On September 25, musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) visited Chutobu Junior High School for an exchange event and workshop with students from the Instrumental Music Club.
First, as a gesture of gratitude to the seven musicians visiting the school, the students of the Instrumental Music Club performed the fourth movement of Brahms' Symphony No. 1. Afterward, the students and musicians moved to separate classrooms by instrument to begin the workshop. Although the students were nervous about the opportunity to receive direct instruction from world-class performers, a peaceful atmosphere filled each classroom as everyone truly enjoyed the music.
After the workshop, everyone returned to the gymnasium, where the Instrumental Music Club and the London Symphony Orchestra performed the fourth movement of Symphony No. 1 together. Through the workshop and joint performance, the students not only improved their playing techniques but also deepened their confidence, initiative, and understanding of music. It was a valuable opportunity for them to rediscover the appeal of musical expression.
Next, the LSO musicians performed the first movement of Haydn's String Quartet Op. 76, No. 2, "Fifths." The students listened intently to the beautiful melodies echoing through the gymnasium, which had been transformed into a concert hall. A Q&A session followed the performance, with students asking many questions, such as how to deal with nerves before a performance and the difference in mindset between playing in an orchestra and playing solo. The LSO members offered many insights and words of encouragement, explaining the importance of not fixating on individual notes since everyone makes mistakes, and instead simply enjoying the performance and focusing on the piece as a whole and the music itself. Furthermore, the students received important advice for their roles in the Instrumental Music Club, such as the idea that when playing in an orchestra, being more aware of the sounds and movements of other parts than one's own allows everyone to perform toward the same goal.
Participating students shared impressions such as, "I was overwhelmed by the tone, which was completely different from what I hear from the audience in a concert hall," and "I was moved to see the finger movements of professional musicians up close." They appeared to rediscover the wonders of music and the joy of learning.
Photography: Aki Takematsu