The Bard wrote that music is “the food of love” and can “soothe the savage beast.” Julie Pampinella, marketing and public relations manager of Indian Hill Music, said in an interview that her research shows music can also build a sense of community and keep the brain sharp. She cited an Aug. 26 article from Business Insider: “Unlike brain-games, playing an instrument is a rich and complex experience. That is because it’s integrating information from senses like vision, hearing, and touch, along with fine movements. This can result in long-lasting changes in the brain.” Pampinella said that Indian Hill Music wants to expand its audience to adults, whether they are working in a stressful job, entering retirement, or looking for ways to avoid becoming isolated. To this end, Indian Hill Music at 36 King St. in Littleton is offering a free class preview for adults at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.
The evening will feature a performance by the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band. Many towns and cities in the country have a New Horizons band, comprising older musicians who have come back to playing or are trying it for the first time. Attendees inspired by the Sudbury group’s performance can learn how to join Indian Hill Music’s own concert band for beginners.
At the event, members of the Indian Hill faculty will describe various private lessons or classes being offered for adults, such as a songwriting workshop; jazz, chamber music, flute, or contemporary vocal ensembles; a ukulele club; and world drumming.
Jon Panek (far right) plays piano in an ensemble at Indian Hill Music. (Courtesy photo)
Pampinella said she has observed what fun older adults can have playing in a concert band together and eventually performing. She said groups can also design their own ensembles, and she cited Jon Panek of West Bare Hill Road as someone who has experience with that. In an email, Panek shared some details on how he got involved: “Last summer a friend invited me to sit in on a session of the adult recorder ensemble. I hadn’t played recorder in 20-plus years, but was once pretty good. I was amazed at how quickly things came back to me.” He added, “Playing in a group is truly interactive. We don’t have an identified group leader, but all pay attention to each other. We may try different instruments on different parts before deciding what we think sounds best. Likewise we’ll choose a tempo which feels right for the piece, but is also within the skills of our group.” And on a more personal level he said, “Practicing music—either at home, or together in the group—requires focus. You forget about all the other things going on in your life and are aware only of the moment, the music, and each other. It’s a special time set apart for creativity, enjoyment, and personal growth.”
Breaking with Facebook, Netflix
In addition to the free preview of classes, the new programs brochure recently mailed to households in Harvard is a source of information about adult offerings at Indian Hill Music. “We want people to come away from their Facebook and their Netflix and connect with music live,” said Pampinella. She said that in addition to playing an instrument, learning about music can also be good for the brain. She called attention to an Oct. 13 program, “The Art of the Song with Dan Masterson,” that will address the question “What does it take to craft a good song?” Another engaging program for adults is the series “Friday Night Jazz” where audience members can listen to a trio and then stay to watch or play in an open jam session.
The Discovery Lectures on Tuesdays or Saturdays at noon throughout the year promises “a new level of musical insight” through such topics as “19th-Century Romanticism and Nationalism,” “From Copland to Cage—and Beyond,” and “How Do We Know It’s Mozart?”
The orchestra concerts can be learning experiences as well as pleasurable, relaxing ones. Pampinella said that artistic director and conductor Bruce Hangen, who has been affiliated with Indian Hill since 1997, is wonderful at giving preconcert talks. “He really knows his music and delivers what’s behind it so beautifully,” she said. A comment on the website called the preconcert talk and postconcert Q&A “outstanding discussions, scholarly yet informal.”
An added benefit Pampinella sees in getting more older people involved in the joys of music?
“Get less stressed adults.”
