The New Horizons Orchestra is living proof that, when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument, it truly is never too late. A New Horizons Orchestra is being formed and will meet at Music Showcase in Brandon.
Are you 50 and older and love music? Did you once dream of playing an instrument in front of an audience? If life got in the way of your musical pursuits, when you were younger, then its time check out the New Horizons Orchestra being formed at Music Showcase inBrandon.
The New Horizons Orchestra inBrandonwill be called “The New Directions Orchestra.” E. Douglas Deck of Riverview is the force behind The New Directions Orchestra and will act as director, conductor and instructor. Deck said, “The motto of New Horizons Orchestra is ‘Your best is good enough.’ We never use the word can’t or audition. Anyone, no matter their age, can take up music or pick it back up.”
The New Directions Orchestra will meet every Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 Noon at Music Showcase, located at 402 Oakfield Dr. inBrandon. The cost to be involved with the orchestra is $40 per month. Instrument rental can be arranged through Music Showcase as can extra music lessons.
The New Horizons Orchestra was created by Roy Ernst, a music professor at theUniversityofRochester’s Eastman School of Music in 1991. Music is an ideal activity for older people. Ernst has said, “Older adults have the time and motivation necessary to develop musical skills rapidly. In addition, performing music, especially in large groups, can improve health and quality of live.”
Deck added, “These groups actually turn out to being more than just music. They are a social outlet. People become friends.” Deck added, “There was a couple, Charley and Rita Rose, who were both 80 years old. They met at an ensemble formed in Rochester, NY, and they were married last year.”
To kick off the New Horizons program inBrandon, there will several informational meetings. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 26, at 10 a.m. at Music Showcase. This will be an opportunity for you to meet with instructors, conductors and Ernst.
Deck is looking into the possibility of forming an orchestra that would meet in the evenings.
For more information on the New Directions Orchestra, please contact Deck at ed6996d@gmail.com or call 671-4278.
