Is there a cost associated with participating in NACHO?

Yes.

1)  You need to become a member of the NACHO Music Society.

First, complete the online Information Form and we will contact you if you have any questions about our program.

Second, complete the online NACHO Membership Application and pay the dues, which are $30.00, for a one year (January 1 to December 31) membership.  Membership dues are prorated if you join us part way through the year.  A NACHO Membership provides you with access to the NACHO Member's Web Portal which is necessary to register for a practice session Term.

2)  As a NACHO Member, you may register for any of our 2024 Practice Terms.  Online registration generally opens a few weeks before the start of a Term. The registration fees vary from $110 to $130 for a Term depending on the number of Practice Sessions in a Term.  Term registration fees are not prorated.  The full year practice schedule is available under the menu item Policies and Info.

How do I pay for my Membership dues and Term Registration fees?

Membership dues and Term Registration fees may be paid by eTransfer to:  treasurer@nachomusicsociety.ca which is our preferred method of payment. This is an automatic deposit to our account so no password is required. Or, in person by cheque or cash to the Treasurer.

What are the goals of NACHO practice sessions?

The origin and founding purposes of NACHO include offering a fair, safe, no-stress, and supportive social learning environment for people with a range of musical skill levels.  NACHO provides an opportunity to play within a full chamber / symphony orchestra without the stress of preparing for a final public performance.  This is a unique feature of NACHO in our region.

To that end, NACHO members work towards a non-performance goal which our Music Director calls the "Concert for Ourselves".  This aspect of our practice sessions offers members the full experience of preparing for a concert, but with no audience present at the concert.

Will I receive detailed personal instruction on my particular instrument at NACHO meetings?

No.

Participants in NACHO are expected to obtain detailed personal instruction on their selected instrument separately from one of the several sources for music instruction available in Vancouver, as noted below.   The Music Director provides instruction on using sheet music and how the instrument groups woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings interact and follow the Conductor, and may make some suggestions to instrument groups while a practice session is underway.  Personal instruction on the range of instruments is obtained at local music stores (see our partner list on the home page), or from private music instructors (see the B.C. Registered Music Teachers’ Association for a list of private instructors.

How much time should I commit to participation in NACHO?

As much as you like—the goal of NACHO is to enjoy the group and have fun!   We certainly welcome volunteers to help in any way they can with the various activities required to keep NACHO running smoothly.  Our full 2024 practice session schedule is available as a PDF document here.

What pieces of equipment do I need to participate in NACHO?

You will need to rent or purchase the instrument you wish to play.  Visit our music store Partners and let them know you are registering for the Newbie Adult Chamber Orchestra (NACHO) program.

In the case of percussion, a snare drum is the usual core instrument—we don’t expect people to buy a set of timpani!  Speak with your music instructor for guidance on the specific instrument you need.  Our Music Director may be able to provide some help as well.

We practice as a full chamber orchestra (or larger) that can include the following instruments:

Violins	Violas	Cellos	String Bass
Flutes	Bassoons	Clarinets	Oboes
Trumpets	Trombones	French Horns	Tuba
Saxophones	Percussion	(drums, bells, triangle, etc.)

You will also need to obtain a music stand to bring to practice.   There are a number of stands on the market, so the best thing is to go to a music store and see what suits you in terms of size, stability, portability and cost.  Other materials will be identified by the Music Director once you sign up as a NACHO Member.

Where are you located?

NACHO meets on Mondays at 10:00 AM in the Mel Lehan Hall at St. James Community Square in Vancouver.  Located on West 10th Avenue (https://goo.gl/maps/xxWTsch6xKM2) this space provides a wonderful environment for the orchestra with room to set-up, room for new orchestra members, and room for people to chat during our social break.  Check out our home at sjcommunitysquare.org.

Do you allow drop ins?

No.  

The sessions are for members only. If you are interested in our program, you should contact info@nachomusicsociety.ca  with the reason you would like to attend part of a session. We do occasionally have visitors, but these are arranged/approved in advance. Click here for our visitor policy.

Please tell us about your musical interests and join our NACHO mailing list by completing our Information Form.

Why is this a good time for adults to start learning a musical instrument?

Getting involved in music as part of a social orchestra is definitely an enjoyable experience.  There is a growing body of research that suggests learning to play a musical instrument at any time in life is a benefit to many aspects of our cognitive health.   Here are a few sources to check out:

Curious about NACHO?

Please complete the Information Form and tell us about your orchestra interests and which instruments you would like to play.  Check the box to join our mailing list.

Questions?  Send us an email at: info@nachomusicsociety.ca