The University of Dayton New Horizons Music Program for senior adults kicks off its yearlong celebration of 25 years of making music with an open house at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Temple Beth Or (5275 Marshall Rd, Dayton, OH 45429).

University of Dayton Professor Emerita of Music Linda Hartley established the UD group of the New Horizons International Music Association in 2000 to provide opportunities for adults 50 and older to start or get back into playing music. 

For guitarist Faye Bobowski of West Chester, Ohio, "fellowship absolutely is the primary perk" of being in UD's New Horizon Music Program. 

"The program provided me with the opportunity at age 62 to meet and begin to play music with so many individuals I truly would never have met. Regardless of our income, level of education, life circumstances, personality quirks or any other variable, we share the same passion for being together every Thursday morning," Bobowski said. "It provides a creative and artistic outlet, even as my physical limitations grow; a comfort as my friends pass, and a companion for those times when I am alone.”

Russ Gilmore of Tipp City, Ohio, looking for an outlet to stay intellectually stimulated when he retired nearly 20 years ago, wondered where he'd find a music teacher willing to work with a senior citizen who had never played an instrument or could not read music.

"UD's New Horizon Music Program and Dr. Linda Hartley provided an avenue to learn music and to contribute to an ensemble," said Gilmore, who plays a bass clarinet. "Today, thanks to the program, I perform in several ensembles in the Miami Valley and enjoy the intellectual stimulation of playing music during my retirement years.”

The open house Aug. 22 in the UD program's rehearsal space will provide information for anyone interested in joining the program, about instrument rental, and rehearsal and event schedules, among other items.

"I am privileged to work with our members, talented instructors and UD music education student interns in a positive, nurturing and fun environment of making music together," Hartley said. "It’s thrilling to hear the progress our musicians make each week and to witness friendships develop. 

"Watching this program develop has sometimes seemed surreal, as it was challenging to imagine the possibilities from our first session with eight participants." 

UD's program, sponsored by UD Special Programs and Continuing Education, now has nearly 150 participants from across the Miami Valley.

25-year anniversary schedule 

• 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2: UD New Horizons Concert and Symphonic Bands Concert at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16: UD New Horizons Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble Concert w/ guest Sinclair Adult Jazz Band at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: UD New Horizons Holiday Concert at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 16: UD New Horizons Small Ensemble Showcase at Sears Recital Hall
• 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22: New Horizons Orchestras Concert with guest guitar soloist Jim McCutcheon at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22: UD New Horizons Band Concert with guest flute soloist Gretchen Germann at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5: UD New Horizons Jazz Concert at Roger Glass Center for the Arts
• 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27: UD New Horizons Jazz Concert at Hidden Gem Music Club in Centerville, Ohio
• 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3: UD New Horizons 25th anniversary concert at Roger Glass Center for the Arts

Click here for more information about the program. For more information about the program's 25th anniversary celebration, contact Phil Aaron, anniversary committee chair at 937-856-7633 or paaron1@udayton.edu.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu, 937-229-3391 or 937-545-5421.