Our New Horizons Band played two sets today for students at Bauder Elementary School in Fort Collins. The kids are so cute and they love it when we show off all the instruments in the band. They seem to love the really big instruments (tuba and euphonium) as well as the loud instruments...percussion (bass drum and timpani). They also got a kick out of the smallest instrument (piccolo).
It's a shame that here in the Poudre School District, they can't start band until 6th grade which is middle school. I don't think they have a strings program either until then. The kids in Fairfax County, Virginia sure are lucky to be able to start early...4th grade!
We're playing again tomorrow for Lopez Elementary School in Fort Collins. And, we found out today that next Friday, we'll play for Johnson Elementary School in town, too.
Showing posts with label New Horizons Band. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Horizons Band. Show all posts
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Snow and Music...Interesting Night Ahead
Tonight at 7 p.m. is our band's winter concert in Fort Collins and, unfortunately, the weather folks are predicting heavy snow to start around 6 p.m.! If that holds true, it will undoubtedly affect the size of the audience. Tonight's performance is extra special because the band (New Horizons Band of Northern Colorado) is celebrating it's 15 year anniversary! And, we will be recognizing 7 charter members who are still with the band followed by a reception with cake and coffee.
I've got my fingers crossed that the snow will hold off until about 9:30 p.m.!
I've got my fingers crossed that the snow will hold off until about 9:30 p.m.!
Monday, March 28, 2011
You, Too, Can Be a Musician at Age 50 and Beyond
Music has always been a part of my life. As a child, my brother Tom and I used to play the "Name That Tune or Artist" game as we did our dishes chore in the evenings. Even today, I think we both know every song and artist coming out of the 1960s and 1970s.
I sang in the school choirs from junior high through college and in several church choirs, too. At the age of 14, I got my first guitar and taught myself chords. And in college, I put posters up around campus to hold auditions in my dorm room for singers and musicians to join my band. Our band won the college talent show and we ended up playing several gigs for pay at the local colleges!
Off and on over the years I've played a little guitar on my own. But with retirement upon me and this new opportunity arose through the New Horizons Music Program to learn new instruments, I've become more motivated than ever to develop my musical skills.
The New Horizons Music Program was started 20 years ago by Roy Ernst, a PhD in Rochester, NY. Roy's philosophy was that, "...Anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to play in a group. Thousands of New Horizons musicians have proven that to be true, many starting in their late retirement years with no musical background at all."
I love Roy's philosophy, "...the style of instruction must be completely supportive and free of competition and intimidation...Your best is good enough." As Paul Simon said, "Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die".
Music chases away boredom and learning an instrument keeps your brain exercised which is so important as we age! I know there are 182 New Horizon Bands across the country. Why not check out their Web site at http://www.newhorizonsmusic.org/nhima.html and jump in with both feet!
I sang in the school choirs from junior high through college and in several church choirs, too. At the age of 14, I got my first guitar and taught myself chords. And in college, I put posters up around campus to hold auditions in my dorm room for singers and musicians to join my band. Our band won the college talent show and we ended up playing several gigs for pay at the local colleges!
Off and on over the years I've played a little guitar on my own. But with retirement upon me and this new opportunity arose through the New Horizons Music Program to learn new instruments, I've become more motivated than ever to develop my musical skills.
The New Horizons Music Program was started 20 years ago by Roy Ernst, a PhD in Rochester, NY. Roy's philosophy was that, "...Anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to play in a group. Thousands of New Horizons musicians have proven that to be true, many starting in their late retirement years with no musical background at all."
I love Roy's philosophy, "...the style of instruction must be completely supportive and free of competition and intimidation...Your best is good enough." As Paul Simon said, "Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die".
Music chases away boredom and learning an instrument keeps your brain exercised which is so important as we age! I know there are 182 New Horizon Bands across the country. Why not check out their Web site at http://www.newhorizonsmusic.org/nhima.html and jump in with both feet!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Music Goals
I've immersed myself in music these past few months and decided to set some goals. In drums, I want to be the best drummer in the New Horizons Band in a year. I also want to be proficient in swing band music in a year, too. In guitar, I want to build a repertoire of songs that I can play with ease within a year.
I would like to work on the publicity committee for our local New Horizons Band; I hope through a publicity campaign, we can attract 4 new members to the organization in 2011.
In 2012, I want to participate in a band camp for the national New Horizons Band organization.
In my next post, I'll provide more information about the New Horizons Band--how it got started, what its goals are, and how you can join.
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