The Flathead Valley New Horizons Band looked relaxed and sharp in matching black shirts and black slacks as they tuned up their instruments before playing at Kalispell Center Mall Thursday evening.

 Now 18 members strong, the group of mostly novice musicians, age 50 and over, marked their first public performance with an assortment of Christmas songs, playing some and singing others. They had a few squeaks and restarts, but received appreciative applause from shoppers.

Eileen Alexander, a music instructor for nearly 40 years, serves as the leader. She started the New Horizons program, using a proven method of teaching seniors to play instruments or tuning up those who haven’t played for decades.

Her students validate her claim that no one is too old to learn to play an instrument.

“You wouldn’t believe how far my people have come in 12 weeks,” she said. “They’ve gone from whole notes to some actual band arrangements.”

 The band plays tonight (Dec. 21) at 7 p.m. at the Christian Center. Alexander recited a long list of music the band has scheduled including “Let it Snow,” “We Wish You a  Rockin’ Christmas” and even Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

“We’ll play a little bit, sing some carols and have a real nice time,” she said.

According to Alexander, teaching senior citizens has exceeded her expectations as a fun way to spend her retirement from teaching music to middle- and high-school students.

“For me, it’s total enjoyment,” she said. “They’re excited about what they do and they practice.”

Beginning in January, Alexander opens up the program for new members. She said she had two or three people who contacted her for lessons who are interested in joining Flathead Valley New Horizons Band, but she has plenty of room for others.

“I still find a lot of people who don’t know about it,” she said.

Last fall, Alexander scheduled an informational meeting. She showed a video filled with testimonials from people who enjoyed learning and playing in the 350 senior bands spawned by the program that was founded by retired Eastman School of Music instructor Roy Ernst.

Alexander said older people have a lifetime base of learning new skills, allowing them to learn music even in later life. She describes her weekly classes as friendly, fun and supportive, with everyone learning at his or her own speed.

 Participating requires renting or buying an instrument and a music stand, and purchasing a method book. Fall tuition was $75 for 24 hours of level-one instruction in weekly classes on Wednesday mornings at the Christian Center. The program includes 12 weeks of classes plus two or three concerts.

Alexander said her band members provide the best advertising about the fun of learning while socializing with other seniors. She said those friendships add so much to people’s lives.

“After Wednesday morning band practice, some of the band members go out to lunch together,” she said. “I have a friend who ran across them and asked ‘What do you do to those people? They’re so vivacious and have so much fun.’”

Alexander doesn’t want any senior to sit around at home thinking they are too old to do things. Her band members spread the message that seniors citizens still can make beautiful music together.

“We learn together, we make mistakes together and we have a great time,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more may contact Alexander at the Christian Center at 752-6426 ext. 246 or 257-1790.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.