Attention all Adult Musicians!

Do you play a musical instrument or would you like to learn how to play a musical instrument in a non-competitive environment?  Than the New Horizons band program might be for you.  Founded with the purpose of bringing together adult musicians from all backgrounds and all stages of life, the New Horizons band programs are offered throughout the United States.  If you live in the Oakland County Michigan area and you are an adult musician or would like to become part of something great, consider joining the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band or look into other community bands in the area.  We are a great group of people who share a passion for music that transcends any other differences we might have.  Young or old.  Brand new musicians or seasoned veterans.  We all love music.  As a former band director of mine once said: "I hope you hang onto (music) for a long time because it is something special."  And it truly is!

My Member Story

When I was ten years old in elementary school, I knew that I wanted to play a musical instrument, but I did not know which one I wanted to play.  I really wanted to play the French Horn like my best friend, but my parents talked me out of it.  They felt that I would not be careful enough with an expensive instrument.  They convinced me to take my mom's old clarinet to band, so it began.  I learned how to play the clarinet under the instruction of Terry Odelli, who is one of the band directors of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band.  After playing all through high school, I stopped playing music after I graduated from high school.  Nine months later, I received an invitation to play with the Waterford School District Alumni Band.  Accepting the invitation, I played with the group, and watched the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band play the concert opener with interest.  I really wanted to play again, so I contacted my former director Terry Odelli, and started playing with the band.  It was 2007 then, and I was 19.  I have been proud member for five years and counting.

Upcoming Band Concert

"I wanted to take a moment in this blog post to discuss the next Waterford New Horizons Band Concert, upcoming in May.  In this concert we will play many Broadway music selections from "Gypsy", The Lion King," and many others.  Further information will be available at a later time.  We hope that you will join us for another great musical experience!

Band Concert: Part Three

One moment that really stood out to me at last weekend's concert took place early in the concert.  The second song in the program, "On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss," was outstanding.  This song was selected by director Terry Odelli to play in memory of late band member John Johns, a trombone player, who passed away in December of last year.  I feel that the description for the song given during the concert prior to our performance by Terry really set the mood for the song once we started playing.  While playing it, I felt a sense of passion that is the reason why I love performing music.  It was a really emotional experience for me, as a player, and really was a worthy tribute for John.

Band Concert: Part Two

I wanted to take a moment to highlight a very special moment at last weekend's concert.  Director Gerry Spry was in attendance.  In January, Gerry underwent a major surgery and is currently recuperating.  We are very happy to have had Gerry out of the house at the concert.  It has been a long road to recovery but we hope he will be back soon.

Band Concert: Part One

The Waterford Musical Madness Concert took place on Sunday, March 18th 2012.  We feel that it went really well.  There was a fairly good turnout, considering that it was a big game day and felt like summer outside.  Out of all the music that we performed, we felt that that the "Dixieland Jamboree," (arranged by Warrington) was the best piece, with the jazzy  version of "When the Saints come Marching In."  The North Oakland Dixieland Band was outstanding in that piece and the others they performed.  Thank you to everyone in the audience who attended, we all had a blast.

Another Member Story

Some members of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band decided to pursue a different musical instrument than the one they learned about in high school.  Others decided to stick to the instrument they knew best, like this band member:

“I stared playing the Oboe again when I joined the WNHCB. It was just sitting on the shelf. Playing with the band is a great plus and I continue to learn and get better."


Music is really important and personally, I am going to keep playing the clarinet myself as long as I can.

Another Member Story

Some of the stories of members of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band are very simple.  In their own words, this member said:

"I am a music teacher in Waterford. The WNHCB gives me a venue to continue as a (performer)." For some, their passion for music spans a lifetime.

Bring Four

Our concert is drawing nearer and nearer.  In eight days, you will be able to witness March Musical Madness for yourself.  We are hoping to bring in as many people as we can into the Waterford Mott performing arts center in order to expose the community to a wonderful musical experience.  We ask all people who are going to attend our concert to please bring four people with you.  The performing arts center can hold quite a few people, so space should not be an issue.  We do not charge people to attend our concerts, however, we do encourage donations as they allow us to continue to grant the community the fruit of our shared musical passion.

Another Member Story

Here is one more story from the member of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band:

My sons were involved with the Mott band under the direction of Gerry Spry. I was a band booster and then retired.  Gerry said he was forming a New Horizons Band and I thought I would give it a try and went to the first meeting.  Gerry gave us instruments and beginner books. I decided to play French Horn. Being in the band and learning an instrument has given me a sense of accomplishment that I thought I would never have. Member 11 years.

The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band now has more than 70 members, more than a typical high school band at Waterford Mott or Kettering, when I was a student at Mott not so long ago.  Our next concert, March Musical Madness will take place on Sunday, March 18th at the Waterford Mott performing arts center at 3 pm.   The concert is free to attend, although we do accept donations as they allow us to continue to provide wonderful music for the community.  Bring your friends and family! We hope to see you there!

Another Member Story

Here is another band member story hidden within the best kept secret in Waterford, The Waterford New Horizons Concert band in their own words:

Our children had Gerry Spry as their band teacher for 8 years so we got to know him well. He asked if we might be interested in joining a band for adults that had not played since high school or at all. We decided, what the heck.  Seeing the band grow from 8 members to what we have today has been a rewarding experience. We feel like it has given us something to look forward to every week and enjoy the friendships of fellow members. Come out to our next concert 3 pm at the Waterford Mott performing arts center to listen to great music played by a great group of people, free of charge, although we do accept donations as they allow us to continue to provide the free entertainment that we do for the community!

