Parents' Guide to The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Movie G 2023 34 minutes
The Only Girl in the Orchestra movie poster: Against a rainbow backdrop a woman with large eyeglasses stands behind a double bass holding a bow

Common Sense Media Review

Andrea Beach By Andrea Beach , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Engaging short docu spotlights classical music trailblazer.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Only Girl in the Orchestra Trailer
  • The Only Girl in the Orchestra: A woman and a man are shown from the waist up playing double basses together.
  • The Only Girl in the Orchestra: A woman with brown hair pulled back wearing a blue shirt with her fingers on the neck of a double bass.

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What's the Story?

THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA tell the story of trailblazer Orin O'Brien, who fell in love with classical music as a young teen and eventually became the first female musician hired full-time by the New York Philharmonic: She was hired as a double bassist in 1966. Having recently retired after 55 years with the Philharmonic, Orin looks back on her life, the path that led her to the double bass, and her career both in the orchestra and as a teacher of her instrument.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This is a very loving, affectionate, and engaging look at one of classical music's pioneering women. The Only Girl in the Orchestra was directed by Orin O'Brien's niece, who has admired Orin ever since she was a little girl. Interviews, rehearsals, lessons, family photos, vintage movie clips, and more showcase a remarkable woman and her life in music. Its running time is short, and some viewers may be left wondering about other aspects of Orin's life, but it's easy to believe that she wouldn't tolerate any more fuss being made over her.

There's very little content of concern, but little kids may not be interested in the subject and the gentle, quiet pacing throughout. But kids of any age who are into music can learn a lot about classical music and what it takes to be a professional. It's also a good opportunity to talk about sexist attitudes toward women and how much, if any, attitudes have changed since Orin was young.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Only Girl in the Orchestra shows sexist attitudes toward women when Orin was young. Do you think lots of people shared those attitudes? Are things better now?

  • How does Orin show that teamwork is important for musicians? What made her persevere through the criticism and attention she got early in her career?

  • Did you know much about classical music, and especially the double bass, before you saw this movie? If not, do you like it? Do you play an instrument? If not, what would you like to play, if you could play anything at all?

Movie Details

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The Only Girl in the Orchestra movie poster: Against a rainbow backdrop a woman with large eyeglasses stands behind a double bass holding a bow

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