It's always fun to practice at our rehearsals and play in the concerts. For one, it is a nice change of pace from the regular weekly routine. Second, it's a nice change of pace to play along with others  as opposed to practicing and playing the violin at home alone. (Of course playing alone is fun and rewarding too).  Third it keeps me motivated. We are constantly adding on new pieces of music and there is always the need to practice them, learn them, and always room for improvement both in terms of how well I can play a given piece as well as technique improvement.   I have learned an awful lot and I am a much better player today than i was before I joined with the orchestra. It's also nice to socialize with others of like interests.  But best of all, when we play before an audience and they enjoy the music it is a great feeling that you helped to bring happiness and musical enjoyment to others. It's a "give and receive" kind of thing. Youi give by making nice music that people enjoy and contributing to the enjoyment of others and to your fellow orchestra members and, you receive by the sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and gratification that you get in return.  And through the whole process you are doing something that you love to do.

I would encourage everyone , if possible, to try playing along with other persons,. Whether you play in a full community/amateur or professional orchestra, a band, a small informal group, or with a friend or family member. Whether you play classical, folk, rock, jazz, country, blues, ethnic, etc. its all good stuff.