Figure 1.--We believe this is aew Zeland school orchestra. Note the blue blazers with white piping trim.

Virtually every major country have youth orchestras. A full orchestra is, however, an expensive undertaking. Thus orchestras are most common in wealthier ountries. They are most common in the countries of western Europe and North America and a few other countries like Australia and New Zealand. I am not sure about Japan. As the main sponsoring organization are schools, the orcestra costumes usually are a reflection of school wear. Thus the school orchestras from different countries are usually the school uniform from thee various countries. Mozst of the countries with boyorchestras ar European and North American countries, and a few other former European colonie like Australia and New Zealand. This is largely a uestion of economics. It is the higher incomelevels that permit parents to afford mudical instruments and tuition for their children. Cultural factors are also obviously important because it is Wetern music that isplayed by tese orchestras.

Created: September 15, 2003
Last updated: September 15, 2003