How would i go about getting a piece of music i wrote played by a live orchestra?

Question

I'm curious as to where i would start, cuz i have no idea.
Well, i know this would most likely be more expensive than it's worth, but the idea of hearing [and having a recording of] something i wrote played by a live orchestra would be my own little slice of heaven on earth.
:)

Thnsk bearcat and mistress, those were great suggestions.
As for the music, i do have it all mapped out for each instrument via a music program which, in turn can publish the individual sheet music.
as for the orchestra, i would say it's more of a "chamber", or smaller size...but with at least two pianos.

Thanks again bear,
Yes, my music program can play back all the different sounds so i can hear everything.
I will try your suggestion and mistress's thing about the highschools.
I believe you 100% about the live version sounding different than what i heard on the computer...though i fear it may not sound as full and complex.

thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I assume that you are talking about a piece for symphony orchestra, right? If you have all the parts written out for all the instruments, then you should try to find a good school, college or community orchestra that would play it for you. These groups will often play new works.

If you do not have it arranged for the instruments or you are not meaning an "orchestra" , then give a little more information and I will try to help.

Great! The additional info helps. Does your music program play your piece back to you so you can hear it? If you have Finale or Sibelius they can give you a midi playback to give you an idea of your arrangement.

Two points to remember. First, find the best group you can to play it. Nothing is more frustrating to the composer than a group trying to play your piece that doesn't have the "horses" to do so. The other is to make sure your piece is written so the group has the best chance to perform it. Nothing is more frustrating to the group than trying to play a piece that has wrong notes, is hard to read or is poorly written.

Oh, and never be surprised that what you thought you wrote isn't what you hear!!

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Do you have the parts all written out and scored? If not, either do it yourself (by hand or with music writing software) or hire someone to do it.
A lot of towns have a community orchestra made up of volunteers. These programs usually don't have much funding and buying new music is an expensive venture. Find your nearest community group like that and contact the director. He may be willing to take a look at your music and perform it if he likes it. It's free music for the orchestra, and free publicity for you, and you can record their performance and you'll have a recording of your piece.

If you can't find a community orchestra, approach the orchestra or band director at a high school. Many schools don't have a string program so you may have to re-score the piece for band.

Good luck to you!!