New Horizons Orchestra accepting new string players

GOSHEN, Ind. – The Goshen New Horizons Orchestra is accepting new adult string players for the 2010 fall semester, which begins in early September.

Now in its fourth year, New Horizons String Orchestra, part of the Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) and directed by Brook Bennett, is a string ensemble for adults and seniors who are beginners or are resuming their previous string study. "It's a chance for people who played a long time ago to dust off their violins, violas, cellos or basses, or for people who want to learn these instruments for the first time, to come together for the joy of making music," said Debra Kauffman, director of the CSA.

Studies have shown a connection between performing music and increased mental and physical health in older adults. "Music uplifts the spirit and many great memories come from making music together," said Bennett. "Music making is a fantastic alternative to television, and it offers an opportunity to pursue a dream that may not have been possible earlier in life but is possible now."

Bennett added, "New Horizons ensembles and teachers are encouraging and nurturing. Our goal is to provide a low pressure environment for those who want to play a string instrument."

New Horizons is a nationwide program begun by Dr. Roy Ernst in 1991 at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. It provides entry points to music making for adults, including 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. There are more than 100 New Horizons wind, string and choral ensembles across the country.

"New Horizons provides the medium through which I can learn to play a musical instrument and help make music with new friends," said current member Arlin Classen.

String players of all abilities are welcome. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays and Thursdays during the fall semester. A second ensemble, the Green Orchestra, is for complete beginners to string instruments. All rehearsals take place at Greencroft Senior Center in Goshen. Periodic concerts and performance opportunities take place at the Goshen College Music Center and elsewhere in the Goshen area. Rehearsals begin Sept. 8.

Adults and seniors interested in joining New Horizons String Orchestra can receive more information by calling director Brook Bennett at (574) 312-4610. Registration through the Community School of the Arts is required.

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.