Contribution
Rehearsals, Risks and Resilience: Stress, Acoustics, and Youth Orchestra Performance
* Presenting author
Abstract:
In the EU-funded project “Addressing Physiological and Psychological Needs in Young Orchestral Musicians“ (tfoyo.eu), biophysiological and health data were studied across two youth orchestras from Hamburg (N=70) and Norway (N=65). The study aims to enhance health literacy and resilience through interventions in hearing protection, warm-up routines, mental training, and practice strategies for young musicians.This talk will (I) focus on biophysiological measurements of 15 musicians using the Empatica EmbracePlus smartwatch and (II) document auditory experiences across orchestral positions during performances. Ten string and five brass players were monitored for heart rate, electrodermal activity (EDA), temperature, and motion during rehearsals in Bodø and a concert at Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie. The smartwatch provides high-resolution data, capturing EDA at 240 values per minute (vpm), temperature at 60 vpm, and accelerometer data at 3840 vpm, supporting detailed analysis of performance stress and playing technique variabilities.Sound exposure was assessed within a large classical symphonic orchestra, with recordings at 16 orchestra locations and 360° visuals showing auditory and visual perspectives. Personal audiograms were also measured, highlighting auditory variations and exposure challenges across seating arrangements in this immersive concert hall experience.