Program offers new horizons for music lovers

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff The New Horizons Band of Woodbridge performs "America" before friends and family during its debut concert at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge on Jan. 24. Above: Mike Mellis performs "America." The band was formed in September and consists of adults who have always wanted to play an instrument. WOODBRIDGE — The New Horizons Band of Woodbridge made its debut performance in front of a packed crowd inside the Barron Arts Center on Jan. 24.

"We might have to find a bigger place next time," said Leslie Godfrey, 24, director of the New Horizons Band.

The audience enjoyed the sounds of the band, which includes flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, euphoniums, tubas and percussions, playing various chamber pieces.

The New Horizons Music program is a nationwide program that provides musical training and opportunities for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and also those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period.

In 1991, Roy Ernst founded the New Horizons Band in Rochester, N.Y.

Imogene Norton, of Port Reading, picked up the alto saxophone for the first time three months ago during New Horizons Band exhibition at the Woodbridge Community Center in October.

"I actually did not want to play, but when I tried it the first time, I made a sound," she said. "I never went to school for music, I just went to support my husband."

The exhibition was the first meeting for the band, which was a project sponsored by Dillon Music of Woodbridge.

"We reached out to Mayor John E. Mc- Cormac, Caroline Ehrlich, [chief of staff], and the Board of Education," said Steve Dillon, owner of Dillon Music.

Dillon and his wife Lynn founded the New Horizons group in Woodbridge in early 2008. They named Godfrey, who recently earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in oboe performance from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, director of the band.

Norton's husband, Louis, heard about the New Horizons Band when he visited the local eatery Fresh Taco on Rahway Avenue.

"I played the saxophone in junior high school and then I stopped. … I always regretted it, and saw this as an opportunity 45 or so years later," he said.

Imogene Norton said she can't believe she is now able play.

"I'm glad I did start playing," she said. "Leslie [Godfrey] has been wonderful; she is very patient and enthusiastic, which I needed. I am amazed by myself."

The Nortons were among the many adults who attended the New Horizons Band exhibition and started taking lessons with Leslie at Dillon Music's Woodwind store in Woodbridge.

"We decided to do something than sit around … our children are grown, and we have found that in the band we talk to each other more, and it's like [the band] brought us back together," smiled Imogene.

The Nortons added that they had kept the band a secret from their daughter, Angela, until two weeks before the concert.

"She was really excited and happy for us," Imogene said.

As of Jan. 15, the group of 21 members, who range in age from 24 to 84, rehearsed together as a band for the second time.

"We had a short amount of time due to the holidays," said Godfrey. "In October we had a month of lessons. Some were beginners and some had a music background. By November, we had a full band. The lessons worked out well; by the end, the beginners were not afraid to ask questions and it was a good transition into a group setting."

Tracey Mangual, of Woodbridge proper, Sue Palmer, of Avenel, and Heidi Washuta, of Colonia, have been dubbed the "gossip girls" of the group.

"I think it's because we talk more than we play at our lessons," laughed Mangual, who plays the clarinet. "I played in elementary school and high school and a little in college. I always enjoyed playing in school, and it's nice to play again in this relaxed atmosphere."

Mangual added that it was actually a little difficult after not playing for so long.

Palmer and Washuta play the flute.

"We played in high school," said Washuta. "From then, I played here and there, and I would play to help one of my kids with piano. The band has been fun."

Jeanne Bucholz, of Fords, plays the oboe.

"I had played the flute for 15 years … it was a hard transition, a lot harder than I thought," she said. "I have a better understanding of when my daughter Megan played the oboe, why she didn't play the scales fast."

Marty Richstein, of Colonia, made the decision to play the alto saxophone because his son Ryan, who is a freshman at Rutgers University, left it at home.

"I've been teaching myself this past summer," he said. "My son played the alto saxophone since he was in middle school, and he was a drum major with the Colonia High School marching band."

Richstein, who said his daughter and wife play the flute, said it was difficult at first, but as he kept practicing and learning the notes, it became easier.

"I was the only one in my family who didn't play an instrument," he said. "Leslie is amazing, and I have really enjoyed it. My son was there when I first was trying to make a sound. I thought the squeaking had come from the instrument, but he said, 'No, Dad, the squeaking is coming from you."

The New Horizons Band of Woodbridge is open to adults who love music and want to be part of a band. The spring semester is expected to run from February to May.

"It's an ongoing process. We might hold two concerts," said Godfrey.

For more information, e-mail Leslie Godfrey at 732-634-3399 ext. 18, or e-mail her at Leslie@dillonmusic.com or visit ht tp: / /nhbow.webs .com/ index.htm.