Members of the Flathead Valley New Horizons Band invite the public to their free spring concert tonight at 7 p.m. in the Christian Center’s worship center on Summit Ridge Drive in Kalispell.

Band leader Eileen Alexander said the concert includes patriotic songs, Celtic dances and an African marching song along with a multimedia presentation of slides and perhaps a video.

“We hope to get a good audience,” she said.

Organized in the fall of 2010 by Alexander, the band provides a musical and social outlet for seniors 50 and older. Alexander, who had been a music teacher for 40 years, instituted the New Horizons program, in which amateurs and those who haven’t played for years learn or polish their skills to form a band.

People who have always wanted to learn an instrument should attend the concert for a front-row seat on how well the system works. At a 2011 Christmas concert, the band played smoothly even though some had only been playing with the group for 12 weeks.

“I’ll start a new session on June 4th,” Alexander said.

She maintains that she can teach anyone to play an instrument, even at an advanced age. So far, her students have proved her correct.

At the Christmas concert, Ivy Clements, 71 at the time, said she had always want to learn the saxophone. She started with the first class learning the alto sax.

“If you’ve always wanted to learn, it’s never too late,” she said. “Now is the time.”

Also at the concert, Gail Davenport, 57, was in her first year of learning the electric bass guitar. She had been playing with the band’s beginners group just 12 weeks at Christmas time.

“It’s just a great place to get to know people and do something creative,” she said.

This year marks the band’s first summer session. Alexander said the band members wanted to keep practicing through the summer.

Experienced members practice from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Christian Center, while beginners get together from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the same location.

According to Alexander, even physical handicaps aren’t a problem if people are mobile enough to make it to the practices. She said playing provides good therapy for arthritic fingers and hands.

To get started, people rent or buy their instruments along with a low-cost method book. Alexander charges $75 for at least 12 weeks of lessons and practices.

“They usually get 12 to 14 weeks,” Alexander said. “I do what I need to do to pull it off.”

She has many events planned. Alexander said she wants to schedule a parade performance, and she hopes to line up a gig at the fair on senior citizen day.

The band numbers around 22 members, including some new flute players. Alexander always has room for more.

“We have great fun,” she said.

People interested may attend the concert tonight or call Alexander at 257-1790.

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