Frequently Asked Questions

Sessions go for 3 hours with a 15 minute break halfway.

You will receive a reminder email that has the order of music. Our conductor guides the orchestra through different sections of the music, working to make improvements as the session goes on.

If a piece has a solo, anyone is welcome to play it. They are often shared by multiple musicians or entire sections.

If there’s time towards the end, we will have a private “mini concert” just for ourselves playing through our favorite tunes without stopping!

We typically host our gatherings in Pasadena or in South Pasadena. Check out the Sessions page to see where we’ll be playing next.

It's your choice! Some members practice and some sight read the music the day we meet. 

Whether you practice or not, it is recommended to listen to the recordings of the pieces which are linked in the newsletters.

Guests are welcome to come and observe our process.

However, ALL guests must be invited by someone playing that day in the orchestra or contacted our Executive Director prior. Although there is no payment to be a guest, checking in is required.

As soon as you register, there is a link to the music folder in the confirmation email.

If you cannot find the link right away, check your spam folder.

Music must be printed. Reading from an iPad is fine. Sheet music will not be provided at the event.

There is no waitlist. You can check back in a few days prior to the event to see if there have been spots opened due to cancelations.

There is a cancelation form which is linked in your registration confirmation email. Or email us directly to let us know.

We give registration refunds (excluding the processing fee) if you fill out the form at least 72 hours before the session.

If you'd like to just let us know to not expect you, fill out the same form and mark "Donate registration fee". Both options will open a spot for someone else to register. Thank you!

There are no auditions or performances. All levels are welcome! We play music for ourselves without an audience.

Printed sheet music, music stand, stand light (optional), and your good humor!

There is a baby grand piano provided at our venue. Please fill out this form (TBA) to express your interest. If multiple people are interested, names will be raffled.

The percussion part is limited to 2-4 people depending on the set-list. Please send us an email or fill out our contact form to express your interest.

Choose the part you're most comfortable with or would like to play the most. We won't assign the parts. You may print both parts and decide at the session which one to play.

You may choose whichever part you feel most comfortable with and can switch parts. For example, playing 1st violin for one piece and 2nd violin in another. 

You may choose a different part that fits the range of your instrument. For example, bass clarinet can play cello music (transposed) or a harpist can play the piano part.

You may view how many types of musicians registered by viewing the Roll Call list.

The link to this list is provided in your confirmation email after registering.

We play a mix of several genres including classical, jazz, and movie music to name a few. Most of the music we play are arrangements written for middle school to high school levels.

We are always open to music suggestions. If you’d like to play a certain piece you may do so by filling out this form (TBA).

Multi-instrumentalists are welcome here! We have members play saxophone in some tunes, and flute for the others. Playing multiple instruments at the same time, however, is not recommended!

No, there won't be food during the event. Some of us meet at a local restaurant afterwards. Everyone from the orchestra is invited. Details are sent in the registration confirmation email.

Yes, just let us know in the comment section of your registration.

Reach out to our Executive Director, Jazmine Rampas, and let her know! We encourage attending as a guest to get a feel for Off-Key Orchestra.