Written by Guest Writer Glenn Blair. Find out more about Glenn here.
Do you have an old trombone or violin in the attic?
Have you ever wanted to play an instrument, but never had an opportunity?
Or maybe you played the tuba, but it’s too big and won’t fit in your car, so you’d like to play the flute instead.
Well, it’s NOT too late to play!
I played trombone for one year in high school and I wasn’t good. 50 years later, I dusted it off and joined the New Horizons Band at Baldwin Wallace University. At the first rehearsal, I sat next to a trombone player who had never played an instrument. He couldn’t even read music! Nonetheless, he found a trombone at a garage sale and decided it looked like fun… so he joined the Band. And he does well now, playing all the right notes with the right timing.
The New Horizons Program started in 1991 and now has more than 100 programs in the U.S. and Canada, offering adults the opportunity to learn to play a string, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.
With different levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels) New Horizons is available to all adults, even those who have never played an instrument or haven’t played for many years.
The Green Band is for those who have never played an instrument, would like to learn a new one, or it’s been so long they don’t even remember how to put their instrument together. Bronze is the next step, then Silver and finally Gold. The Orchestra has similar levels. Tuition is extremely low and affordable.
Since our local program is tied to the BW Conservatory, University students are very much involved. More advanced students conduct some of the numbers. Others sit in the band with you, though they will be playing an instrument that is new to them. Many are preparing to be band directors and need to know how to play every instrument, but they are gifted musicians, learn their new instruments quickly, and help those of us who don’t have their talent.
There is absolutely no pressure. There are no auditions. You decide which level is appropriate for you. If the music is too easy, move up a level, or down if it’s too difficult. Up to you. If you’re already a good player, sign up for the Gold Band or maybe the Jazz ensemble.
It’s a wonderful mixture of men and women, young and old, still working and retired and the new season will begin in September. You can get more information here: https://newhorizonsmusic.org/
NOTE from Aging Gracefully: Thank you, Glenn, for inspiring many to bring music and joy back to their lives!
Do YOU have an instrument in the attic?
Whatcha think? Maybe it’s time to pick up music again?
Please share your thoughts in the comment box below…
I bought a 5 dollar harmonica when I was feeling old and blue. The inspiration for buying it was two fold:
Firstly, cowboys in the old movies often were seen playing their harmonicas alone by the campfire at night. Cowboys typically did not have any musical training…I have only a little.
Secondly, a harmonica is easy to carry and sometimes I use the instrument just to get through small moments of stress or loneliness.
I will admit, if anyone sees me playing it I am guessing they might put me in a category of “crazy old lady.”
However, if Bob Dylan, who is about my age plays his harmonica, he is a star..
I LOVE this, Ann! Be a crazy old lady then. Getting older brings the freedom of not caring what people think!