EVERY fortnight at the Moorooduc Hall, the sounds of what could be mistaken for a large family celebration backed by live music ring from the quaint, red brick walls and fill the country air with happiness. These folk of all ages and backgrounds may not be related by blood, but they do share a bond over music and the restorative social, mental and health benefits it brings them.
Although the Seaside Community Orchestra is still in its fledgling stage, after being founded by Mount Martha music lover Becca Smith and her daughter Jemima, 20, last October, the cohesion and energy of practise sessions is immediately obvious.
Octogenarian and Red Hill oboe player Elspeth Noxon beams with contentment as she explains how much she loves playing music again after a long break, as well as the opportunity to rediscover and build on her musical skills in an inclusive environment. “I can’t tell you how much I love being part of the orchestra! Everyone is friendly, some are great players, others are beginners, but we are all here for the same reasons, to play music with other like minded friends,” she said.
Kim Maas is a mum of two children who drives all the way from Nyora every second Tuesday to join the orchestra’s practise sessions. “There really is nothing like it anywhere on this side of Melbourne. It’s great to build musical confidence and a social network. I don’t even think twice about the drive because I love coming,” she said.
Smith, who by day works as a school archivist, said she and Jemima, who is studying a Bachelor of Music/Science, started the orchestra because they knew there was a need for people with some background in music to have an outlet based on fun, musical advancement and friendship. “But I really had no idea how much people would embrace this orchestra. It’s such a lovely group and we are so lucky to have Terry Ekin, a clarinettist from Frankston Symphony Orchestra, joining us every fortnight as our conductor,” she said. “Terry is so lovely and patient. This is something people can definitely do for fun and relaxation.”
Smith said the orchestra, which plans to play two concerts each year, currently consisted of around 20 players of mainly woodwind instruments, as well as violin, percussion, double bass and cello, but had room for newcomers with other musical skills. “We play mainly classical, like Beethoven, Vivaldi and Sibelius at the moment, and the difference between when we started – we were awful – to now is incredible… and every one of the players should be proud of that.”
Seaside Community Orchestra is holding a new members night on 6 August at the Moorooduc Hall at 675 Derril Road, and all players are welcome. Smith said players should preferably read music, but learners are also welcome.
For information email: seasidecommunityorchestra@gmail.com
First published in the Mornington News – 16 July 2024
