The conductor waves his wand and a series of honks, squawks, and squeaks screech from the band. It is not a group of fourth graders testing new instruments. This is the New Horizons Green Band, an entry-level crew of mostly retired individuals attempting to play a musical instrument for the first time. Rather than ears stuffed with cotton, the band is all smiles. Their joy is the melody.
Dr, Roy Ernst, Professor Emeritus at the Eastman School of Music, contemplated retirement as a lonely venture. “I started thinking about the fact that all the kids get from a band would be wonderful for retirees.” In 1991 he posted a notice for anyone 50 or over to come to a meeting to learn how to read and play music. “I was nervous. Someone asked how many did I expect to come. I said 10 would be a good number.” 30 showed up. While the Eastman School of Music stresses performance, Ernst preached: reducing stress; having fun; and joining a group. No auditions. Everyone was accepted. The theme became, “Your best is good enough.”
Dr. Ernst was confident the new band could play, but who in the world would attend a New Horizons concert? Not to worry, families crowded in to see ‘Grandma play the saxophone.’ It wasn’t just the music. The audiences loved the fun, joy, and pride in the musicians. After a New York Times article and a visit by the Today Show, New Horizons launched into a new stratosphere. Today there are 160 NH bands across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Iceland. 40 or 50 more are forming including interest from South America and Dubai.
In addition to the green bands New Horizons draws former musicians that put a trumpet or trombone into a closet after high school and scratched that itch to play for forty or more years. New Horizons in Rochester, New York includes: an orchestra; a vocal group; a dance band; and a jazz band. They play to enthusiastic audiences at festivals, along the canal, in shopping malls, and at assisted living communities. Many travel to New Horizon music camps throughout the U.S. to improve skills and enjoy the camaraderie.
Roy Ernst still promotes the joy. Recently he challenged a group of musicians to form a tin whistle ensemble and they performed to the delight of their peers. 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the first group and a PBS documentary is in the works to celebrate.
The Green Band recently played for family and friends. Still a few honks and squeaks. Applause rocked the room. With big grins and teary eyes the novice musicians hugged each other. What do they mean retirement? The sun is rising on their horizons.
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Great article about New Horizons. I hope that all of the members know you wrote about them! I had a little trouble finding Kathy in the first picture, but I think she is towards the back, right?