In January this year, I was accepted into the week-long intensive course for orchestral instrumentalists, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestral Summer School. I spent the week playing alongside Auckland Philharmonia musicians, got to experience rehearsals with a professional conductor, Ingrid Martin and finished the week with a Finale performance at the Bruce Mason Centre. My favourite piece of the performance was the Gypsy Barron Overture composed by Johann Strauss. 

by Charlotte Marriott