Researching classical music in Kagoshima

It's only been a week since I learned that I am going to Kagoshima prefecture, but there's one thing I'm researching as much as possible: classical music.

Though Japan is home to a thriving classical music scene, it is wind band, not orchestra, that is commonly found in junior and senior high schools. A quick google search for "Kagoshima orchestra" (in English) pulls up Kagoshima Joho HS's wind orchestra, and they. are. fantastic. Have a listen for yourself.

One of the things that drew me to the JET program and the whole idea of teaching in Japan in the first place is the opportunity to get involved with students in various clubs that span the whole gamut, including sports, English, calligraphy, robotics, newspaper, Japanese archery, and the like. If the school(s) I teach at have an orchestra, great! I'm definitely joining. If they only have wind band, it gets a little tougher.

But regardless of the state of the school music clubs, my first task will be to find a cello.

Placements have arrived!

I'm going to Kagoshima prefecture! It's located on the southernmost tip of Kyushu island, but not quite as far as Okinawa.



As of May 20, I only know the prefecture, which is an indication that I will more than likely be teaching at the senior high school level. The prefecture is still sorting out our individual placements, so I won't know my city until later in June.