TRURO – An announcement is made that the seniors have their first concert date booked and laughter erupts throughout the room.
About 35 seniors have been meeting weekly at the old Normal College to learn basic music skills and perform in a new seniors concert band called Cobequid New Horizons Band, under the direction of Paul Barrett.
Recently, Barrett started off a rehearsal with about 35 participants by telling them their first concert will be in Truro just before Christmas. Tickets are only $5, Barrett said.
“We’ll have to pay the people to come hear this,” yelled out someone and the crowd burst into laughter.
It’s that playful and fun atmosphere that describes the type of gathering this seniors band is.
“It’s a lot of fun ... I met new people,” said Truro’s Janet Crosbie, a percussionist. “I’ve never read music and I’m learning that. I’ve always wanted to do music and it’s fun to be in a group like this.”
Valley’s Barry Aucoin, 60, is participating because the love of music runs in his family.
“I always wanted to play with my kids and now I have the chance,” said Aucoin, who plays the alto sax.
Aucoin said the group is comfortable because most of the musicians are learning from scratch or picking it up after many years.
“It’s nice because we’re mostly at the same level.”
Truro’s Doug Matthews, 59, said the first gathering was a little intimidating but that quickly faded.
“I’m meeting lots of new people and seeing some people I knew from 40 years ago. I was in the first Truro School Band in the ’60s and loved it,” said Matthews.
He said the experience has taught him something about himself as well.
“I’ve learned I’m a little more patient than I realized I was,” said the drummer, who practices every day for an hour.
Barrett said he’s pleased with how well the band is coming along, especially after only a handful of rehearsals.
“They are learning to handle instruments, music terms, reading music and working as a group,” he said.
“And, yes, they’ll be ready for their concerts. If there’s a few clunkers that’s to be expected and they’ll be nervous but they will do great. They are sounding good already and it’s one baby step at a time.”