On July 5th, the Tohoku Youth Orchestra kicked off its 12th season! We started with a total of 92 members, welcoming 25 new members to the group. It had been about three months since the members last saw each other at the regular concert in March. Although there was a slight nervousness when meeting after such a long time, many were smiling and chatting as if no time had passed at all.

In the morning, we had an orientation and introductions. Hirokazu Tanaka, the office manager, explained this season's activities and introduced the staff. For the new members, this was a chance to get to know the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, and for the returning members, it was an opportunity to appreciate the support of those who help them regularly. Starting this season, the members will receive full guidance from Music Force, a general incorporated association that also helped out in the 11th season, raising both the members' sense of tension and motivation. Then, Fuminori Shinozaki, the chairperson of Music Force and this season's concert conductor, affectionately known as "Maro-san," shared some valuable insights. He spoke about music, his interactions with Director Sakamoto, and the significance of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra. In particular, he emphasized that "the Tohoku Youth has a mission to perform Director Sakamoto's pieces and pass them on to future generations," which boosted the members' awareness.

The latter part of the morning was all about meeting the 25 new members. Both returning and new members introduced themselves and shared their aspirations. Many returning members expressed their desire to participate more in voluntary performances, work hard in their assigned roles, and get closer to everyone. Many new members admitted they were excited but also nervous. Maro-san watched each of the nearly 90 self-introductions with a warm smile until the very end.

Here, we have some words of enthusiasm from two of the new members. Let's share their passionate thoughts!

"I had a strong desire to perform with an orchestra, so I am very happy to be able to perform as a member of the Tohoku Youth from now on. At first, I was so nervous and overwhelmed with admiration, but the seniors warmly welcomed me, allowing me to start with a positive attitude. 　During our first ensemble performance, the overwhelming sound filling the entire space shook our hearts. I'm filled with anticipation and joy at the fact that we can create the music we've always admired together. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my daily efforts and dedication to performing so I can contribute to the beautiful music of Tohoku youth."　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Trombone Fuka Hoshino: "What I want to strive for with the Tohoku Youth Orchestra is to interact with many people and create music together. When I actually performed it, I was overwhelmed by the high level of their performance. When I saw the members freely expressing their own sounds and playing happily, I felt admiration and hope." 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Akari Yokoyama from the

oboe: After the orientation, it's time for a lunch break. We had lunch at each part. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other. 　After finishing lunch and recharging my energy, I immediately had Maro conduct the ensemble. With the reliable seniors graduating and the new lineup, I made my first sound. The memorable first piece was "Etude," the signature song of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, which we always perform at concerts. As we played while clapping together, we couldn't help but remember the fun concert in March, and at the same time, we felt that the 12th term had finally begun. In this season's concert, while inheriting the tradition built by Hisao Yanagizawa, who has served as conductor for many years, and the members of the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, I believe that under Maro's direction, we will deliver a unique version of "Etude."

Next, we practiced the prelude to Act 1 from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg." We had just been handed the sheet music, so it was essentially a sight-reading ensemble. It starts with a grand introduction, and in the middle, there are tricky rhythms and runs, so everyone was doing their best just to follow the score. Somehow, we managed to play all the way through without stopping, and then Mallo went through the piece with us, giving guidance section by section. From here, we hope to practice more and build up this magnificent, bright harmony.

Finally, we practiced "Swan Lake." For this season's concert, based on Mallo's advice, we plan to perform a selection that follows the story. There are solos for the oboe with that famous melody, as well as for trumpet, violin, and cello. Mallo mentioned that since it includes music from various regions, "there’s special significance in performing it in today’s time when wars and conflicts continue," which left a strong impression on me. It really made me reflect on the unique role that only music can fulfill. Since it’s a rare chance to perform Tchaikovsky’s famous work, which we also played in the first season, we’ll practice hard to convey the scenes of the ballet.

This time, I shared a glimpse of the first practice of the 12th season. With Mallo and our new members, expect a newly powered-up Tohoku Youth Orchestra. We’ll be working hard toward next March’s concert, so we’d be grateful if you watched over us warmly.

Viola, Kasuya