Riverview Resident Forms Orchestra for People 50 and Older

You're never too old to learn to play a musical instrument.

That's the philosophy of Riverview resident E. Douglas Deck, and he's set to prove his premise by organizing a community orchestra for residents ages 50 and older.

Deck is welcoming would-be and novice musicians to become part of the New Directions Orchestra, which will rehearse at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, each Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The orchestra is part of a New Horizons International Music Association program founded by Rochester, NY-based Eastman School of Music professor Roy Ernst.

"Roy Ernst's dream was to start bands throughout the United States," said Deck. With that in mind, Ernst started the music association in the 1990s, and has seeded senior bands around the country.

"It's a known fact that the baby boomers outnumber kindergarteners and have more time time on their hands as they retire," said Deck. "And 85 percent of seniors today have started an instrument some time in their life and then gotten away from it due to changes in their lives. This is an orchestra for seniors who would like to go back to their instrument or learn a new instrument."

Ernst will be on hand to talk more about his program at an informational meeting Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at Music Showcase. At that meeting, a New Horizons band from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg will perform.

After investigating the subject for months, Deck said he opted to form an orchestra that will include both string and wind instruments.

"I thought about it for a long time but it took me three months before I started to take the plunge," he said. "First I had to get Ernst to approve my proposal. Then I had to get a sponsor. After Ernst endorsed me, Music Showcase agreed to sponsor me. I think Music Showcase realized this is a win-win for them because it gets more people interested in playing instruments."

To participate in the orchestra, residents need a music stand, an instrument, which they can rent from Music Showcase for $10 a month, and a music book recommended by Deck.

The cost of joining the orchestra is $40 a month and covers music and instruction. The orchestra will be a nonprofit organization so it can accept donations and apply for grants, said Deck.

"I had a first informational meeting at Music Showcase on Jan. 12 and 10 people came. I was overjoyed," said Deck, who will serve as the orchestra's conductor and instructor. A second meeting on Jan. 19 attracted 16 people.

"We get new people joining almost every week. It's fun; it's exciting," said Deck.

“These groups actually turn out being about more than just music. They are a social outlet. People become friends.” Deck added. “There was a couple, Charley and Rita Rose, who were both 80 years old. They met at an ensemble formed in Rochester, NY, and they were married last year.” Deck said.

He envisions the orchestra performing at hospitals, Lowry Park, possibly even the Brandon Fourth of July parade.

"Feb. 2 will be our first rehearsal date and we can start in learning how to read the music right away," Deck said. "It will take about six months before we'll be ready to perform."

For more information on Ernst's program, visit newhorizonsmusic.org.

For more information on the New Directions Orchestra, contact Deck at 813-671-4278 or email him at ed6996d@gmail.com.