Soo Theatre is proud to present its fall New Horizons String Orchestra Concert this Sat. Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at Rudyard Christian Reformed Church, 17970 S. Tilson Rd.
Under the direction of Dottie Case, there will be three levels of adult string orchestras and a cello ensemble group playing classics and more for a great afternoon of music.
This concert is free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.
New Horizons is an international organization that encourages lifelong learning of music for adults. Many adults start an instrument when they are young only to say later in life "I wish I would have kept playing." New Horizons offers a chance to "start again" or begin for the first time. Weekly instruction is offered through the Soo Theatre at an affordable price and many of the adult students start and continue because they love it and make friends in the process.
The following information is taken from the New Horizons website:
New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, many of which include instruction for those with no musical experience at all, and also those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. Many adults would like an opportunity to learn music in a group setting similar to that offered in schools. Most New Horizons Music programs provide music instruction at all levels from beginner to advanced. Every person has musical potential that can be developed to a level that will be personally rewarding. Many New Horizons programs are designed specifically for senior adults and have minimum age requirement of 50, but others are open to adults of any age. The policy of one of the New Horizons programs is “If you consider yourself to be an adult, you’re eligible.
Active participation in music fills important needs for adults with challenging intellectual activity, being a contributing member of a group, and participating in exciting events. For many people, music can serve these vital needs better than anything else. There is a growing body of evidence that music making supports good mental and physical health. Gerontologists have long known that socialization is an important factor for good health. The evidence is also strong that the “use it or lose it” principle applies to mental abilities as well as physical abilities. The constant mental challenge of learning music is an ideal form of exercise for our brains. Early studies indicate that music making can reduce depression and increase the strength of the immune system.
Students in the program speak highly of it.
"When I signed up for violin lessons last year, I had no idea how important it would become in my life. It was difficult as a beginner at my age, but with expert teachers, much practice, and time, I learned to make a pleasing sound and play recognizable songs. That's a powerful and very rewarding feeling. What I couldn't imagine was the camaraderie of an amazing group of people, the magic of the harmonies, and the rush of being even a small part of New Horizons Orchestra. The music vibrates through my very being. It is as essential to my life as breathing. It fills a part of my soul that I didn't realize was empty," says Terri who plays violin.
"I grew up playing instruments in grade school and then it tapered off once I graduated. My own children started playing in strings classes and orchestra at their school and through the youth orchestras offered by Soo Theater, which is where I saw the opportunity to join the adult beginner class, which led to me joining the New Horizons adult orchestra as a second-year beginner. I was 34 when I learned how to play violin and it was fun learning to play alongside my six-year-old who was learning the same things as me. We were able to rent violins locally for an affordable price so I never felt "locked in" to making a big investment. I'm still a member of the New Horizons adult orchestra and I love being a part of an adult group who all share a similar passion for music and self-development. My weekly orchestra rehearsal is my time to get away and do something for myself, while still sharing a hobby with my children. I highly recommend anyone who wants to try to learn a string instrument to try the adult beginner class. The instructors are very strong, professional players themselves and follow an easy-to-learn pace with lessons. I'm excited to have a hobby that I can continue growing for many more years," said Brittany who also plays the violin.
"Beginning cello lessons after the age of sixty has been a joyful adventure. An adventure in remembering how to stay present in the moment, in the magic of making music and in connecting with others in an intergenerational community centered around the love music," said Thelma, who plays cello.
"Being in NHO gives me the opportunity to learn an instrument I have always wanted to play, in a group environment. In high school, we did not have an orchestra and NHO gives adults the chance to expand their musical knowledge in areas they may have missed at a younger age. I am getting to know other adults who share my love of music and learning alongside one another as individual parts of a musical team. Although I have only been a part of NHO a short time, and still have so much to learn, my sense of accomplishment and pride in this group makes me wish I had not waited so long to become involved. The community is extremely lucky to have the Soo Theater staff and groups like NHO contributing to the Soo Area culture through their musical presentations and education," said Rob, who also plays cello.
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