OLLI at WVU forming New Horizons Band

Ever wanted to join a music group? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at West Virginia University is recruiting members for a New Horizons Band.

No experience is required.

Information sessions will be Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 3 and 6 p.m. at the Mountaineer Mall in Morgantown. Anyone interested in learning more about the band and music education, meeting the director and trying out an instrument is encouraged to attend.

New Horizons Music programs are geared for adults who want to learn to play an instrument or refresh their skills. Founded by Dr. Roy Ernst in 1991, the first one was located in Rochester, N.Y. It's grown to include 173 groups in North America, four in Europe and four in Australia.

The program - originally designed for older adults - provides healthy aging benefits such as intellectually challenging activity and social interaction, according to Jascenna Haislet, director of OLLI at WVU.

"The benefits of music participation are well documented, linking an active musical life with reduced depression, increased memory function, improved physical health and an enhanced sense of purpose and belonging," she said.

WVU Visiting Associate Professor of Music Education Lindsey Williams has been tapped to direct the OLLI at WVU New Horizons Band. Williams is the former director of the Roeland Park New Horizons Band in Kansas, and he currently teaches music education and conducting classes at WVU.

The August information sessions are free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call 304-293-1793.