Aged to Perfection

Are you an adult that has little or no musical experience? Maybe you're just rusty, or want to learn a different instrument?
Well, in Essex is the Centerbrook Music School.

The school was established in 1983 and has been a place for voice and instrumental instruction for children and adults. They are a non-profit providing music classes and private lessons for students in more than 25 area towns.

Their programs include:
Private Instruction
Suzuki Instruction
Music Therapy
Group Classes
Kindermusik
New Horizons Band
Ensembles
Theory and Performance
Summer programs
Broadway Bound
Homeschool Program

Now for those adults I spoke of, you would be looking for the New Horizons Band.
"Launched in 2009, New Horizons at CMS is quickly becoming a popular favorite. Under the direction of Patricia Hurley, the New Horizons Band is a supportive group for beginners or those who have not played an instrument in years. There are no auditions and everyone is welcome! Band rehearsals are twice a week with performances scheduled during the semester. Standard band literature graded level 1-2 in all styles and genres will be performed."

This ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 am – 12 pm; 16 weeks; $250

The Community Music School gives some brief history on New Horizons:

"The New Horizons music program was introduced in Rochester, New York in 1991, the brainchild of Roy Ernst of Eastman Conservatory. Today there are about 150 New Horizons bands, choruses and orchestras in the United States and Canada, with thousands of participants. These organizations provide an entry point for adults who have either never studied music or who have been away from it for many years, allowing them to share the joyful experience of recreational music making.  As it was first developed, members had to be at least 50 years old, but we have opened our program to any adults who are available between 10 and 12 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for group lessons and band rehearsals. 

New Horizons bands are always nurturing, non-competitive and supportive in style. There are no auditions or chair tryouts.  Everyone is welcome!  As long as the band exists, there will always be space for new beginners to join the ranks and discover the joy of making music together.

The national New Horizons organization even sponsors several adult band camps each year, where participants come from all over the country to meet each other and make music together.  The groups often perform in a variety of community venues, sometimes joining forces with other community bands or orchestras.

We invite you to join the recreational music movement — you’ll be glad you did!  Be a part of the New Horizons Band of the Connecticut River Valley."

Whether you're an adult looking for some musical instruction for your self or perhaps for your children, and are interesting in more information or perhaps want to register, you can contact registration by mail, phone, or in person. (Note: newly registered students will be placed based on student interests and teacher availability.)

By Mail: Send a completed registration form with required fee and deposit to CMS.

By Phone: Call the Business Office at 860-767-0026 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

In Person: Visit CMS at 90 Main Street, Centerbrook to complete the process.

To see Fees and Payment Plans click here. There are Scholarships and Financial Aid also available.

Community Music School | 90 Main Street | PO Box 387 | Centerbrook, CT 06409 | Phone: 860.767-0026
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Read this and other entries on my blog:   http://watercolorhalfnotes.blogspot.com