The Manawatu Sinfonia epitomises the value of a community orchestra - helping to launch professional music careers, promoting the work of local composers and of course, entertaining people living in Palmerston North and the wider region. Its members are currently rehearsing for a concert featuring the work only of New Zealand composers - three of them from Palmerston North - and including two world premiere works. Just this year the Sinfonia and associated Manawatu Youth Orchestra between them saw seven string players snapped up for the National Youth Orchestra. Lynn Freeman talks with bassoonist Jeff McNeill on a break from the afternoon's rehearsals. 20 November is when the Manawatu Sinfonia will perform A Celebration of Local Composers at Palmerston North Boys High.