The Junior Orchestra was founded in September 1999 by three teachers from the Bedřich Smetana Music School in Pilsen – Milan Bačík, Jan Bodnár, and Jan Šlégr. Starting with around 30 members, the orchestra has grown over the years to nearly 60 young musicians. The orchestra’s players are not only from the Bedřich Smetana Music School but also from other music schools around the city. The orchestra sections include flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, baritone horns, trombones, tubas, percussion, bass guitar, and keyboards. This diversity of instruments influences the repertoire choice, allowing the orchestra to perform popular music, movie soundtracks, musicals, and occasionally even traditional Czech brass band pieces.
In 2013, Jan Bodnár took over the role of conductor from Milan Bačík, who had successfully led the orchestra since its inception. Jan Šlégr and Marie Benešová assist the conductor with rehearsals, organizing concerts, tours, and more. Many things wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated support of parents, to whom we would like to express our gratitude.
The Junior Orchestra organizes educational concerts for elementary schools, participates in events hosted by the city of Pilsen, performs for seniors, and holds other public concerts. The orchestra has already participated in numerous festivals in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and France.