Stay Tuned (Member News)
December 2023
Many veterans never had a parade or band playing to honor them upon their return from military service. Many musicians never get to play for an audience who respects and who appreciates them so much. But on November 4, 2023, the Levine New Horizon’s band performed for about 200 veterans and those that accompanied them from Southern Florida as they were treated to lunch by the Knights of Columbus of Arlington. The mission of the Honor Flight organization is one of gratitude for the veterans service, sacrifice, and selflessness by celebrating with a day in Washington, D.C. visiting their memorials and touring this capital city. Periodically our band is fortunate enough to be invited to perform for them. As the veterans entered the facility we played a medley of the official songs of branches of the Armed Services. One of our members played an eloquent and haunting rendition of taps. We played a combination of marches and popular music. The veterans loved it, many stopping to say a kind word or shake our hands as they left. We look forward to spring when we hope to be invited again.
Anne R.
Bass Clarinet
Summer 2022
Summer is the magical time of year for me. Each day I have to check to see what time the sun sets, and I go to the river which is in my back yard. People are picnicking, playing frisbee, throwing balls to their dogs, chatting on benches, but as the sun sets all stop and watch. For a half hour, more days then not, as the sun sets and big old cumulus clouds tower, the sky becomes a show just for us, wildly changing with the most fabulous colors and shapes, its reflection in the water mirroring it all. Then our world turns that otherworldly twilight color, then dark, cell phone cameras go back in our pockets, and it’s over.
I should mention that it’s not unusual for people to bring instruments out there to practice, especially loud instruments that lead to complaints when practiced indoors in our high rise condo apartments. Our bagpiper is often there, winter finds him in the garage. What we do for art.....
I mention this as a way of saying I used to lug my bass clarinet out there but it produced curiosity, like some of the unusual breeds of dogs that show up. I was often interrupted and asked to “play a song” as opposed to scales or my parts in band music where the melody is not evident.
As it relates to practice, there was an effort to have a New Horizon summer band. It seemed easy, Kenny agreed to conduct and it would be at our usual time and space. One was offered but the time and frequency would have meant driving twice a week through rush hour, so it never came to be.
I admire those of you who take lessons, partake in other bands, or even practice with rigor during the summer. I finally learned to play a couple songs so that when guests come and see the instrument on its stand, and urge me to play something, I can. There is never a request for an encore. I have promised myself to at least get my clarinet repaired soon as there are some problems. Then for sure I will begin a proper practice.
Anne Rensberger, Bass Clarinet
Spring 2022
"The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the muscians, are the messengers." - Roy Ayers Composer. It has been a strange spring, yet the birds are back and sing to me each morning nearly as melodically as our band.
We've lots of excitement with the addition of two new members to the band. Welcome to Paul on the saxophone and Bruce on the oboe. But we lost our long-time oboe and piano player Melissa who moved to Arkasas to care for her elderly mother. We still are desperately in need of a percussion player.
Conductor Paul is always the patient teacher helping us individually and as a group learn the nuances of our pieces. Recently he taught us, using an acronym, how to examine a new piece we had to sight-read. It's been another year without a performance. Some of us love an audience but others are quite content to just play with one another.
It is always scary when something happens to one of our own. Brass sectional leader Philippe Brunet was seriously injured in a horrible bicycle accident. Tom is in touch with him, and we are getting updates on his rehab. Fingers crossed it goes swiftly and well. Many of us at our age know physical therapy quite well. While not fun, I have always profited from it.
It won't be long till this semester ends. I'm going to make an effort to write profiles on new members and ask for revision if yours is as outdated as mine. You should know our free website for some reason won't now upload photos. If any member is familiar with the free Google Sites and could help us figure out that glitch, please contact Anne L'H.
Anne R., Bass Clarinet
November 2021
Congratuations to Anne Rensberger! She is a recipient of the New Horizons International Music Association "Roy Ernst" award.
October 2021
Another fall, another turned page. And what a chapter it was, but now comes the joy of playing together again. Hannibal said, “We will either find a way or make one.” So kudos to Levine Music for finding us, based on consultants’ advise, a safer environment to learn and rehearse during the age of COVID. We are now in a building adjacent to a school about 3 miles from our prior location. It takes me more time to get there, others less.
