English

The word “multiphonic” means two or more sounds coming from a single entity or instrument.
It is comprised of two parts:

• multi, meaning more than one
• phonic, meaning sound

Everyone has a unique sound, even if they play the same instrument. When these people come together as a group, they combine their sounds to create beautiful music.

MWE is the first amateur wind ensemble based in Japan to conduct its activities entirely in English. It serves as an accessible musical group both for foreigners residing in Japan and for Japanese citizens who wish to partake in musical activities in English as part of their language studies.

The group also welcomes the usage of Japanese during rehearsals and socialization to give those who cannot speak Japanese the opportunity to learn in an environment outside a classroom. However, the usage of English overall is strongly preferred to help those who cannot communicate effectively or entirely in Japanese.

MWE seeks to broaden the musical horizons of all its members, regardless of their residency status in Japan. It does so through regular and ad-hoc concerts, group practices, group socialization activities, collaborations with other groups, and travel.

MWE seeks to immerse its sound in different cultures and subgenres, through original compositions, published arrangements, and customized or “in-house” arrangements based on what is available to the group in terms of instrumentation and skill.

Music, both as a discipline and as a hobby, is a constant pursuit. Music is held to a higher standard than other arts because of its inability to hide its faults from the listener. Missed notes, bad pitches, unsynchronized rhythms, and the like can “disrupt” the experience for both the performer and the listener.

However, rather than succumbing to individual and collective failures, MWE seeks to rise above them. As individuals, we strive to improve our musicianship through practice, study, listening, lessons, and advice. As a group, we share our knowledge and contribute efforts to develop a sound of various stages of musical journeys coming together as one.

Failure is a part of human nature. Though Japanese culture is generally considered risk-averse and disdainful towards failure, MWE seeks to invert this assumption by forgiving and embracing failure as a source of learning and knowledge. All members of MWE are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and apply their learnings through future performances and actions.

MWE is not and is never to be restrictive of membership based on a person’s characteristics. It is welcoming to all residents of Japan regardless of residency, nationality, age, race or ethnicity, sex or gender, sexuality, employment status, disability, or personal opinions.

With so many different backgrounds come different ways of understanding on how to address problems. Members of MWE are expected or otherwise encouraged to set aside their differences and work together on behalf of the group and other members. Consultations for advice are welcomed and disagreements should be addressed in honesty and humility.

All members who wish to join should be able to meet the following criteria:

• Is a Japanese citizen or has established residency in Japan
• Is able to speak, read, and understand English on at least a daily conversational level
  • Knowing Japanese is not a requirement, but it definitely helps!
• Is at least of middle-school age
  • For minors (under the age of adulthood according to the Japanese Civil Code), written parental permission is required for membership
• Has had at least one year of past musical experience, either with their instrument or in wind ensemble repertoire
  • No audition is required, but we will interview you about your past experience
• Is able to attend at least two-thirds of all scheduled group practices
  • For students, at least half
• Has or can acquire their own instrument
  • Some percussion instruments (drum set, glockenspiel) are available for usage during practice

Membership costs 3,000 yen per month.
The fee is reduced to half price for students (those enrolled in middle school, high school, university, vocational school, or language school).
Family discounts are also available.

For new members, a newcomers’ fee of 1,000 yen is required.
The fee is waived for students.

Extra fees may be applicable for regular concerts, supplies, and other necessary expenses.

1. Click the above button and fill out the Google Form with your information.
   • If the status of the instrument you want to join with is “Please inquire”, please contact us at info@multiphonic.site before you submit your trial membership application.
2. You will receive an e-mail from info@multiphonic.site with information about joining a trial practice.
   (Please check your spam folder if it does not appear in your inbox.)
   You may join up to three times without making a decision about membership.
3. After attending at least one trial practice, you can decide on your membership. We’ll explain the details after practice.