Band is finely tuned after 50

“You are never too old to learn to play a musical instrument," professed professor Roy Ernst, who conceived the New Horizons Band program to spread the enjoyment of music.

The program, started by Ernst at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., was a hit there and has caught on here at Eckerd College.

If you ever wanted to play in a band, here's your chance. The band at Eckerd welcomes new members to its fold. The New Horizons Music program, in concert with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College, offers adults 50 and older opportunities to learn to read music and play an instrument.

Ernst believed that the practice of music, in a group setting, could improve health and the quality of life. Practices became social events for many of his followers. Ernst believed that older adults, given their motivation and time, can rapidly learn the skills necessary to play.

The New Horizons Music program is based on the premise that many adults would like to have the opportunity to learn music in a group setting at their own pace. Its main thrust is for people to come together to learn music and have fun.

So, if you have never played an instrument or played one long ago, the opportunity to learn or start again is at your fingertips. The New Horizons Band at Eckerd College meets every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Roberts Music Center on the campus. You're invited to come listen and join the band. The summer session ends Aug. 18.

The fall session will start on Oct. 7 and will meet on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9. The cost for 10-week sessions/lessons is $85. Contact the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at (727) 865-7000 or olli@eckerd.edu, or New Horizons band director David Irwin (coordinator Instrumental Music) at (727) 864-7968 or irwinde@eckerd.edu.