We wear musician’s masks (mine is kind of a disaster, it’s flap flips up and blocks my nose), even the ends of our instruments have masks. Mine looks like a shower cap, though of course my breath exits through the key holes too, so not sure how protective it is. We all are inoculated. Before each class we utilize an app to let our health status be known and we get in return a notification that allows us in the building. We sit six feet apart. We are probably as safe as a band can be.
We reed players have a new sectional coach, Dr. Kenny Stilwell, who is a resident expert on oboe, is said to be fabulous at music theory and history, and a has taught clarinet and saxophone for Levine’s outreach programs before.
What a joy to see Paul, our conductor again. It’s a peaceful feeling. We are playing old and new music though some of us are playing different parts or different instruments. There appears to be no swing band, but we will see.
Anne R.
Bass clarinet
March 2021
Nearly a year has gone by since my last posting. Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow have come and gone like the wind. And what a tough year it has been, learning to live with loss of all kinds and finding happiness on a smaller scale - including a musical one.
Since my last posting in May 2020, band continued in an abbreviated pandemic ZOOM form. More joint lesson-like then a band, but music nonetheless, a chance to become a better musician. The summer came and conductor Paul switched our Thursday afternoon meetings to informal opportunities to share music that was or is important to us. The selections and stories behind them were always a surprise. I even dug out a photo of me and Buddy Holly at one of his concerts shortly before his death. It was very nice of Paul and fun to see other members safe and sound from the menace.
Fall and now spring 2021 came and a small number of us signed up for more distance learning. I knew it was the only way I would practice. We used the Smart Music app, Traditions of Excellence II, and Standards of Excellence Jazz Ensemble. My sectional meeting with Jimmy became a personal lesson. I think the the Tradition of Excellence Book II is very good for me. It is a systematic way of learning music. My learning previously was centered on what piece we were playing. I learned what I need to play those tunes, so there are gaps.
When will we ever be able to play together in person? There is some hope that with the coming of good weather, and assuming we all have our shots, we could play together in the parking lot.
Stay tuned.
Anne R.
Bass Clarinet
May 2020
At my last posting we didn’t have a clue that a virus would change the paradigm we live by. Band in the time of the Covid-19 virus seemed impossible. I had seen various orchestras somehow playing as one though individual members were in different places. My experience with Zoom made that seem unlikely for us.
Most band members are in a high-risk age group for the virus. Those I have talked to are staying home. You would think that practicing my instrument would be a wonderful way to occupy the extra time. But to me the bass clarinet is best suited to a musical group. And without a goal or band to practice with it hangs there looking like a piece of art. So when Levine restarted band and sectionals virtually, I was excited.
It was good to be reunited, but playing our pieces in unison on Zoom was frustrating. Longer hair, bookshelves in backgrounds, noises from within homes, confusion in how to operate it, and pets all are now pretty standard Zoom situations.
A new music teaching app, Smart Music, was introduced by conductor Paul. With a full library of music pieces and a deliberate practice regimen and immediate feedback, it records us playing a piece assigned by conductor Paul. We send it to him and we get a numeric score and grade and words of encouragement. The idea is that Paul will have us work on pieces that we can play as a band when safe to reunite in person. Also for the first time we were asked to prepare a solo.
Problems arise that used to be easy to fix. A note on my ever delicate bass clarinet stopped working. Without my section leader or conductor to fiddle with it, and with the music store where I rent it closed, I don't have a way to get it fixed. Some find it difficult to self motivate. The app is hard for some to see and it’s moving up rather then down the page is confusing. And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. Fitzgerald, forgive me.
Anne R.
January 2020
Some years winter comes early and hangs around for months full of risky footing, short days, black ice, and mountains of filthy plowed snow. But so far we have a gentle winter. No polar vortex dips or bomb cyclones. No cold so crisp our breath hurts as we breath in. No snow so white and silent and deep that we hardly know our own surroundings. No worrying about if the band parking lot has been plowed. Yes, so far our mild winter made getting to band and bringing in our instruments easy. Fingers crossed! I just hate that Paul Nelson, one of the founding band members, left the band to move to Richmond. My first day in band I was furious and terrified, a very bad combination. I had been told the wrong time for sectional, and I hadn’t played the clarinet since the eighth grade. I didn’t want to look like a fool, but could barely remember how to put the thing together. Paul spotted my agitation and welcomed me warmly and assured me whatever notes I could squeak out would be just fine. And there was something about Paul that made me believe him. All of us in the band loved his kind and gentle manner. We celebrated his time with us with speeches, gifts, song, and music !
