New Horizons Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Goshen New Horizons String Orchestra began and why?
- How many people are currently involved?
- What is the rehearsal schedule?
- Who is Brook Bennett?
- Is it possible to carpool if I live in Elkhart or other locations?
- Can I rent or purchase an instrument? How much does it cost?
- I have small hands. Can I still play a stringed instrument?
- My fingers often hurt and I have some arthritis. Is it possible for me to even play an instrument?
- How much does it cost to participate in New Horizons String Orchestra?
- Is there Financial Aid available?
- Are there other fringe benefits to being a member of New Horizons Orchestra?
- What is your cancellation policy for inclement weather?
- Can any age participate in New Horizons String Orchestra?
- What ages are most of the members of NHSO?
- Which New Horizons class is best for me?
- Where can I find more information about the New Horizons organization?
- How frequently does NHSO perform?
- I have more questions that aren't covered here. Who
can I contact for more information?
Q: When did Goshen New Horizons String Orchestra began and why?
A: Goshen New Horizons String Orchestra formed in January, 2007 to give an opportunity for community adults to learn to play a string instrument or pick it up again after not playing for a long time. There are numerous benefits to music making including social opportunities, bonuses to health, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Q: How many people are currently involved?
A: New Horizons presently has 15 members, and is accepting new registrations.
Q: What is the rehearsal schedule?
A: New Horizons meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Greencroft Senior Center. The Green Orchestra (beginning players) meets from 9:15-10:15 a.m., and the New Horizons String Orchestra (intermediate and advanced players) from 10:00-11:15 a.m. The two rehearsals will briefly overlap.
A: Brook Bennett has been a faculty instructor with the CSA since September, 2004. A registered Suzuki cello instructor, Brook studied Suzuki pedagogy with Catherine Walker and at the Chicago Suzuki Institute with Barbara Wampner. He is also a faculty member in the Credo Chamber Music Association's "Opus 1" program and was a faculty member in Credo's 2007 summer program. He is a former faculty member of the New York City-based Amadeus Conservatory of Music and Musika. Brook has directed the New Horizons String Orchestra since its inception in January, 2007.
Q: Is it possible to carpool if I live in Elkhart or other locations?
A: YES! Several people have carpooled together from Elkhart and it is generally easy to work out a carpool arrangement with other interested members.
Q: Can I rent or purchase an instrument? How much does it cost?
A: The Goshen College Community School of the Arts offers New Horizons members a special discounted rate for members in the Orchestra. Rental is $20 per month for all instruments, and if you wish to purchase, violins are $300, violas are $350, and cellos are $400. String basses are currently only available for rental ($30/month).
Q: I have small hands. Can I still play a stringed instrument?
A: Smaller-sized violas and cellos are available and make it easier for those with smaller hands.
Q: My fingers often hurt and I have some arthritis. Is it possible for me to even play an instrument?
A: Yes! Many with this problem find that the challenge of training your hand muscles on an instrument can help keep the hand active and loose. We frequently encourage doing warm-up exercises together before playing to prevent tension in hands, as well as preventing pain. We want to make playing as easy and possible as it can be!
Q: How much does it cost to participate in New Horizons String Orchestra?
A: Tuition is $150 for 15 weeks. Registration through the Community School of the Arts is required. Call or visit the Music Center Main Office for more information: (574) 535-7361.
Q: Is there Financial Aid available?
A: Need-based financial aid is available through the Community School of the Arts. If interested in applying for financial aid, please contact the Music Center Office at (574) 535-7361.
Q: Are there other fringe benefits to being a member of New Horizons Orchestra?
A: All participants in New Horizons also are eligible for a CSA "purple pass" that grants free admission for yourself and a spouse to many Music Department and Music Center concerts. Contact the Music Center Office at (574) 535-7361 for more information about which concerts are included.
Q: What is your cancellation policy for inclement weather?
A: New Horizons follows the decisions made by the Goshen Community Schools weather cancellation policy. When Goshen schools are cancelled, New Horizons will be postponed and made-up at another date. New Horizons WILL meet however if there is only a delay for the Goshen Public School System.
Q: Can any age participate in New Horizons String Orchestra?
A: Any adult over 30 can participate.
Q: What ages are most of the members of NHSO?
A: most of our members are between 55 at 85 years old.
Q: Which New Horizons class is best for me?
A: The Green Orchestra is for beginning players with little or no experience, or for those who want to review from the beginning if they've played in high school or earlier but haven't since. The New Horizons Orchestra is for intermediate and more advanced players - those who have learned in the Green Orchestra previously or who are comfortable with more advanced music.
Q: Where can I find more information about the New Horizons organization?
A: Visit the New Horizons Organization website at www.newhorizonsmusic.org
Q: How frequently does NHSO perform?
A: New Horizons String Orchestra ensembles perform at least one concert each term: Fall, Spring, and Summer. This year's concerts include a Christmas concert in Winter 2007, and a "hymn play" in November. New Horizons also performs around the community and for those in the Greencroft Health Care and Activities Center.
Q: I have more questions that aren't covered here. Who can I contact for more information?
A: Director Brook Bennett is available to answer questions about New Horizons String Orchestra. Please call him at (574) 238-6883
Register for New Horizons Orchestra through CSA (pdf)