The MMO established a Training Orchestra to allow players of all the instruments traditionally associated with the Mandolin Orchestra to gain experience playing in an ensemble in the hope of eventually gaining new players. For many instrumentalists who have trained and practised mainly by themselves, the first experience of playing in an ensemble of other musicians comes as a major "culture shock" and for many, this is the first time their sight-reading skills are really put to the test. Over the past few years, the training orchestra provided potential new players with a relatively easy and low-pressure introduction into ensemble playing.

The MMO's Training Orchestra was presided over by Abram Iourgaev who taught instrumental music for many years in Tashkent, Uzbekistan before moving to Australia. He has conducted many orchestras both amateur and professional. He is an exceptionally patient and dedicated teacher who brings many of his own arrangements for the Training Orchestra to play.

The happy faces of our Training Orchestra players with Abram Iourgaev

Unfortunately we have had to close the Training Orchestra for the foreseeable future, partly because of a decline in the number of participants. For the time being all new players seeking to join the orchestra are asked to come to one of the Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra's rehearsal sessions primarily to observe and gain an understanding of the level of competency required. If the player feels competent to participate in future rehearsals they are welcome to join the orchestra as a PROBATIONARY MEMBER for a much reduced annual membership fee. Probationary members will not be permitted to participate in concerts or recording sessions but are encouraged to attend every rehearsal.

The Section leaders will regularly assess the skills and competence of probationary members and when a player is thought to have adequate competence, the Section leader will recommend to the Orchestra's Music Committee that the player be invited to join the MMO as a FULL MEMBER.

Interested players who feel they need further training before joining as a Probationary member are recommended to have lessons with a recognized teacher and hopefully they will return in the future with greater skills and confidence!