Patrick, I hope you don't mind my asking this question here, though it's on another thread.

I'm just beginning to think about retirement areas, and an important consideration for me is the local amateur orchestra scene. For a variety of reasons, the Tucson and Albuquerque areas are high on my list.

What can you share about whether there are decent amateur orchestras with decent conductors in Tucson? How hard is it to get into the better orchestras? I'm a decent avocational player who wants to keep studying and playing in retirement, but I don't play at the pro level.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Patrick, I hope you don't mind my asking this question here, though it's on another thread.

I'm just beginning to think about retirement areas, and an important consideration for me is the local amateur orchestra scene. For a variety of reasons, the Tucson and Albuquerque areas are high on my list.

What can you share about whether there are decent amateur orchestras with decent conductors in Tucson? How hard is it to get into the better orchestras? I'm a decent avocational player who wants to keep studying and playing in retirement, but I don't play at the pro level.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Tucson has three amateur orchs: the civic of tucson, the southern arizona symphony, the catalina chamber orch. And the tucson symphony is just above amateur... okay they are pro but don't pay much. Albuquerque likely has a few too, being the same overall size as Tucson. But the person to ask is Don Robertson at Robertson's Violin Shop. He has the orchestra community in his palm and would likely know all amateur groups. IMHO Tucson is a nicer place to live. I lived in Alb. for a number of years and I am a native NMexican. Best!
PN