A Founding Member Story

Back in 2001 when the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band first began, there were six founding members and former Waterford School District band director Gerald Spry leading them on.  Many of the members had not played and instrument for more than 20 years.  Here is a story from one of the founding members in their own words:

"I am one of the original band members. The Cultural Council posted a sign up sheet at one of the concerts to
determine interest. I signed up and the rest is history. Member all 12 years."

The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band now has more than 70 members, more than a typical high school band at Waterford Mott or Kettering, when I was a student at Mott not so long ago.  Our next concert, March Musical Madness will take place on Sunday, March 18th at the Waterford Mott performing arts center at 3 pm.  We hope to see you there!

A Member Story

Here is another story from a member of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band:

"My sons were involved with the Mott band under the direction of Gerry Spry. I was a band booster and then retired.  Gerry said he was forming a New Horizons Band and I thought I would give it a try and went to the first meeting.  Gerry gave us instruments and beginner books. I decided to play French Horn. Being in the band and learning an instrument has given me a sense of accomplishment that I thought I would never have. Member 11 years."

This is from one of our six original founding members who started playing for the band in 2001.

Stop by Our March Musical Madness Concert!

Stop by our upcoming concert to witness the profound musical experience provided by The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band.  Our March Musical Madness concert will take place on Sunday, March 18th at the Waterford Mott High School performing arts center, located at 1151 Scott Lake Road.  This concert will feature the North Oakland Dixieland Band.  There will also be a tribute to late WNHB member, John Johns, a trombone player who passed away in December.  Stop by at 3 pm to witness a great music experience performed by the best kept secret in Waterford!

Back to Grade School...

There are many stories hidden beneath the best kept secret in Waterford.  Members of the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band come from varied backgrounds and life stages, but all share a common love for music.  One band member shares this story:

"I saw an article in the Oakland Press about a March 2009 concert. I went and saw my former school conductors directing the band. I had Gerry Spry from 5th grade through 9th grade. Terry Odelli came to Waterford High School when I was a senior. It was (surreal) to attend my first rehearsal with the WNHB at Crary Middle school and sitting just where I sat in 9th grade. I kept calling Gerry Mr. Spry out of old habits and respect. At the first concert I played Gerry saw my mom in the audience and asked her permission to have me call him Gerry. She did, and I have ever since.”

This is one of the many stories shared by members of The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band.  For more information about the band and updating concerts, please visit our website at http://www.wnhb.org/.

Meet the Directors: Part Two

Every musician has to start somewhere.  To introduce our second band director and driving force behind The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band, I am going to share a story from when I first started playing the clarinet.  At age ten, I was taught to play the clarinet by Terry Odelli, former Waterford School District band director.  Now, early in my twenties, I find myself playing once again under Terry's leadership.

Here is Terry Odelli's biography, as it appears on the band webpage:

Terry Odelli earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education from Michigan State University.

He taught instrumental music (grades 5 through 12) in Pontiac and Waterford for thirty-seven years (sixteen years as the director of the Waterford Kettering High School Band). He retired from public school service in 2002 and affiliated with the Waterford New Horizons Band shortly thereafter.

To find out more about "the best kept secret in Waterford," visit the band webpage by clicking on the following link:

http://www.wnhb.org/index.html

Meet the Directors: Part One

To delve further into the "best kept secret in Waterford," the next few posts will provide some stories of the band members themselves.  The first introduction, appropriately, is the driving force behind our group: the two band directors, Gerry Spry and Terry Odelli, both of whom are former Waterford School District Band Directors.

Here is a biography for Gerry Spry, as found on the Waterford New Horizons Band Website:

"Gerald Spry is a retired instrumental music teacher from Waterford, MI where he taught fifth through twelfth grade instrumental music for thirt'y two years.

Gerald attended Michigan State University, where he received Bachelors and Masters degrees with his original degree as a registered music therapist. He worked as a music therapist for five years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in Northville, Michigan before receiving his teaching certification.

After retirement in 2000 he began a New Horizons Band with six people. The band now has a membership of sixty five people plus and has a full schedule of concerts throughout the year. He has been a member of The Motor City Brass Band from Detroit and presently is playing in the percussion section with the Birmingham Community Concert Band.

Gerry is married to Elizabeth who is a retired Church Musician. They have three children and two grandchildren. Gerry also enjoys traveling and operating toy trains with his son."

Gerry Spry is currently on medical leave from the band and is expected to return within the next few months.  For more information about the "best kept secret in Waterford," visit the band website at by clicking the following link:
http://www.wnhb.org/index.html.

Blog Introduction

This blog will be about the "best kept secret in Waterford:" The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band.  Founded in 2001 by former Waterford School District Band Director, Gerald Spry (with 6 founding members), the band now has more than 70 members ranging from high school graduates to senior citizens. All members have one thing in common: we all love music.

For the first few weeks, this blog will feature the personal stories of different band members, ranging from parents who had not played an instrument in years, to long time military band members who want to keep enriching music in their lives.  The band as a whole is striving to range attendance at our concerts that are spread throughout the year.  We present to you The Waterford New Horizons Concert Band: "The best kept secret in Waterford!'  We hope to no longer be a "secret" but a recognized faction of the Oakland County community!