We got new music in September and by winter we mastered enough to perform a holiday concert at the Hermitage Retirement Community. We wore our white matching polo shirts accompanied with optional holiday accoutrements. We had played there before and always set up in the lobby. As residents come down to have dinner they can enjoy our performance. It is always a grand feeling to entertain others and make them happy. Performing is our way of testing our hard work of practice and rehearsals Both our concert and swing bands were featured!
For our second semester we have new pieces to work on in both the concert and swing bands. At the outset I always fear they are impossible for me to master, and sometimes they are but usually not.
Anne R.
Summer Break 2019
Band practice that dominates Thursday’s are over - summer band break is here. Vanishing are the worries about lugging my big clarinet through the inevitable rains of Thursday afternoons as the anticipation of June trembles before me like a butterfly. Suddenly it feels like someone left open the oven door, the first blast of summer. Then the smell of barbecue confirms it. And here is June and those wonderful delicious twilight evenings so longed for in January. Looking back it was a good semester. The new members in band have broadened and balanced our sound. Additions were made to every section except percussions. We culminated the season with back-to-back concerts. The first was in Vinson Hall where we weathered a major storm to get there and found the auditorium beastly hot. I’m blaming our few gaffe’s on the lack air conditioning. The flutes performed several pieces adding nice variety to our concert. Despite the heat the audience liked our performance, and one ex-band member showed up to cheer us on.
The next night was very special as it was Memorial Day weekend and we were able to provide a concert for Veterans in town on an Honor Flight. The Knights of Columbus are the hosts and provide a dinner to conclude the veterans’ visit. A uniformed Color Guard presented the flags remembering all military members past and present. A very special recognition was given to a member of this Honor Flight who carved a violin that was played for us by his grandchild. In addition to the prepared concert we were asked to play the Star Spangled Banner as the singer scheduled to do so was missing. Some of us had it among our sheet music, others didn’t but we were able to perform it well with pride. A surprise was running into another ex-band member who was there to play taps. In an email following the concert our conductor Paul wrote saying we played with “musicality and finesse. The veterans loved it! Thank you for a great concert and for supporting each other as musicians. I was proud to be one of you.” What a nice tribute to end the season. We met a final Thursday for snacks and socialization. It was a great time to get to know band members not in your sectional. And then it’s over, all the practice at home, in sectionals, and in band is completed. Summer break is here. Some will be in the Levine Summer Band, others play in church or ensembles during the summer, and some like me will pledge to practice scales and arpeggios. Each early summer with the flowers and trees growing wildly I have that familiar conviction that I will accomplish much during the break. But I have said and thought a lot of things in summer that it’s clear come fall I didn’t achieve. But to my fellow band members have a grand summer and let us dance in the sun, and wear wild flowers in our hair.
November 2018
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." -- President George Washington.
Favorite concerts of our New Horizons Band are for Honor Flights where we venerate these aging and ill soldiers through performing. In the past we have done that by greeting them as they arrive at Reagan National Airport. We get there very early in the morning, set up our stands and chairs usually at Gates 36 and 38 C and drink coffee till we get word of the pending arrival of one or several Honor Flights. We tune up and and start playing the various branches of the military theme songs and other marches and attract a throng of passengers to clap and form a welcoming line as the vets disembark. We play till the last soldier has headed down the stairs to waiting buses to see their memorials.
But on 11/9/18 rather then welcoming them here we saw them off. As host, the Knights of Columbus invited us to perform a spirited concert at the Honor Flight’s Hero’s Banquet before they left on their flights home. Getting there at dinner time meant the challenges of rush hour traffic in the rain for many of us from DC, MD, and parts of VA. Much like being the first thing they see and hear at the airport as they come off the plane, we were set up at the entrance of the banquet hall and played the branches of the military’s theme songs as the veterans entered. Once seated and the banquet began, we played a full concert featuring marches from three countries and a fun swing tune. In the course of the evening an Honor Guard from the military presented the colors, the Star Spangled Banner was sung by a military soloist, we pledged allegiance, words of thanks and respect were said, and swing and tap dancers performed. It was grand to be part of the evening. We hope to be invited back.
