Question:  How did New Horizons Music get started?

Answer:    The idea of senior adults playing music was developed by Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music. He envisioned that many adults, as they approached and entered retirement, would be interested in making music in a group setting, but might not have the skills or confidence to get started.

Question:  How are New Horizons Music programs different from other music programs?

Answer:    New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. A New Horizons Music program should be inclusive rather than exclusive. There are no auditions. Every person has musical potential that can be developed to a level that will be personally rewarding.

Question:  Who sponsors Cape Cod New Horizons?

Answer:    We are grateful to our main sponor, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod provides us with rehearsal space and logistical support.  Our organization is mainly sponsored by monthly dues paid by our members.

Question:  I would like to join NHB of Cape Cod, but I don't think I have any musical talent. No one else in my family has ever done anything in music. People say that I'm “tone deaf.” Can I really do this?

Answer:    Professor Roy Ernst says that EVERYONE has musical talent. “In more than 40 years of teaching, I've never found anyone who couldn't learn music.” If no one in your family makes music, you would become a great example for them by starting.

Question:  I'm not 50 yet. Can I join?

Answer:    Absolutely! The program originally was targeted for people 50 and over, however, many groups now open their membership to adults of any age. This is essentially a decision that is made at the local level. There is no hard and fast rule.

Question:  How do I know what instrument I should play?

Answer:    Your preference is the most important factor and the starting point. If you love the look and sound of a trombone, for example, you should start with that. Check with your conductor or teacher to see if you have any physical conditions that could be a problem. It's rare when that is the case. If your heart isn't set on a certain instrument, ask your conductor or teacher what the band or orchestra needs. You will be even more important if you play an instrument that fills a special need.

Question:  How do I get an instrument?

Answer:    You can usually rent a good instrument in good condition at a modest cost from your local music retail store (your instructor should be able to help you find a local store). Usually, if you change your mind about what instrument you want, the dealer will make an exchange for you. The most important thing is to get a good instrument in good condition. Some people become frustrated if they try to play an instrument that no one could play. If you have an instrument in the attic or if you find one at a garage sale, take it to a music store with a repair shop to find out how much it would cost to put it in good condition and whether the instrument is worth repairing.

Question:  How much does it cost to join a New Horizons group?

Answer:    Membership Fees/Tuition for NHB Cape Cod monthly dues are $25.00. There are additional costs for lessons and rentals.

Question:  Where does NHB Cape Cod perform?

Answer:    In addition to formal concerts, performances in shopping malls and summer concerts in parks, we also play for retirement and nursing homes where added events are really needed.  We rehearse weekly at 4:00 PM Monday at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod @  307 Old Main St. in South Yarmouth.

Question:  How does music benefit me?

Answer:    Active participation in music fills important needs for adults – the need for challenging intellectual activity, the need to be a contributing member of a group, and the need to have exciting events in the future. For many people, music can serve these vital needs better than anything else. It provides an opportunity to experience profound and serious thoughts or joyful moments. It makes connections to the past, the present and the future. It also connects one to other individuals and other cultures. Making music is a way of making vital connections to life. Early studies indicate that music making can reduce depression and increase the strength of the immune system.

Question:  What is New Horizons International Music Association?

Answer:    The international organization is a support group for New Horizons groups and individuals. Its purpose is to:

Continue Roy Ernst's vision of expanding music making opportunities for adults 

Foster a positive atmosphere for creating new adult bands, orchestras, choruses and other music groupsProvide services of interest to adult music groups and individual members of NHIMA including:

Newsletter

New Horizons International Band Association web site – www.newhorizonsmusic.org

Membership Roster

Information about Music Camps

Discounted Registration to some Music Camps

Music Education

Special Values on Selected Musical Items 

Encourage groups to sponsor New Horizons Music Camps and encourage opportunities to visit and play music when traveling by visiting other New Horizons groups

Encourage communication between New Horizons groups, their conductors and individual members on questions commonly faced by their groups

In fulfilling these goals, New Horizons International Music Association does its best to keep membership costs low, and welcomes comments and suggestions from all New Horizons members – both groups and individuals, across the US, Canada and the world – on how it can assist them in making their New Horizons musical experience as rewarding as possible.