Having given you some of my thoughts about the pros and cons of playing in an orchestra, there are still many questions a person must ask himself before embarking on this career path. Orchestral players are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet. Orchestras face increasing financial problems reduction in recording work. Orchestras require you to know your entire instrument because the repertoire requires it. Musicians in many orchestras are paid "per service" and the trombone is not always part of the "core" group of players in the orchestra. Musicians cite lack of creative control, inadequate compensation, unacknowledged education and talent and monotony among other frustrations that lead to career malaise.

On the positive side. Orchestra playing teaches teamwork. Playing in an orchestra with high quality, with a conductor who was is dynamic, demanding, knowledgeable and passionate could be the beginning of life-career as a musician. Another positive part of playing in an orchestra is friendship. Playing in a three-piece rock band versus playing in an orchestra--guess which one is louder. Playing in an orchestra, if you make a mistake, other people around you might notice it, but the audience probably won’t.

Playing in an orchestra gives them a way to build accomplishment, and that leads to good self-esteem and being productive and giving back to their community. If you love playing your instrument, a career in a symphony orchestra provides a chance to do that on a daily basis and, on concert nights, have the satisfaction of 2000 people on their feet congratulating you for a job well done.

Many musicians (particularly string players) train aspiring to a solo or chamber music career; a life in a symphony orchestra often seems "third best" to them. Serious musicians are polite, and pay attention to the conductor, the concert master, and section leaders. Many musicians now in the armed forces provides author with opportunity of professional experience that leads to full-time orchestra employment. When performing chamber music the musician can work closely with the other members of the ensemble and they have the other musicians as an intelligent and sophisticated audience, which the soloist lacks.