New Horizons Band at Eckerd College

Director: David Irwin

Autumn Information Meeting. No need to register.
Tuesday, October 2
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

1041CE Instruction and Practice
Tuesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30,
November 6, 13, 20, 27 and December 4
5:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Winter Information Meeting. No need to register.
Tuesday, January 15
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

1042CE Instruction and Practice
Tuesdays, January 22, 29, February 5, 12,
19, 26, March 5, 12 and 19
5:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Want to join the band? If you have never played a musical instrument, or did in the past but are out of practice now, here is your opportunity to join a New Horizons Band at Eckerd College. There are presently over one hundred of these bands around the country. The New Horizons program is especially designed for musicians or "would be" musicians over 50 years of age. Its message is simple:"You are never too old to learn to play a musical instrument."

The New Horizons Band concept was launched by Professor Roy Ernst at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Professor Ernst believed that older adults have the time and motivation to develop musical skills rapidly. He also found that performing music can improve health and quality of life, and that for many of the band members the weekly rehearsals have become welcome social events.

The New Horizons Band program at Eckerd College is directed by Professor David Irwin of the Music Department faculty.The band meets weekly for instruction and group rehearsal. Professor Irwin can give you information about renting instruments from local music stores.

An informational meeting will be held at the Eckerd College Continuing Education Center at the beginning of the term.At this meeting, we will introduce Professor Irwin, Eckerd College Music Coordinator, who will be one of the instructors in the program. After a ten-minute video describing New Horizons and a performance by the band, we will have a question and answer period and a chance to sign up for the program if you decide to join.