Music Society: Symphony Orchestra Manager

  The two essentials of an Orchestra manager are commitment and communication. I believe I possess both of these. This year is my second year in SO. Throughout last year I was committed to not missing rehearsals, performing in all the concerts, and regularly helping to pack up. I also took time to get to know other members by going for drinks after rehearsals, and attending Orchestra socials. 

  The Orchestra manager must also communicate clearly and reliably. As musicians, having diverse commitments, many of us have instilled in us the habit of keeping a diary, checking emails, and sending prompt responses. Responsive communication is about showing respect for the time of others, and therefore it will be a top priority for me. 

  Beyond these two necessities I am keen to promote more orchestra socials. As SO enters a new era with a new conductor, we ought to reclaim a fundamental ethos of fun and friendly music making. I would love to foster a culture of theatre trips and casual playing in small ensembles - further suggestions would of course be welcome. 

  Finally, though least important, my motivation to join the Music Society Committee, beyond CV fodder, comes from the value I have taken from being highly involved over the last year. Beyond Orchestra I perform with the Chamber Choir and Concert Band. Far from feeling obliged though, I have loved to be involved. I hope being Orchestra manager will be a way for me to give back to the Society, and to serve the

Due to enjoying being a part of the UCL Symphony Orchestra (when not sight-reading Tchaikovsky) and wanting to contribute to it further, I have decided put myself forward for orchestral manager.

Having been part of the orchestra for a year already, I have experience of our rehearsals and concerts and would relish the opportunity to help guide the orchestra through these. More importantly, I am an expert on the subject of biscuits, having performed detailed market research on the biscuit industry. I am prepared to make the necessary sacrifices for our orchestra, to deliver the best biscuit selections given the available budget.

On a (slightly) more serious note, as an orchestral manager, I will be organised and reliable, ensuring any details regarding rehearsals and concerts are communicated clearly. I will also do my utmost to help organise a good venue for our term 2 concert. No promises yet but I'm currently thinking of somewhere not quite as good as the Royal Albert Hall but better than the music store cupboard.

I really think that the orchestra genuinely has the quality to shine with a bunch of talented musicians, and I plan to just ensure that that happens as smoothly as possible. Some more socials would be good too I think...

Anyways, If you have made it this far, I hope I have done enough to win your vote. 

Thanks,

Akshay :)