Music is an important part of the OLLI program. In addition to the New Horizons Band, OLLI sponsors regular concerts such as this 2008 performance by the John Brown Quartet. Photo credit: David Jarmul

Durham, NC - Seniors from around North Carolina will bring their musical instruments to Duke on Saturday, May 16, for a day of fun and popular tunes during Duke's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's "Spring Fling."

The concerts will feature New Horizon Bands from the Triangle, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Greenville and Pinehurst. Nearly 100 band members have already signed up.

The free, public concert will begin at 3 p.m. in Duke's Baldwin Auditorium on East Campus.

The New Horizons Band Project was the inspiration of Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. Ernst believed adults could learn to play musical instruments or sing at any age and involvement in a musical program would enrich their lives in retirement.

Recently, research is proving Ernst correct. A new medical study at the University of Miami and six other universities found that older adults who made music enjoyed measurable health benefits.

Ernst formed the first New Horizons Band in 1991, and today there are more than 150 U.S. groups, with five in North Carolina. Currently the Duke/OLLI band enrolls more than 50 players, and the chorus attracts more than a dozen singers.

Several community bands and choral groups already exist in the Triangle Area, but are usually too advanced to serve as entry points for novice players or singers. The New Horizons program provides the opportunity for adults age 50+ to play a musical instrument or sing in a variety of formats.

Group and joint rehearsals will take place during the morning, and box lunches will be available to participants and guests at a nominal charge. Any adults who are interested in joining the New Horizons Band are welcome to attend the morning rehearsals.

The 3 p.m. performance consists of a full concert band, ensembles, the Swing Band, and the Dixie Dukes. A ContraBand is especially for new players, while the Concert Band welcomes players of all skill levels.