The Belmont Community Orchestra is a place for musicians who believe music is more than notes on a page—it’s about connection, courage, and joy.
Our rehearsals are about making music alive together: taking risks, embracing imperfection, and discovering new sounds as a community.
We welcome adult and student string players who want to grow in a supportive ensemble, perform both classic works and music by living composers, and share that spirit with the wider community. Together, we’re building more than an orchestra—we’re building community through performance.
Our orchestra is complete when you are here.
(Registration will open December 1 – check back then and scroll down to the purple section to register!)
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Who should join?
The Belmont Community Orchestra is a string orchestra, open to string musicians and students of all backgrounds and experience levels.
To help set everyone up for success, musicians should feel comfortable with the basics of their instrument, including reading first position notes, playing simple rhythms, and having confidence with foundational scales (such as G major for violin and C major for viola and cello). Beyond these essentials, the most important qualities are a willingness to try, openness to risk-taking, and commitment to rehearsing and performing with others.
Here, the focus isn’t on perfection—it’s on shared growth, discovery, and the joy of making music together.
Who is conducting?
We’re thrilled to welcome Marshunda Smith, Boston-area conductor of the Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra, No-Name Orchestra, and Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra, who is also a teacher and cellist. You’ll find her style to be welcoming and encouraging, and her energy and humor a delight.
Click to hear Marshunda introduce herself and the orchestra!
Meet Marshunda on the following dates!
- Thursday, November 20, 7:00 pm, Belmont High School – Join us for the Belmont Community Band’s first concert of the year, and stay after to learn about the orchestra.
- January 11 – Come to Powers at 160 Lexington Street for a chamber reading party, and stay to chat with Marshunda.
- Late January / early February date – One more in-person or virtual “Meet & Greet” before the orchestra begins in March!
Want more Marshunda?
Check out her Instagram page at @marshundasmith to hear more about the welcoming and encouraging ideas she’ll bring to the Belmont Community Orchestra!
Rehearsal & Performance Details:
- Rehearsals will be held on 10 Mondays, March 9 – May 18, 7:00-8:45 pm at Powers Music School (160 Lexington Street, Belmont). There will be NO rehearsal on April 20.
- A final performance will be held on Thursday, May 21, 7:00 pm, at the Tracy Powers Concert Hall at Powers Music School.
Questions about the orchestra?
Email us at registrar@powersmusic.org