Interview
We spoke with the following individuals who are active in the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra, which continues to engage in community-based activities.
- Ejima Mikio
Music Director - Yamashita Saki
Horn Instructor - Kozuki Masako
Alumni and Oboe Instructor - Miyake Yumi
Alumni - Horiuchi Yui
Orchestra Member - KONISHI Yuki
Orchestra Member - Morita Kotoko
Orchestra Member
Interview with Instructors and Alumni
What do you think are the charms of the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra?
Ejima
It is supported by everyone in the community.
Before concerts, alumni, university students, and local residents join in to perform together. In today's world, it has become difficult for children to sustain an orchestra on their own, which is why I feel that it is important for the entire community to support it.
Miyake
It is a place where children of various ages can work together.
Older children learn from younger ones, and younger ones inspire the older ones. I feel that it is a place where human skills are also nurtured through music.
Please tell us what you value in your teaching.
Yamashita
First, it is important to firmly establish the basics.
Once they have learned how to handle and play the instrument, I also focus on developing their ability to listen to the sounds around them.
For young children, it is difficult to practice while sitting still. I place a mat in front of the music stand and tell them, "Let's play without stepping off this mat," which is a creative approach tailored to their age.
Kozuki
The enthusiasm of the children who choose to come to the orchestra from among many extracurricular activities is truly significant. While accepting that feeling, I strive to provide instruction that they feel is a fulfilling experience.
Additionally, I value conveying the historical context and background of the music, ensuring that I do not oversimplify just because they are children, and I always aim to raise the bar slightly in my teaching.
When do you feel the children's growth?
Yamashita
It is the moment I see the children's faces after finishing a performance.
Even those who are usually shy show expressions filled with confidence after performing, which gives me goosebumps.
The strength that was not visible during practice is drawn out during the performance. It is a moment when I can truly feel that it was worth it.
How do you engage as an alumni?
Miyake
Alumni participate in concerts as performers or engage as staff.
I believe there is a backup that only alumni can provide, which is different from being a parent or instructor. I am involved while considering how the alumni group can support the current members.
Interview with Orchestra Members
We spoke with three orchestra members: Horiuchi Yui (1st year high school, violin), KONISHI Yuki (1st year vocational school, horn), and Morita Kotoko (6th year elementary school, violin).
What prompted you to join the Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra?
KONISHI
I tried playing the saxophone in my middle school wind ensemble, but I wasn't improving much. I was told that the horn suited me better, and from there, I became dedicated to the horn.
After that, I watched an anime featuring an orchestra and thought, I want to do orchestra too, so I joined. If I had stuck with the saxophone, I wouldn't have been able to join the orchestra, so I am glad I chose the horn.
Morita
A close friend was learning the violin, so I started when I was 4 years old.
I joined in the summer of my 5th year of elementary school. The deciding factor for joining was when I felt so much fun playing together during a recital.
How do you feel during performances?
Horiuchi
It is very enjoyable. During the actual performance, everyone plays well, and the sound is really good.
Since I have many friends, I can enjoy even the difficult practices.
KONISHI
I get nervous. Since there are few people in the wind instrument section, if one person makes a mistake, it becomes obvious right away. Even so, I overcome it with the feeling that since the performance is in front of me, I have to do it.
What are your goals for the future?
Horiuchi
I want to continue feeling grateful for being able to perform with everyone.
Previously, I felt it was like a recital, but now I realize that performing in an orchestra is something amazing.
Right now, I want to play the pieces we are practicing with love.
Morita
I want to be able to play a wider variety of pieces.
Because I have many friends, I think I can keep working hard on my practice.
Interview about the Future of the Orchestra
Finally, we spoke with the instructors about the future of the orchestra.
Please tell us your outlook for the future.
Ejima
I want to continue being an orchestra where children can freely express their music.
An orchestra cannot function if even one instrument is missing. I hope to continue protecting this place together with the community.
Finally, please send a message to the readers.
Kozuki
A group of children who love music and orchestras.
Observing practice is always welcome, so please feel free to drop by.
Additionally, on July 26 (Sunday) at 10:00, we will hold a "Welcome Junior Observation & Experience Session" at Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park Exchange Building.
You will have the opportunity to see orchestral instruments that are not usually seen, observe the practice scenes of members and basic course students, and actually touch the instruments and make sounds.
This time, the experience session will focus on string instruments. For more details, please check our social media updates.
Conclusion
Before the interview, I had the image of "small children playing together as if it were a hobby." However, in reality, it was far beyond that image.
The joy of making music together, the interaction with people of different ages, and the experience of creating one piece of music with a large group. This place is filled with irreplaceable moments for the children.
The sight of the adults who are committed to preserving this place is also a reflection of their feelings for the orchestra.
After hearing the authentic performance during practice, I thought I would like to attend a concert next time.
I feel that this musical space, nurtured in the community for over 50 years, should continue to be passed down.
Data on Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra
| Name | Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra |
|---|---|
| Address | 119-1-205 Nishinakaida, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | For inquiries about observation and joining, please use the contact form on the official website. |
| Website | Kurashiki Junior Philharmonic Orchestra |
