You Have the Music in You …
We have the music in us but how can we let it out? Music is one of the elixirs of life and most of us have our favorite genres. The popularity of “reality” shows that encourage bold “wannabes” to strut their stuff is another indicator of the latent performer that lies just beneath the skin of many of us. Becoming a member of the Winnipeg New Horizons Band may be just the answer for those of you that have had an urge to express yourselves musically.
Carl Radimer (on left) and Sue Mackenzie warm up their clarinets.
The Winnipeg New Horizons Band is an adult learning band and a member of the New Horizons International Music Association. The philosophical basis for the association and its members is to provide opportunities for adults with limited or no musical experience, as well as those who have been inactive, to make music in an enjoyable and supportive environment. The only requirement is your desire to play a concert band instrument and they will help you with the rest.
Carl Radimer joined The Winnipeg New Horizons Band in the Fall of 2012. “I had played clarinet in high school many years ago,” says Radimer. “My daughter had also played in high school bands so we still had an instrument in the family. At one point, I’d thought of rounding up some other lapsed musicians and setting up a band. Then, I heard about New Horizons.
“It has been a great experience, an opportunity to re-acquire lost skills in a supportive environment, coaching from knowledgeable instructors and being part of a team of people of similar ages and musical abilities,” he says.
“And there’s a bit of a nostalgia factor, here, too,” he adds. “It takes me back to a less complicated time as a teenager in the band room of VRCI in the 50’s. Except I think I played a little better then.”
Is that the right note?
By participating in a band such as the New Horizons Band, adults gain additional benefits beyond the enjoyment of creating the music. Learning to play music in the context of a band is a challenging intellectual activity. Members are valued for their contributions to the group and work hard to achieve the goals of the band. There is also an important social component as members make new friends who share a common interest.
Being a member of the Winnipeg New Horizons Band is a fun way to learn or return to music. Practices are Saturday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. at the Fort Garry United Church on Point Road. There are two concerts a year.
Professional band directors work with three groups. In Beginner, you’ll learn your instrument and learn to read music in a comfortable and supportive environment. As you increase your knowledge and skill you can move up to the transition group to fine tune. At the Transition level you can continue to improve your music reading skills while playing your chosen instrument in a nonjudgmental learning environment. When you feel ready you can join the Intermediate group where you will continue to improve your skills while learning new arrangements.
Enjoy Thunderbird which was performed by the Intermediate group at Riverside Lions Seniors Residence on December 8, 2012.
If you have questions or are interested in attending a practice session to see what it’s all about contact Keith MacFarlane by e-mail kmacfar@mymts.net or by phone at 255 9332, Gail Wylie by e-mail at gwylie@shaw.ca or Kelly Nichol by email at nicholteterenko@gmail.com.
Visit the Winnipeg New Horizons Band Website and begin your musical adventure because you are never too old to play!