Anne R.
Fall 2018
It seemed this year as summer collapsed into fall the flowers are beating it out of town letting the leaves produce the year’s last loveliest smile. The starting of band always seems to me like the beginning of school, full of hope and potential. For years as our numbers dwindled we complained that we wanted more effort at recruitment. Levine Director of Adult Music Education Glenn Sewell’s promise of establishing a summer band as a way of recruitment proved fruitful. Walking into the band room there was enough brass reflecting light to make my eyes blink and make me look around to see if I were in the right place. Now with low brass present Conductor Paul had to even quiet me (a familiar admonition from my small clarinet days) during practice as I no longer had to blast out the low parts on my bass clarinet. If we could recruit saxophones and additional percussions, all would be well. It was fun to catch up on everyone’s summer and be introduced to the new members. Conductor Paul passed out new music and we learned rather then meeting an Honor Flight at the airport, we would be performing for them as they ate at the Knights of Columbus. Should be fun and a point of focus for our rehearsals.
Anne R.
Bass Clarinet
Spring 2018
Benched
I’m at Temple Micah for the band’s spring concert. It’s a strange feeling sitting in the audience watching the band you belong to perform. A sudden understanding and a feeling of camaraderie with the angst of injured athletes sitting on the bench, teeth gnashing. At least I don’t have to worry that I have lost my position in the starting line up. A serious back injury sidelined me. No lugging a heavy bass clarinet around for a year or so. The band loves performing here; our trombonist Bob, as a member of the congregation, makes the arrangements. It's a beautiful place with good acoustics. I sit beside another ex-band member, Christina. She too was sidelined by orthopedic issues.
I know all the pieces they are performing. I am shocked that the band sounds so good without me. It is quite a humbling feeling. The audience responds when Bob, one of their own, does a solo as part of a jazz selection. I had worked hard on a Klezmer piece and felt sad that I wasn’t able to play it. The other clarinets had progressed since I was injured. I could tell they had practiced. I have had members of the audience complement the band when I was playing in it and had thought we were mediocre. I realized that when performing you notice every little minor goof but the audience doesn’t.
Our flutes were featured in some ensemble pieces and won the admiration of not only the audience but our conductor Paul who hadn’t heard them practice the pieces. I was envious as usually we clarinets perform too.
After the concert a group from the band and some spouses went out to eat at a local restaurant and had fun socializing.
Anne R.
From Glenn Sewell, Levine Director of Adult Music Education:
The 2017-18 academic year will see a renewed focus on increasing enrollment for the Levine New Horizons Band. While we consistently have a core group of 10 or so committed regulars, we would like to welcome new members not only to fill out more sections and cover more parts but to also enhance and grow our adult community of wind, brass, and percussion players. The New Horizons experience is as much a social experience as a musical one; the more, the merrier!
Part of this effort will be to try to establish a summer concert band at Levine. We have seen this to be an effective way to recruit new members to our fall and spring ensembles. Plus, it’s a great way for our current members to stay in shape over the summer!
Also on the “Horizon” is a new look for the band - red performance shirts with the Levine New Horizons logo. No more wondering what to wear for concerts!
Fall 2017
Another fall, another turned page; there is always something of jubilee in the annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wiped
clean by summer. Vacations finished, obligations gathering, band starts again. Our numbers are dwindling. There is no hiding ones lack of
practice and mistakes as there were when we had more members. It was fun to catch up on everyone’s summer. Because we have an Honor Flight
concert scheduled, we have a focus for our practice. Paul passed out some music from the 1960’s as some of the veterans now being flown in
are from the Vietnam War. Our military music is such a part of our repertoire that it just needs polishing, not learning.
Anne R.
Summer 2017!
The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, like the highest peak of a roller coaster. The weeks that come before are a slow climb from a balmy spring, and those that follow go faster and faster and drop to the chill of autumn. I hope you have all been traveling, enjoying the long days of summer, and have been playing your instruments. For the first time in many years, the Greenhorns aren't performing because vacation time and other commitments could not be coordinated. This taught me something I've always suspected. Without performances to work toward, I'm unlikely to practice. I would never have excelled in one of those schools where grades are not given. I hope all of you are better disciplined than I.
