Active Aging

September 21-27, 2014 Active Aging Week 7 If you've ever wanted to play a musical instrument but never quite got around to it, or if you played way back in high school and want to take it up again, here's your chance. Winnipeg's New Horizons Band offers its 75-plus members an opportunity to develop their musical talents in a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere. A member of the New Horizons International Music Association, the band is comprised of three groups, each directed by an accomplished musical educator: People with little or no musical experience can learn to read music and develop their musicality in the Beginners group. Members with some musical experience can kickstart their memory and "develop their chops" in the Junior band. When they're ready to take on a little more challenge, they can move up to the Intermediate band. "Regardless of the group you're in, you'll be in the company of players who are willing to coach and mentor you," group president Kelly Nichol says. The bands are made up of brass and woodwind instruments and members don't even have to own an instrument — most music stores offer rental instruments so you can try before you buy. The membership fee ($240 for adults, $120 for students) covers the costs of facilities rentals, directors' honoraria and all music, and the band doesn't require a heavy time commitment. "Besides the Saturday morning practices, we perform two concerts each season," Nichol says. "All you have to bring is a music stand, your instrument and yourself." Dennis M. is a typical member. Recently retired, he played tenor saxophone in a high school band years ago. Since then, the sax lay unused under the guest room bed until last year, when he joined the Beginners group. "It's been great fun," Dennis says. "A very professional and helpful director, friendly people and a great diversion for a retiree." So, if you'd like to learn or relearn music, get the satisfaction of being a team player in a larger g r o u p , meet people with a common interest and keep your mind sharp, come out to a practice. The band meets every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Rd. If you have an instrument, bring it along. With us, you can make beautiful music. For more information, email Carl Radimer at carlradimer@shaw.ca or Kelly Nichol at nicholteterenko@gmail.com. WHere groWn-ups Learn to pLay "All you have to bring is a music stand, your instrument and yourself."

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