The fabulous clarinets in the New Horizons Concert Band performing at Meadowood Manor.
The Winnipeg New Horizons Concert Band performed its annual winter concert at Meadowood Manor on the morning of Sat. Jan. 31, 2015, to the delight of manor residents and guests who attended.
Band members were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response they received.
One frequent attendee commented he was very impressed with the progress of the band. Another resident was seen conducting the band from her wheelchair. (She had once been a conductor herself).
A beginner plays alto sax.
Meadowood Manor is home for older adults requiring the support of a personal care facility, as well as those living independently in their own apartments. The aim of the residence is to provide a superior level of care while enriching the lives of residents both physically and spiritually.
Staff and volunteers were on hand to help band members find their way to a spacious auditorium with plenty of room for the setup. This included a raised area for the percussion and rhythm sections of the jazz band.
The Winnipeg New Horizons Band (a member of New Horizons International) is an adult learning band with four levels: beginner, junior, intermediate and jazz. This is the first year for the jazz section.
The band’s bottom end.
Preparations for the winter concert begin in September with band directors selecting pieces for their respective levels. Over the next few months, selections are refined based on feedback from band members as well the appropriateness of the piece for a public performance.
The program opened with three tunes from the jazz band followed by selections from each of the levels.
Many of the Beginners have never read a note or held an instrument prior to September, so this was their very first performance.
The concert concluded with Court Festival, performed by combining the Junior and Intermediate Bands.
An audio recording of the entire performance can be heard by clicking here.
Visit the Winnipeg New Horizons Band website for more information or to listen to more performances.
The Junior and Intermediate Bands combine for the final number.
All photos by Sandy Mosalowski
Audio by Craig Mackenzie
