On the final day, the three bands, chorus and orchestra play for each other in a "concert." Roy Ernst, founder of New Horizons and the camp, tells everyone that it is not really a "concert" but more of a "show-and-tell" opportunity. The philosophy of New Horizons supports the enjoyment of music making, and the pressure to perform can often detract from that enjoyment, so performance is never the focus. Music is.
The "concert" went swimmingly and everyone had a fabulous time. The beautiful concert hall was a great setting for the culmination of five days work. Here are some photos from that morning:
After the concert, it was time to say our goodbyes and head home. I really enjoyed meeting and working with everyone. I do have to say it was quite special to work with the Band 1 woodwind section - I ended up spending 3 - 4 hours each day playing music with them. Here we are, together after the final concert:
The final aspect of the week for me was to be interviewed by a film crew that is working on a documentary about New Horizons Band. It really has become quite a special organization, led by a very special man who had a vision. His belief that adults can come into music later in life, particularly ensemble playing, was more groundbreaking than it probably should have been. It's one of those ideas that comes along and eveyone thinks, "why haven't we been doing this all along?" Whatever the reasons, Roy has made it happen, and many lives are the better for it. Just before leaving, Roy's wife took the picture below of Roy and I. Thanks, Roy, for everything. It was a glorious week.
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