Start tuning up those instruments and warming up the vocal chords. There's a new seniors' program in town perfect for those musically inclined -- or those who want to be.
It's never too late to learn and Alban Classical Artists Society has been granted $25,000 to prove it.
The government of Canada's New Horizons program for seniors will allow Alban Classical to offer a tuition-free seniors' choir and an instrumental band at the Prince George Chateau that's open to all seniors. There's also a free seniors' band that will meet at the downtown Seniors Resource Centre.
The society will start with meetings Monday, June 17 at the Seniors Resource Centre, 721 Victoria Street, at 9 a.m. and at the Prince George Chateau, 4377 Hill Avenue, Monday June 17 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend each. The meetings will be information gathering missions so the society will know what seniors want musically.
"There will be instruments at the meetings for everybody to try," said Erica Skowron, secretary of the society. "You don't have to know what kind of you'd like to play but, of course, if you have an instrument kicking around that you'd like to play, that's an option as well." People are welcome to bring their instruments with them.
The idea grew from the Alban society hosting a Monday night adult band for the last year, where 15 members gathered at the First Baptist Church basement from 5 to 8 p.m. There was a beginner and intermediate option, as well as some participants staying for the whole three-hour session. The band members play the clarinet, trumpet, saxophone and French horn.
"We saw the benefits the participants were receiving during that course and we thought what else could be do to expand this," said Erica Skowron. "We had the idea of going into care homes as well, to bring this program to people who wouldn't otherwise have the money or means to get this kind of opportunity."
The complex care program will be at Simon Fraser Lodge, 2410 Laurier Cres, which is a long-term care seniors' facility. Meetings will take place there, too, to see what's most suitable for the seniors in residence, said Skowron.
"It could be anything from us playing for them, to them playing instruments - could be recorders, percussion instruments or singing and we will have to explore that when we meet them," said Skowron.
For Information on how to benefit from the programs or to sponsor or donate an instrument call Simon Cole program director at 250-961-1810 or 250-563-4693 or e-mail [email protected].
