Bach, Schubert, Mendelssohn and David

I just got back from an enjoyable evening of classical music, made all the more special because I shared it with my son. We took in the March concert by the New Century Chamber Orchestra.

The group is made up of 18 string players who play together as an orchestra, presenting a program in four San Francisco Bay Area locations four times a year. This was the last night--and took place in the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center.

We heard Johann Sebastian Bach's Violin Concerto in E major, which is just the kind of pretty, energetic music that anyone would call "classical." The second part was Franz Schubert's Lieder (songs) featuring Melody Moore singing a powerful and gorgeous soprano part. After the intermission we heard Felix Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat major, which was another aural delight.

After the concert, we went off for a fine dining experience at Ristorante La Toscana in San Rafael. The Gnocchi with red meat sauce was rich, and after we shared a chocolate mousse torte, both of us waddled away from the table, stuffed. Thanks, son!

Playing Music--it's Good for You

Last night, my band, Red Paint, played a party for a friend of our lead singer's friend. Free food and drink, interesting company, and an OK, if not inspired set.

We played between two sets by a tight blues band called Grease, Grit & Grime. They set up a fine background for the party, which featured beers on tap and a pig on a spit among other attractions.

Today, Sunday, I played my Spring concert with the Castro Valley Chamber Orchestra. It included beautiful music by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Chopin. The Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 featured Lois Brandwynne, a brilliant pianist. What a joy to play along with her.

All of my adult music playing began in 2003, when I picked up my electric Fender bass. It was reinforced by starting the upright bass in 2004. Finding bandmates was great, but to play in an orchestra you need help. I found my community orchestra through the Adult School, but there is another way to do it--the New Horizons International Music Association.

I learned about this group in the AARP Bulletin. If you're 50 or over, you can attend one of the sessions and start playing a new instrument--or resume playing the one you gave up after high school. There are about 7,000 members in 182 orchestras, bands and choruses in 41 states and overseas.

Groups meet once a week for an hour lesson followed by playing together for another hour. I have found my two-hour weekly orchestra rehearsals, with concerts every three months or so, to work out perfectly. However, with an orchestra you may need some experience to join, but with New Horizons, you can start whenever you're ready, at whatever level you're at.

It can make all the difference in your life. I know it has in mine.