While members of the QFO/FHSO vary in personal background and musical training, they share a common bond—a strong desire to make music with other musicians. The motivation to learn or relearn a musical instrument in order to play in an orchestra can be best undersood by identifying the many psychological benefits or playing with a group such as the FHSO.

Interviews with musicians in our orchestra illuminate the significant psychological benefits gained by their participation at all stages of their lives. Retired individuals from a variety or careers described playing in an orchestra as “returning to my first love.” The war, financial depression, and family pressures hindered many individuals from persuing music professionally. After fulfilling family and business responsibilities, may individuals returned to what they love best new that they have the time. Statements such as ‘playing in an orchestra keeps me going; it fills the void of retired life,” are heard among members. Making music not only keeps the mind and body active, but as reported by several retired individuals, it provides an actual breathing, living force to their lives.

Those members of the orchestra in the prime of their outside careers and family lives emphasized that playing in an orchestra serves as an emotional outlet. Self-expression through music enables the working individual to release tension and come closer to a total sense of sell-being. Daily stresses are put aside as the mid and body focus on making harmonious, beautiful sounds. The weekly rehearsals serve as healthy diversions from the negative feelings and thoughts accumulated during the day. The physicians, psychologists, and teachers in the orchestra, after listening to others all day, now have the opportunity to express themselves through their instruments. Homemakers also have the chance to escape from putting others first for a couple of hours a week to focus on utilizing their own potential.

Students enjoy the experience of feeling involved and contributing to a greater whole. They also release tension from school and personal problems. The music majors can try out their skills and gain confidence as they make solo debuts with us. Talented musicians who lack confidence find our symphony a helpful step in progressing to more competitive performance situations.

Let us not forget the psychological benefits experienced by our conductor. His hard work and patience are rewarded over and over again as he directs these musicians from various backgrounds who share a strong desire to make music together as members of the FHSO. He ‘looks forward to the rehearsal as a high point of the week away from his public school teaching duties.

Diana Richman, Ph.D.
Cellist