Calling Lafayette-based musicians!
Are you looking for an opportunity to play in a low-pressure, encouraging orchestral setting? We at The Arts Federation want to increase opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to get together to play great music, old and new.
Join us at the Wells Community Cultural Center for a series of community orchestra reading sessions: September 16, 19, 23, and 26 from 6:30-7:30pm. Come to as many as you can and bring your orchestral musician friends!
We’ll touch on 2-3 pieces at each session. Some may be a little easier for you, others more challenging - just play what your ability and comfort levels allow. Our goal is to start with a little something for everyone and enjoy the process of making music together!
Who is this ensemble for? In short, it’s for everyone! Whether you are an experienced amateur looking to play in a large ensemble setting, a recent graduate seeking opportunities to continue making music, or an adult learner picking up the instrument for the first time (or the first time after a few years off), our goal is to provide a fulfilling musical experience for you.
FAQ's
1Where will it be located?
The Arts Federation Reception Hall
638 North Street Lafayette, IN 47901
2What do I need to bring?
Please bring your instrument, something to write with, and a music stand if you have one!
3What music will we be playing?
We're not quite sure yet - a lot will depend on how many people are at each session. The more musicians we have, the more options we'll have, so invite your friends!
4Will there be auditions?
No - simply let us know on the registration form roughly what your current playing ability is. We'll plan appropriate music for each session based on instrumentation and experience of those who'll be attending.
5What if I am not at the same playing ability as everyone else?
These sessions are in no way meant to be a competitive environment, which is, in part, why there won't be auditions. We're really just doing this to engage more orchestral-minded musicians in the community!
On a practical note, we'll send out a PDF of the music we're intending to play a few days before each reading session. While there's no pressure to practice beforehand, feel free to take a look over the material and reach out to Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org) if you have any questions or concerns. We want to help you succeed!
On a practical note, we'll send out a PDF of the music we're intending to play a few days before each reading session. While there's no pressure to practice beforehand, feel free to take a look over the material and reach out to Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org) if you have any questions or concerns. We want to help you succeed!
6What does "orchestral instrument" mean?
We intend these sessions to provide a large ensemble opportunity to musicians who play an instrument that can traditionally be found in a symphony orchestra: flutes, clarinets, double reeds, trumpets, horns, trombones, violins, violas, cellos, basses, and some percussion. This is by no means an exhaustive list! If you're interested in playing but you don't play one of these instruments, please contact Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org) to see if we can find a place for you!
7I'm interested but don't own my own instrument, what should I do?
Please contact Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org).
8Is there an age requirement?
We intend these sessions, in part, to help fill a community need for an orchestral ensemble open to musicians of various abilities and experiences. At this time, since there are already options for young musicians (such as the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony), we ask that our participants are at least 18 years of age.
9What if I can't read sheet music?
We value all instrumental music traditions and seek to highlight the wide variety that exists in our community. While we hope that this will also be a learning environment for many, for this opportunity we are seeking musicians with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of reading music notated in the Western classical tradition.
If you are interested in finding ways to highlight your own music tradition, please reach out to Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org).
If you are interested in finding ways to highlight your own music tradition, please reach out to Sam (sam@theartsfederation.org).
If you have questions you can contact — Programs Officer
