This orchestra is now entering its third year. With members of varying ages, careers, and individual growth rates, it’s challenging for everyone to perform the same things on the same stage. However, since it’s an ensemble, we’re experimenting with ways to achieve good results by arranging parts to suit each child, whether in melody or background performance.

When trying to have them play violin, children who are pushed beyond their capabilities feel stressed, and I in turn feel anxious when not seeing progress. At such times, I want to remember that “the children are never at fault, no matter what happens.”

I prepared simple accompaniment arrangements, avoiding standard musical notation in favor of simple symbols for them to memorize, and created patterns with simple repetitions. While I wanted them to try this approach, having them actually play would put too much pressure on them. So instead, I decided to first have them learn the piece and follow the score by having them count beats and measures while pointing along as they listen to the music. The aim is to then have them play along while looking at numbers and symbols.

Young children enjoy feeling rhythm, so they became absorbed in counting. Watching them, it seems they’ve memorized the melody. Once they become more comfortable, I hope they’ll be able to hold their violins and play together.

We will be performing at the Kitamae Community Center market on Sun., Feb. 16! Join us!