It is never too late to go out and play music in a concert band setting.
That is what Kathy Johnson is doing with New Horizons Band Guelph.
Johnson of Fergus is a retired school teacher who hadn’t played her clarinet in a band for over 30 years.
“I had taught music, but never had a chance to play,” she said in a press release.
A friend introduced her to New Horizons Band, she checked it out and quickly signed on.
“Music is an important part of my life,” Johnson said. “I am so happy to be back playing my clarinet. New Horizons is so much fun and the music repertoire has something for everybody.
“The instructors are positive and patient, so we get to learn in a very positive environment.”
Johnson is also taking on the challenge of learning percussion.
The New Horizons Band Guelph program provides a fun and informative engagement in music for adults who have little or no musical experience, who have been musically inactive for a long time, or who just love to play.
There are three levels of experience, and instruction is available in brass, woodwind and percussion.
Brent Rowan is the musical director of the program which started nine years ago.
“It’s mainly retired people because we run it on Thursday morning at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, although any adults are welcome,” Rowan said. “What it gives them is a social experience and a learning experience with music. There are all of these studies that show music is good for our overall health and wellness – good for mind and body.”
While the New Horizons Band is a “learning band,” members do occasionally share what they are playing with friends, family and the public.
Band members will be showcasing their music at Guelph’s Evergreen Centre on April 10 at 3pm.
Email music@nhbguelph.com or call 519-823-6532 fo rmore information or visit the group’s website at www.nhbguelph.com.