We’d love to hear what other members are up to this summer. Also, encourage those you meet to join the band. See you in September!
Anne R.
New Horizons Spring Concert 2017
Spring has returned and the birds' chirping makes music seem natural and a part of our earth. On 5/4/17, one of those lovely spring days, our band held a concert at Temple Micah in D.C. at the invitation of our trombonist Bob, a member there. This event had been postponed from the winter due to a scheduling issue. It was a beautiful venue, and a great place to perform. We were pleased to have a nice audience. They were kind in their applause and encouraging remarks. Our concert band performed a variety of music. Our swing band did a couple of selections, featuring solos from members. The flutes and the clarinets each performed some pieces as an ensemble. Many thanks, Bob. It would be fun to perform there again.
January 5, 2017 - Performance Cancelled But Party Goes Onv
The band was scheduled to perform in our trombonist Bob's Temple today. This was worrisome as it meant performing after a long holiday break with no rehearsal. We had five songs the band would play as well as some selections from the flutes and the clarinets. The idea was we were to perform and then go to our saxophonist Christina's nearby condo for our holiday band party. Suddenly the concert was cancelled due to a death in the congregation and the need to use the performance space. However, we still were able to have the party. We were charmed by the beautiful condo with doormen and valet parking. Christina and Bob hosted a wonderful buffet with a variety of sandwiches, fruit, potato salad, coleslaw, beverages, and a cake decorated with our band's name. Members brought other additions for us to munch on. In our band we get to know the members of our sectional quite well, but often don't get much time to socialize with others in the band. This party allowed us to relax, mingle, find out things we didn't know about one another, and eat some good food. Our conductor, Paul, couldn't join us. Christina was gracious enough to take some of us up to see her beautiful apartment gloriously decorated for Christmas and with a lovely view. The Music Director from the Temple dropped by the meet us, and we will reschedule our concert there. Paul is adding a medley from Fiddler on the Roof for us to work on for that performance. Our first snow is due and winter is upon us, so having new music to master will give us something to do on long dark cold nights.
Anne R.
December 16, 2016
A subgroup from NHB played Christmas carols at Sunrise of Alexandria:
Honor Flight November 12, 2016
Our conductor, Paul, assigns the selections to be played, always marches, swing songs of era, and the theme songs of each branch of the service. We practice alone at home for months. Starting slow, mastering each passage, and then increasing the metronome so we can play at tempo. In our sectionals we learn how our part fits into the music, sometimes realizing we had been playing it wrong at home. The rhythm, the dynamics, the articulations have to be fine tuned. Then in rehearsals with the entire band we see how sections of each piece we play intertwine. We work hard, we want to be the parade band these veterans never had, to let our music excite and give tribute to them. Many of us think about our fathers, mothers, or relatives that served in WWll, and we want to be perfect. This is serious. This is for them as well.
We get up very early on Saturday morning and arrive at the airport by 7 am, get our entrance pass, go through security to Gate 38 to set up. Honor Flight ground crew staff show up decorating the gate with balloons and flags of the branches of each of the armed services. Volunteers, including excited children, pass out small flags to wave. Someone brings out chairs for us and we form them into position, warm up, making sure we are in tune, get our selections in order, and play a few pieces just to make certain we are ready. Then we learn the plane is an hour late. We get coffee, chat among ourselves, and then come back to tune and warm up again.
An announcement is made over the loud speaker. The Honor Flight has landed. The door to the jet bridge opens and we begin to play. Other passengers and volunteers gather and clap and shake veterans' hands as they leave the plane. While I no longer cry when I see the veterans, many in wheelchairs, disembark, I do get a lump in my throat. Then I spot one with a big smile moving his cane to our music like he was our drum major. That is what we want, a rush of excitement from them that this no ordinary day. A band showed up to play just for them. This their day to be honored for their sacrifices. Off they go into busses to visit memorials built in their honor. We pack up our gear and go home. From Will Rogers: "We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they walk by."
