With a successful Spring Concert marking the conclusion of its ‘09-10 season, the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band is winding down for the year, but not for long. Band members will kick off the new season with several performances this summer at local assisted living facilities, and this fall a new string program will debut, featuring violin, viola, cello, and bass. It will be a string ensemble for those who haven’t played in years and will include lessons for those “who always wanted to but never got to try.”
The band, part of an international music movement initially started with retirees in mind, is based in Wayland and hosted by Wayland School Community Programs through the Wayland Public Schools. Its members range from total novices to those who hadn’t touched an instrument in decades to those who can claim more current experience. Started in 2008, it meets at the Wayland Middle School and welcomes adults of all ages.
Band members come from towns and cities throughout the region: Wayland, Sudbury, Framingham, Natick, Hudson, Marlborough, Brookline, Lexington and other cities closer to Boston. They are led by program founder Diane Muffitt, who is also the Wayland Middle School Band Director. “The band under Diane Muffitt’s expert leadership has created a musical venue that provides social and cultural benefits to so many,” said Brian Jones, WSCP director. “It’s wonderful to attend a SVNHB concert and see the sons and daughters and even grandchildren of band members in the audience, applauding for them.”
Muffitt has a unique opportunity to witness the excitement of both newcomers as well as returning musicians. “I see such growth in our members – in confidence as well as skill. It is hard to start something new as an adult because we know what it should sound like, and it doesn’t! And it is hard to go back to something you might have once done well, only to find you can’t do what you used to be able to do with ease! But the good thing is, it does come back quickly and our beginners, even if they can’t play every note, can enjoy the sounds of the music around them and know that they are part of it!”
Already a program of substantial size, SVNHB always welcomes new members, Muffitt says. “I am encouraging newcomers to join the band this fall, and I can’t stress enough that no previous experience is needed. You do not need to know how to read notes or know anything about music, except that you want to play it!”
For its summer performances, the group is learning a few new pieces. Experienced musicians are welcome to join the fun for the summer venues, Muffitt says.
At the spring concert, around 70 musicians participated in five different presentations. The Novice Band performed three numbers, including “Peasant Village Dance” by David R. Holsinger. The Woodwind Ensembles showcased two numbers, including “Down by the Riverside,” conducted by Jay Pivor, and the Jazz Ensemble performed George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon.”
The Intermediate Band played five pieces, including a “West Side Story” arrangement that included “Maria” and “Tonight.” The Combined Band finale with more than 70 musicians on stage was “Flourish."
To learn more about SVNHB, go to the website at: www.svnhb.org or call Muffitt at 978-261-5065. For information about the national music movement creating “entry or re-entry points” for musicians throughout the world, visit www.newhorizonsmusic.org.
