Calling all Harriton musicians: Would you like the chance to play with the Philadelphia Orchestra? During its season, the Orchestra hosts many community events. One of their newer programs is called PlayIN. I recently attended the event for woodwind quintet and I had a great time!

The function was held in the lobby of the Kimmel Center. The area was completely filled. Even though the music being played was written for either a woodwind quintet or a larger group of around 10 instruments, there were 120 spots for interested musicians. As you can imagine, this group’s size created a large but resonant and beautiful sound, supported by the acoustics of the domed lobby. One memorable moment was during a grand pause (a dramatic silence, usually in the middle of a piece) in the first piece that we played, when the echoes reverberated throughout the lobby until we resumed playing.

Notable composers such as Strauss, Haydn, and Gounod wrote the pieces that were played. Each section (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn) was led by a member or two from that section of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Co-principal bassoonist Mark Gigliotti conducted the three pieces, and later on, acclaimed Maestro Vladimir Jurowski (who was conducting the Orchestra’s concert that night) conducted the Strauss as we played it once more. At the end, he remarked that he was going to conduct the same piece in the future with the winds of the Chicago Symphony, but if they did not measure up to his expectations, he would know who to call!

Besides enjoying the musical experience, I was also struck by how well organized PlayIN was. For being surrounded by over 120 musicians and audience members at such a vast venue that the Kimmel Center is, I never felt out of place and knew exactly where to go. Another nice aspect of PlayIN is that there are no auditions or requirements to participate. Kids, teens, and adults can join regardless of skill level or experience. PlayIN is a great opportunity to interact with other interested amateur musicians in the area. If you do not play an instrument but you enjoy hearing some good classical music, appreciative audiences are welcomed as well.

Additionally, the Philadelphia Orchestra musicians seem to be having as much fun as the amateurs. Elizabeth Starr Masoudnia, solo English horn player in the Orchestra, said, “I loved the PlayIN because I got to play wind chamber music with so many different kinds of people who enjoy playing their instrument as much as I do. It is often difficult for Philadelphia Orchestra musicians to meet with other local musicians – I hope that this event is the start of a great tradition!”

Besides woodwinds, the Orchestra has also hosted programs for cello, Suzuki violin, and harp. Upcoming events are for brass and double bass. Start practicing and sign up! For more information, see http://www.philorch.org/playin.