Anne R. Honor Flight photos:
FALL 2016
Fall comes, kicks out summer, swaps green for red and gold, forces down the temperature, and says here I am. Along with it come the intrepid New Horizons Band band members ready for our next semester. First days of school are the same everywhere. Who is back? Who is new? What did everyone do over the summer? What will this year bring? It's disappointing that no one new joined. A few members were missing but expected back. We sounded rather good as Paul had us try some pieces we had worked on before as well as a couple that are brand new. Reality sets in, we have to work practice back into our daily schedule. Paul asks if there were other selections from the past that we would like to play again. Some of us emailed him our old favorites. It is a comforting feeling to be back among friends, all striving to make music together.
Anne R.
MID-SUMMER 2016
Summer: Hair gets lighter. Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Drinks get colder. Evenings get longer. Life gets better. Music gets cooler. At least I'd like to think so. Maybe, like many of you, my promises to work on that coolness by practicing more fundamentals on my clarinet get lost in the activities that pack my summer days. If not for the performances of the Greenhorns, currently comprised of Jeff R., Anne L., and me on the clarinet and Bill H. on the keyboard, I wonder how often I would practice. Finding a time to rehearse is difficult with our conflicting schedules, and then there is the chore of selecting what we can play, who will play what part, and when we all will be around to perform. Anne L. is about to be off to Cleveland, not for the Republican Convention, but to a family reunion. Jeff R. newly back from California is headed off again to a Go Tournament. Bill has relatives not seen in years visiting before he goes off on vacation. And I am about to do my civic duty by serving on a D.C. Superior Court Grand Jury five days a week for the month of August and potentially longer. Sigh. Reality for the Greenhorns is never as sweet as our hopes to play flawlessly as we entertain our audience. Today, for example, a traffic jam causing a delay with no time to warm or tune up, forgotten music, and an injured right hand on our keyboarder were all realities that we had to deal with as we saw the neat row and hopeful faces of our audience. These were residents of the Memory Impaired Unit of Sunrise of Alexandria. Yet perform we did, and we were happy when members of the audience remembered the tunes we had selected and sang along. One thing about an older audience, they are forgiving and appreciative of our efforts.
We'd love to hear what other members of the band are up to this summer. If you have pictures of you practicing or performing send them to Anne L or me and we will post them.
Anne R.
Sunrise Summer 2016
SUMMER 2016
We started the spring semester in the freeze of winter, endured a cold, rainy spring and ended with a slam into the heat of
summer. Despite the weather it proved to be a fun semester with the addition of a guitar player and an electric bass player, both joining to play in the Swing Band. Bernard our electric bass player then found a way to play in the Concert Band by using music designed for another instrument. And Kevin, our guitarist, subs on the drums. We were delighted when one of our flute players joined the Swing Band. We continue to need more members overall. French horn, more percussion, trombone, and tuba, all would add depth and dimension to the band. But somehow we muster through. I encourage everyone to take opportunities over the summer to recruit. With some nudging of members we had an end of semester concert at The Hermitage and elongated the semester to accommodate it. At that concert we began with selections from popular movies and concluded with rousing marches. We were fortunate to have Glenn Sewell to help us on percussion and with conducting. Our flute ensemble played two selections. The clarinets played three pieces and was joined by the saxophone for anther, all accompanied by our conductor on the drums. The Swing Band performed two numbers. At the conclusion, one member of the audience was very disappointed we didn't have CD's or tapes to sell.
Now we start our summer break. Thursday afternoons suddenly become open to do new things or just relax. Practice becomes optional. Some of us form or belong to ensembles and enjoy paying during the summer. Others play with their church or other music groups. Some of us take a break from playing. By September we all look forward to another year of band. -- Anne R.
Flute ensemble performing in June 2016 at the Hermitage
SPRING SEMESTER 2016
Our band had fun playing for the residents of The Hermitage and guests at our winter concert. The full band performed as well as two ensembles. Our flutes played several pieces and, after passing out the lyrics to the audience, an ensemble of woodwinds and trumpet played Christmas carols as the audience sang along. They seemed to love it all.
After a balmy start to winter, Snowzilla dropped two to three feet of snow giving no excuse for failure to practice. One of our drummers resigned, understandably choosing to no longer make the drive from Richmond. Absences due illness or accidents is one of harder things about playing in a band composed of older people. As a small band the contributions of every member is important. Two of our members are out now, one hospitalized the other recuperating from a fall. On a happier note the Swing Band has been resurrected thanks to the addition of a new member who plays the guitar.
