Over-50 band plans more concerts
The New Horizons Band of Western New York, celebrating its first anniversary as a band of nearly 40 members aged 50 and over, is off to a great start. The band is living proof that, when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument, it truly is “never too late.”
New Horizons bands offer opportunities for persons who are at least 50 years old to learn to play a band instrument, return to playing a band instrument after a long absence, or to play an instrument they have long enjoyed in a new ensemble. Former players wishing to "reacquaint" themselves with their instruments can join at any time, but novices should join during the fall when group lessons will be a feature of the program.
Starting September 8, the New Horizons Band of Western New York began conducting formal group music lessons and band rehearsals. The program will include two weekly group lessons on an instrument and two weekly band rehearsals for a total of ten weeks each semester at Mason Hall. Lessons and rehearsals will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. – noon on Fridays.
Cost for the semester program is $95 (not including instrument rental). For more information or registration forms, please visit www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/communit… or call 716-673-4628.
Dr. Katherine M. Levy, assistant professor of music education, will conduct the band. Advanced music education students in the School of Music will provide instruction.
Dr. Levy is an active conductor and clinician of bands for all ages. She was introduced to New Horizons in 1995 when she became the brass instructor for one of the first New Horizons Bands in Iowa City, Iowa and has since conducted New Horizons Bands in Georgia and Maryland. “New Horizons music-making is an activity that senior adults can easily adapt to fit their needs.” said Levy.
Cassadaga resident Eric Kroon (age 69) became interested in the New Horizons Band after shuttling some 200 New Horizons Band musicians who attended a “band camp” at the Chautauqua Institution. “As a former horn player,” said Mr. Kroon “I became increasingly aware of how much fun they were having, both those at the beginning level, and those who were more advanced. They seemed excited about their individual growth in learning how to play both new and old instruments, and they thrived on the social interaction that took place.” Kroon decided to return to the French horn after a long absence in playing. “New Horizons Band fits a number of my needs at this point in my life,” Mr. Kroon explained “offering a chance to be in a place with others where having fun is a primary goal, rather than being evaluated.”
“Music making is just too much fun to leave only to younger folks,” said Levy. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment, and lots of helping hands are available.” Dr. Levy is excited about the collaboration of SUNY Fredonia’s music education students with New Horizons members. “It is vitally important that future music teachers understand that music is for the whole community, not just for young people in school,” said Levy.
Recent studies have determined that adults over 50 are the fastest growing segment of the population. New Horizons groups embrace this burgeoning group of Americans, according to Dr. Levy, and offer an activity that seniors can easily adapt to fit their needs.
New Horizons Music groups, the result of a groundbreaking music course at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, have become popular performing ensembles in communities across the U.S. The program is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered in the Fredonia School of Music.
“The New Horizons program restores intellectual stimulation and opportunity that members had previously relied upon the workplace to provide,” Dr. Levy said. Members of the New Horizons Band often gather following rehearsals at local restaurants.
Mr. Kroon has musical goals in mind: “The pay off of New Horizons is in the progress being made, and the joy and excitement of advancing and playing more difficult music.” said Mr. Kroon. If we can then go out and play for others and share our enthusiasm, if not our expertise, then ‘how great is that!!’”
Contact:
Marc Levy, Program Coordinator, Musical Journeys Program
716-673-4628 or Marc.Levy@fredonia.edu
