InterPLAY Orchestra

interPLAY Orchestra rehearses and performs at Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda, Maryland. Our purpose is to provide a stimulating creative and unique approach to music for adults with intellectual / developmental and/or physical disabilities. Most of our musicians are not able to read music, which has traditionally been a barrier to access to this mode of self expression. With our innovative music learning methods, all participants are encouraged to use a variety of both percussion, tonal and traditional instruments playing jazz, Dixieland, folk, classical, ethnic, rock and roll, and country western, performing this music for a public audience. Players work side by side with non-disabled musically talented students and adult artists. The second part of our purpose is to bring this unique and extraordinary undertaking to the attention of the wider community through year-round concerts who are often not aware that those with disabilities are very much abled in a cultural area from which they should not be excluded.

 Volunteers assist interPLAY Orchestra with music operations and other orchestra support functions. Volunteers who assist our Orchestra Conductor with live rehearsals and performances are known as "Bandaides". Live rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 6:30-8:00pm, at Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda MD. interPLAY also holds periodic live public performances (usually three per year) at Strathmore. Orchestra musicians attending rehearsal vis Zoom on Tuesday nights are also supported by Bandaides, who join the rehearsal remotely. Students in grades Nine through Twelve may apply to be a Bandaide. While training is available, we give preference to students who have some prior musical experience or experience working with persons with disabilities. Students who wish to do other kinds of orchestra support work are not required to have prior experience, but a desire to learn and reliability are very important. Additional support work may include clerical and administrative, inventory, event coordination, IT support, graphic design, and marketing support.