This is a great time to join the band as we begin our second semester. We need new members and welcome beginning or rusty musicians. We look forward to to performing at an Honor Flight for World War II veterans as they arrive at Reagan National Airport.
Anne R.
Bass clarinet
The Musician
I recently was leaving an event at the Kennedy Center when I got on the elevator with a young woman whom I had seen and I thought lived in my apartment building. We both sort of recognized each other and I told her I was driving home and she accepted a ride. As we were introducing ourselves she said, "you are the musician, right?" I was startled and said no she must have been thinking of someone else. She then said she had often seen me in the elevator carrying a large and a small music case and music. I laughed and told her I was in an amateur band, not a professional musician. But I have to admit it felt sort of good just thinking someone thought I was a musician.
Anne R.
(Thanks, Anne. Any more stories out there?)
FALL 2015
The fall semester of New Horizons Band has begun. It is always exciting to talk to band mates and instructors and catch up on summer break activities. Did you practice over the summer? The embouchures of those of us who were dilatory gave out long before the rehearsals ended. It quickly became evident that difficulties with rhythms or certain notes didn't magically resolve over the summer break.
We are so happy to welcome Rory, our new percussionist. His presence really enriches the music our band can play. But with snare drums, bass drums, and timpani lessons commencing after band in the area where we store our cases, getting out to our cars is like going through an obstacle course!
Paul has introduced three new pieces of music and one old favorite -- the Ray Charles medley some of us played in the distant past. Swing band has been delayed because music he wants us to work on hasn't arrived, so band has just expanded to encompass swing band time.
We would love to have members write up their thoughts and contribute to Stay Tuned. Let us hear from you.
Anne R.
MID SUMMER 2015
They say August is the Sunday of summer. One more month of long days, warm weather, vacations, and fun before the more serious September comes. Have you traveled? Done something fun? Have you picked up your instrument? Have you worked on fundamentals, your scales and arpeggios? Or have you played pieces you want to play, not those chosen by your teacher or our conductor? I for one know I am likely to practice only if I get together to play with others or even more likely if I'm going to perform.
This summer the Greenhorns of the past (Anne L. and I on clarinet and Bill H. on keyboard) were excited to be joined by Jeff R. on clarinet and Christina G. and Jerry S. on the sax. You'll be pleased to know Anne L. hiked in the Alps, and Jeff was successful at a national Go Tournament. On 8/8/15 we managed an imperfect-musically but well-received and successful-in-spirit performance for the Memory Impaired Unit at Sunrise Assisted Living in Alexandria. The audience sang along to our old songs, and one even danced to Sweet Georgia Brown.
We'd love to hear what others are up to this summer. Just email either of the Anne's, and we will post it.
Anne R.
Bass clarinet
At Sunrise
SUMMER 2015
Our spring semester had started in the long crazy-cold winter and ended in typical steamy Washington heat. Despite the weather, summer break is always sweet -- even from band. Suddenly a whole new afternoon opens up on our busy schedules. Practice is for fun and not mandatory. Music from the 2014-15 schedule can be organized and thrown in a drawer or file cabinet, now just a memory. We can look back in pride at accomplishments.
One of those memories begins as the band gathers on the early morning of May 30 for our final concert of the semester. The excitement starts to build. We manage our instruments and stands through security at Reagan National Airport. Passengers notice us, the balloons, the official-looking people amassing around Gate 36, and a crowd forms. The public address system announces the landing of an Honor Flight of WWII veterans here to see their memorial and urges passengers to look out the window. The Honor Flight jet taxies through a water salute of huge plumes sprayed to make an arch. The gate door opens, and Paul, our conductor, raises his baton. As the first veterans walk or are wheeled off, we start a rousing concert of military marches, popular songs of the era, and most importantly, service songs of each branch of the armed forces. The reaction of these veterans include tears, huge smiles and cheers, and some upon hearing "In the Mood" break into dance. Passengers clap, cheer, and snap pictures of this unexpected event. It takes all we can do to keep our eyes on our music and the conductor between taking short glimpses of these heroes, squelching our own tears, and being jostled by well meaning passengers eager for a glimpse. We were lucky enough to welcome two flights that morning. These Honor Flights are always the highlight of our season.
