Finding Happiness
Gina Maldonado
I am so happy to be the newest member of New Horizons. I am having a lot of fun and have rediscovered the joy of playing in a large group. I had a list of things I promised myself I would do when I retired and one of them was to get back into playing my flute. Here is my story about finding New Horizons.
I had not played regularly since high school, other than a 7 year stint in the student - parent band at Willink Middle school in the 2000s. Playing with all three of my children was a blast. Other than that, it had been way too long since I had played.
Upon retirement I went to Thomas music and had my flute overhauled. They were excellent and excited that I was going to pick up my instrument again. To encourage me, they gave me a brochure about New Horizons but I was too nervous to call.
Watching the news late one night, I saw the community story about the 90th birthday party celebration for a long time member and I thought “that’s the band from the brochure and everyone looks very nice and normal and welcoming” so the next day I called Eastman Community Music School.
The office gave me the email of the band directors and I realized that one of them was Larry Neeck, who had taught my children music AND co-directed the student-parent band. Small world! When I emailed Larry he remembered me and was very encouraging.
I took a deep breath and summoned my courage and came to a rehearsal and I love it! It is a challenge for me because I have not played for so long. However, it has been such a welcoming and encouraging group and I am improving every week. The directors are excellent and it is simply a wonderful group.
Finding Happiness: A New Horizons Couple
Craig Orlowski and Lynn Garfunkel
There are ten couples in the Rochester New Horizons program, out of 264 active musicians. This month we feature one of those couples who are finding happiness in New Horizons: Craig Orlowski and Lynn Garfunkel. Craig plays the Clarinet and Lynn plays the violin. Each has a different story how they became interested in New Horizons. Click here to see their stories.
The website occasionally takes an in-depth look at one of the 13 ensembles that make up the New Horizons program. Click on Ensembles in the menu bar above for more information about all our ensembles.
Featured Ensemble:
Clarinet Choir
The Eastman Rochester New Horizon clarinet choir has been in existence for many years with a long history of local and national accomplishments. Lead by conductors Alan Woy, Ken Scott, Lori Cyr and several others, this ensemble was invited to perform at five International Clarinet Association ( ICA) conventions in Austin, Baton Rouge, Orlando, Knoxville, and Denver in 2023.
The group annually performs at the Fairport Canal Days and at assisted living centers throughout the year. This link shows our last performance at Kilbourn Hall. We rehearse every Monday 9-11 at Brickstone Senior center. Our website has more info: nhclarinetensemble.org.