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Following are more stories of Finding Happiness in New Horizons:
Craig’s story: As a child, my home was filled with music. My father played piano, exposing me to the popular music of the 1920s-1950s as well as some classical pieces. He taught me basic piano and to read music when I was 6 or 7. Playing duets with him was my first experience with the bonding that comes with playing together. Sometimes we would play some “boogie-woogie” with me playing the left hand “boogie-woogie” blues progression and him improvising with hisright hand. My mother played the radio throughout the house all day long so, along with my older sister playing her radio, I learned all the popular hits of the time and many of the old standards and show tunes.

Lynn’s story: Neither of my parents played musical instruments but our house was full of music as my parents had an extensive collection of recordings of classical as well as jazz. I started playing recorder at a summer day camp and the teacher suggested to my parents that I play violin. So in 3rd grade I began violin lessons from a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra violinist and played in the school orchestra through the end of high school. After that, like Craig’s clarinet, my violin sat in the closet for 50 years.

Craig Orlowski and Lynn Garfunkel
In 3rd grade I started playing clarinet because I wanted to join the school band even though I had little idea what a clarinet was! I played clarinet through my 2nd year of college after which the clarinet pretty much stayed in the closest for the next 47 years. In the years leading up to retirement two years ago, my itching to play music led me to learn ukulele and join a couple of uke groups. However, this wasn’t enough and within a few months of retirement I had signed up for Green Band, this time playing alto sax as a new instrument. I was so happy to be back playing! I remember one moment during a Green Band concert when right in the middle of the tune I had an overwhelming feeling that of all the places I could be at that moment this was where I wanted to be and where I belonged. After a year in Green Band I moved on to Symphonic Band, which I love for the variety of music we play, the great conductors and mentors, and the comradery of fellow band members.
Having been a fan of jazz since high school, I also joined the Green Jazz Band, which gave me the first opportunity to play jazz. Green Jazz Band is a different and sometimes somewhat daunting, yet complementary, to the experience of Symphonic Band. The 5 hours a week at New Horizons practices are the best hours of the week!
When I retired two years ago, I began taking harp lessons. However, there is limited opportunity locally for ensemble playing for beginner harp. At a 50 year high school reunion I reconnected with my school orchestra stand mate which reminded me of all the fun we had playing together. The thing that really re-kindled my interest and led to my joining Green Stings (now String Orchestra) was attending a New Horizons Green Strings concert to see a friend perform. After that, I got out my old violin case, opened it, and there was my old violin and bow looking quite sad and unplayable. A short-term rental and some extensive violin rehab and I was back in business. String Orchestra is soooo much fun. I love working with Cheryl Guth and have met a wonderful group of 56 new friends!
On a Happy Note: Discovering Joy in a New Horizons Band
Gwenn Voelckers
Drummer, Green Jazz Band
Happiness may be a “warm puppy” according to Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, but for me, happiness is being a member of New Horizons.
It was 2016, two years after my retirement from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), when I decided to find out more about New Horizons and visited the Unitarian Church to observe the Green Band in action.

I was eager to embrace my newfound freedom, after what seemed like a lifetime behind a computer at URMC writing grants to support clinical research and promoting community health initiatives. I loved my work, but was ready to explore new horizons . . . and, New Horizons.
The Green Band was setting up for practice when I entered the rehearsal room. Band director Priscilla Brown greeted me with a warm smile and asked about my interests and instrument of choice, which was piano. She kindly responded with, “What we really need is some help with percussion.”
That’s when co-director Don Sherman joined our conversation, handed me a set of bass drum mallets, and gave me an on-the-spot tutorial on how to read drum music. It was thrilling!
“They had me at the downbeat!” to loosely borrow (and butcher) a line from the movie “Jerry Maguire.”
In that moment, I discovered that in the concert hall of life, it's never too late to pick up an instrument and join the party . . . I mean, the band.
My journey with New Horizons has been nothing short of a building crescendo toward happiness, community, and shared love and determination.
When I first considered New Horizons, I was initially hesitant. After all, I had stepped away from the piano decades ago, focusing instead on my career. But the program's welcoming atmosphere quickly dispelled my doubts.
Surrounded by fellow and sister musicians who had walked similar paths, I soon felt like part of an orchestra of old friends.
Unlike most of my bandmates, I had never participated in a high school orchestra.
So, this was my first foray into an ensemble experience. I had no idea how joyful that
would be! Making music with others is truly a unique, challenging, and happy adventure.
In rehearsals, we often find ourselves caught up in the sheer delight of creating
something wonderful together, even when nerves get the better of us and we flub
the refrain. When that happens, laughter, apologies, and kind-hearted empathy prevail.
That’s the soul of New Horizons, according to its founder Roy Ernst: “Your best is
good enough.”
Beyond the fun, socializing within the group proved to be an incredible gift. After
years of focusing on work, connecting with like-minded individuals who shared my interest in music was refreshing. I’ve made some dear friends in the percussion section and beyond since I joined the Green Band, then moved into the Jazz Ensemble, and now play in the Green Jazz Band on the drum set.
My life has been enriched by deep friendships anchored in a mutual love for making music.
But beyond the personal connections, I can also attest to the benefits that accrue to those who sing or play an instrument. Research has shown that making music can help keep your mind sharp, improve memory and concentration, relieve stress, and provide a creative outlet.
I’ve certainly found this to be true. Mastering new pieces challenges my brain in ways that crosswords and Sudoku never could.
Successfully nailing a difficult passage or drum fill always leaves me feeling invigorated and accomplished. And a nod of approval from director Don Sherman is a welcome validation of my efforts.
One additional and unexpected benefit of joining New Horizons was discovering a renewed sense of purpose after retirement. Performing for holiday gatherings, local community events, and schools has given us the opportunity to share our music with others. The audiences’ smiles and applause remind us that even as retirees, we still have the power to touch lives and make a difference.
Today, as I stand (or rather, sit at the drums) proudly among my bandmates, I can't imagine my life without New Horizons. This opportunity has brought me immeasurable joy, friendship, and newfound confidence.
To anyone considering joining us: don't let fear hold you back. Take a deep breath, pick up your instrument, and let the music guide you on a journey of growth and happiness.