While it was hard to top the Honor Flight concert, we had one more performance before our summer break, one our band had never done before. We played for one another. Our sectionals often work on non-band pieces to develop technique and provide variety. This recital was great fun for our fellow band members but nerve wracking when the spotlight was on you. Love songs were the theme of the woodwinds as the clarinets performed and then backed up the saxophones on one of their pieces. Three of those pieces had been arranged by one of the Levine staff. The flutes performed two beautiful and challenging pieces. Our lone trombone player had taken up his instructor's challenge to play the trombone solo from Bolero, and he was joined impromptu by our tuba. That young tuba player performed selections he used in applying to colleges. Who knew a tuba solo could sound so great? Sadly, our trumpet section had scattered for the summer so we didn't get to hear them. Some chatting over pastries and soft drinks and then we went our separate ways. Summer break began.
--Anne R.
SPRING 2015
Despite the wicked cold, the spring semester of band has begun. Through attrition we have lost some of our members and are eager to recruit new ones. It is a great time to join, because in our Concert Band, our conductor chose musical selections that aren't too intimidating. But just in case we started to feel complacent, he also introduced the Circle of Fifths, transposing (in theory made easy by a chart), as well as scale and rhythm studies. In Swing Band we continue to learn how to improvise, beginning with something as easy as playing a scale along with the background accompaniment. This semester we plan to perform at an Honor Flight for World War II veterans as they arrive at Reagan National Airport and perhaps at an arts festival in Fairfax on "creative aging." Please encourage anyone interested in becoming a part of our band to call for information and observe one of our rehearsals. --Anne R.
BAND CAMP
Our New Horizons Band is part of an international group of bands. Our bands are designed to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Even of you have never played an instrument or last played one as a school child, we believe every person has musical potential that can be developed to a level that will be personally rewarding. To do that, in addition to the bands, there are band camps all over the country. Many members of our band attend camp, and one wrote the following about her recent band camp experience.
Debbie Butterworth (trumpet) writes:
Eight batons in 10 days! Twenty-five pieces of new music! One hundred and fifty-four new friends! Uncountable local Michigan craft beers!
Does it sound wonderful? It was! A great time was had by all who attended the Great Lakes New Horizon's Band tour of mini camps in October. Beginning in Grand Rapids, and continuing on to Saline and Port Huron, we had the joy of making music together in a mini-camp atmosphere. Less expensive and of shorter duration than usual, these camps were designed to encourage those of us who have been timid or unable to attend camp to give it a try. The time and financial commitment was much smaller and NHIMA helped the camp hosts by providing partial funding to ensure success - and it worked!
We made music under wonderful conductors (patient and fun like our Paul ); improved our playing and sight-reading ability; enjoyed entertainment, delicious meals, and endless snacks provided by the host camp. There was also ample time for sight seeing and, of course, enjoying the truly delicious, Michigan craft beer. If the pleasure of attending a New Horizons Camp of any duration tempts you, don't forget the "camperships" available for first-time campers.
To quote the enthusiastic NHB board president, come join us at a New Horizons camp and "make a joyful noise."
FALL 2014
The fall semester of New Horizons Band has begun. It is always exciting to talk to band mates and instructors and catch up on summer break activities. A few members are taking this semester off to attend to other matters. New and potential members arrived anxious, confused, and needlessly apologetic as they were trying out instruments last played in their school days. New music was passed out including Pharrell Williams' "Happy" a tune, like it or not, destined to be whistled or hummed and to draw approving smiles of teenagers. You could tell those who practiced regularly over the summer. The embouchures of rest of us who were dilatory gave out long before the rehearsals ended. It quickly became evident that difficulties with rhythms or certain notes didn't magically resolve over the summer break. We are so happy to have a new saxophone player and drummer.
Swing band has a few members who know how to improvise. To the rest of us it is a mystery. This year our conductor Paul has assigned us a book with a CD to teach us how to improvise to rock, swing and Latin pieces. This is an interesting concept to those of us who thought improvisation was an ability innate to certain musicians, like perfect pitch.
We welcome our new members and urge our current members to recruit others to join