone at a recital.
How do you feel when you perform in a concert?
Horiuchi
It’s a lot of fun. Everyone plays well at the performance, and it sounds really good.
I have lots of friends here, so even difficult practices are enjoyable.
Konishi
I get nervous. There are only a few people in each wind instrument section, so it’s immediately obvious if even one person makes a mistake. Still, with the performance right in front of me, I get through it thinking, “I just have to do it.”
What are your goals for the future?
Horiuchi
I want to keep going while appreciating how fortunate I am to be able to perform with everyone.
I used to think of it like a recital, but now I realize that performing in an orchestra is something really special.
For now, I want to play the piece we’re practicing with all my heart.
Morita
I want to learn to play many more kinds of music.
Having lots of friends means I can keep working hard at practice.
Interview about the orchestra's future
Finally, we spoke with the instructors about the orchestra’s future.
What are your hopes for the future?
Ejima
We want to remain an orchestra where children can express themselves freely through music.
An orchestra cannot function if even one instrument is missing. We hope to continue protecting this place together with everyone in the community.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Kozuki
We are an orchestra of children who have come together because they love music and orchestras.
Visitors are always welcome to observe rehearsals, so please feel free to stop by.
Also, on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m., we will hold a “Welcome Junior Open Rehearsal & Trial Session” at the Exchange Building at Kurashiki Fureai-no-Oka Park.
Come see the orchestra instruments that you rarely get a chance to see, as well as the rehearsal scenes of our members and basic course students, and try touching an instrument and making some music.
This time, the trial session will focus mainly on string instruments. For details, please see our social media posts.
From the Writer
Before the interview, I had imagined “young children playing music together as a hobby.” In reality, however, it was far beyond that image.
The joy of making music together, exchanging with people of different ages, and the experience of creating a single piece of music as a large group—this place is filled with precious moments for the children.
The adults who work to keep this place going embody the very spirit of the orchestra.
After hearing the impressive performance during rehearsal, I found myself wanting to attend one of their concerts next.
I hope this place for music, nurtured in the community for more than 50 years, will continue to be passed down for years to come.
Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra Information
| Name | Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra |
|---|---|
| Address | 119-1-205 Nishinakashinden, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | For inquiries about visiting or joining, please use the inquiry form on the official website. |
| Website | Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
