(Registration will open December 1 – scroll down to the purple section to register!)
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.
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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
FAQs
I haven’t played in YEARS. Is this ensemble really right for me?
Yes! This ensemble is open to adults with all levels of playing ability. The goal of the ensemble is to have fun and challenge yourself in new ways, not to produce perfect music.
I only recently started playing an instrument, and this will be my first time playing with a group. Will I be able to keep up?
The Belmont Community Orchestra is the perfect place to transition from practicing by yourself to playing with others. It may be a little challenging, but this will be a friendly environment suited to beginners.
What if there is a section of a song that I just can’t play?
Being able to keep up should be the last of your concerns here. Feel free to ask Marshunda for suggestions, or self-edit as you practice and play.
If you are not comfortable shifting and there is a part of a song that is beyond your current abilities, it is possible to write a part that is all in first position, or just mark the measures where you need to sit out and then come back in on the measures you can play.
What music will the orchestra play?
A mix of things! You might enjoy playing some classical pieces you’ve heard before, and you might also enjoy living composers and soundscapes that are totally new to you!
The pieces will be selected once the director sees how the instrumentation is shaping up and what the skill level of the players are. You will be provided with the pieces in advance via email.
Am I required to attend all of the rehearsals?
While we hope that all participants will be able to attend all of the rehearsals, we understand that there may be unexpected family or work conflicts. Please do your best to attend all of the rehearsals and especially the concert, but if you have to miss 1 or 2, it’s ok!
Am I expected to spend a lot of time practicing between rehearsals?
We encourage you to review and practice the music you will be provided prior to rehearsal, so that our sessions together are productive. We also hope that you will dive head-in and practice between rehearsals to help the ensemble advance from week to week. The time you spend practicing will not only help to advance your skills, but will show any students that you may have at home that results take effort!
When should I arrive for rehearsal?
Rehearsal starts at 7 p.m., so we recommend that you arrive a little early to get settled prior to 7.
What should I bring to rehearsals?
Bring your music in a folder or binder, a pencil, your instrument and any equipment you might need for your instrument. Music stands will be provided.
What instruments are eligible for this orchestra?
Belmont Community Orchestra is a string orchestra, so string instruments are welcome!
Where can I purchase, rent, or repair my instrument?
We suggest Johnson String Instrument or Acoustic Strings of New England for this!
Can musicians from other towns participate?
Yes! This ensemble is open to any adult from any town.
Can high school musicians participate?
Yes. Though the ensemble is geared toward adults, high school musicians are welcome to participate.
Accessibility information: Entering Powers currently requires guests to go up a short flight of stairs to the main floor of the school. We are committed to improving access to our building for those with limited mobility. The school is in the early stages of this large and important project, but there is no formal timeline set for when it will be started/completed as of yet.