MSU
It's a scene reminiscent of a middle school band classroom. Small groups of flutes, saxophones and trumpets — and even a lone bassoon — rehearsing classics such as "Ode to Joy," "The Music Man" and "Heart and Soul."
The difference, though, is that the people behind the instruments aren't adolescents — many of these musicians are old enough to be grandparents.
They are members of the MSU Community Music School New Horizons Band, a chapter of a nationwide program that teaches people older than 50 how to play concert band instruments.
The East Lansing section of the New Horizons program is taught by Holt resident Patti Kroth with the help of students in the MSU School of Music's Teaching Instrumental Music class.
Music education senior Eric Flack said the class helps students see music education from a new point of view.
"It's a really different perspective, but it's a ton of fun," he said.
Mitch Robinson, who teaches the MSU music class, said he wants his students to immerse themselves in the New wHorizons Band.
"It's much more interactive than going to an elementary school," he said.
