New Horizons Bands Provide Joy to Adult Musicians and Fans

The New Horizons Band of Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio is one of more than 150 New Horizons bands worldwide that are made up mostly of players 55- through 80-something years of age.

In the late 1980s, Roy Ernst, then a professor at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, envisioned the creation of a music program for retired adults. He thought it would be great fun for the players, but that there would not be much of an audience. Fortunately, he was wrong.

Today, Ernst’s 19-year-old organization, New Horizons International Music Association, has thousands of members around the world, and has spurred the development of more than 150 bands that play swing, pops, jazz, and classical music to packed, enthusiastic audiences.

Ernst’s philosophy was that “anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to perform in a group.” Indeed, many band members have started in their retirement years with no musical background at all.

Music After 50 talked to Pam Bolton, a vice president of the New Horizons board of directors, about how she got involved in the organization and how you can, too.

LRG: How did you first hear about New Horizons?

PB: In April 2001, I retired as a production coordinator-manager for the Canadian division of Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.  A year later, my former high school music teacher, Peter Ford, called and asked if I would be interested in playing again, as he was starting a New Horizons Band in Peterborough (Ontario, Canada). I attended his first information meeting, fell in love with the whole New Horizons band concept, and I immediately jumped on the bandwagon. I have never looked back, and I readily and happily admit that it has taken over my life. I play alto sax in a wind ensemble, a swing band, a sax quartet, and a 20-piece band that performs at retirement homes.

LRG: Do you require that New Horizons band members have a minimum amount of experience with an instrument? 

PB: No. Every New Horizons band is self-governed and every new group builds their band based on the needs of the people that join. Most will include quite a few people who have never played, some who played many years ago and want to play again in their retirement years, and those that have always played but want to learn a different instrument. 

LRG: Do you connect the non-musicians with local teachers?

PB: Yes. Some of the New Horizons organizations are affiliated with universities such as the Rochester band (the first band originally formed by Roy Ernst), and they provide music students to assist with the teaching aspect. Many people find teachers on their own and take lessons in conjunction with the instruction they receive within their group. Our group has five full bands - with each band playing the grade of music suited to the participants’ stage of learning. As members improve, they advance to the next level.

LRG: What is the general age range of participants?

PB: It is open to all adults, but the majority of players are between the ages of 55 and 80.

LRG: Have you noticed an increase in membership?

PB: Yes. I don’t know the precise figure, but yes, membership increases every year as new bands are formed. 

LRG: Say I’d like to start a band in my community. How do I get the ball rolling?

PB: First check and see if a group already exists. Then, take a look at the groups in the planning stages. If no group exists, we provide start-up kits that can get you going.

LRG: How are you funded overall, and how are the individual bands funded?

PB: New Horizons receives a small amount of revenue via individual and business membership fees. The NAMM foundation has provided grant money that has been used for various special projects.
 
LRG: At what kinds of venues do the bands play?

PB: Concert venues, benefit concerts at various locations, retirement homes, special events.

LRG: Which venues are your personal favorites?

PB: I love the senior homes because their response to both the music and the musicians is wonderful and we are equally warmed by their enthusiasm.

LRG: What are some of the organization’s future goals? 

PB: We will continue to support our existing bands and assist in the formation of new groups throughout the world. The 20th anniversary of New Horizons is in 2011, so plans for various celebrations are underway and a committee has been appointed to organize special events.

LRG: How has playing in a New Horizon’s band personally affected you and your life? 

PB: I am having the time of my life. The music keeps my body healthy, my mind active, my soul nourished and my heart filled with joy. And as if I needed anything more – I have about 100 or so new friends. My husband is the beneficiary of my good humour, the supporter of my addiction, and my children and grandchildren are all proud of my accomplishments.

LRG: Read about Lynette Berigan’s experience (a French horn player) and Mona Van Vooren’s experience (a sax player) with New Horizons bands.