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Whether you’ve never played an instrument before or have played your entire life, PMAC has a wide variety of creative opportunities for adults. We’ll even assist you in renting an instrument. Explore your creativity in an ensemble or class. It is never too late to begin! NEW HORIZONS ENSEMBLESThe New Horizons Program was founded at the Eastman School of Music by professor Roy Ernst and has quickly become a national phenomenon. The goal of the program is to give adults an opportunity to experience the joy of music in an ensemble setting. Learn music in a fun and supportive environment. This is an incredible experience for you, the music instructors and conductors as well. There will never be any pressure exerted on you. You are totally in charge of yourself, and the only expectations will be those you place on yourself. Have fun and get prepared to experience the wonderful joy that is music! The New Horizons BandRuss Grazier, Director
The New Horizons Band’s motto is “your best is good enough!” This non-auditioned group is for adults who play a band instrument at any level. If you are just learning to play an instrument, jump right in and play. If your goal is to return to the instrument you played in your youth, this is the group for you. From big band favorites to Sousa marches, the New Horizons Band has a diverse repertoire that is fun and challenging to play. Part of a nation-wide movement, the PMAC band is one of more than a hundred New Horizons Bands. Instrumentation includes flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, tuba and percussion.
Day and time: Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9 p.m. The New Horizons String EnsembleKatie Papini, Director
This ensemble is the string companion to the New Horizons Band. Designed for adults who are learning to play a string instrument as well as those who played in their youth and wish to play again, this is an excellent opportunity for those who have always wanted to play in an orchestra. In the first hour the violins and violas work together in one group whilde the cellos and basses work together in another. Then, the entire group comes together in the second hour to rehearse a wide variety of music for beginner to intermediate orchestra.
Day and time: Thursdays, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
The New Horizons Jazz EnsembleBryan Bergeron-Killough, Director, with guest appearances by Matt Langley
The New Horizons Jazz Ensemble offers adults the opportunity to explore jazz and improvisation in an enriching and supportive environment. This ensemble is designed for adults who play an instrument at the beginner to intermediate level - no prior jazz or improvisation experience is necessary to join the group. Starting with the most basic concepts, students will learn to play and improvise solos over some of the great jazz standards. Ensemble members will develop a variety of jazz skills including swing rhythms and improvising with blues and jazz scale and chords
Day and time: Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 p.m. The New Horizons Blues BandBryan Bergeron-Killough, Director
PMAC's most popular adult ensemble - get your groove on with the Blues Band. This group welcomes all players, no matter the instrument, and features a strong horn section in addition to the traditional guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. Past performances include an appearance at the 2005 Portsmouth Blues Festival with T.J. Wheeler and opening for Rattlenake Shake at the Portsmouth VFW in Spring 2007. Learn to improvise blues solos and have a one-of-a-kind jam session experience each week. Most of the music is written by members of the ensemble and instructor Chris Weisman. Like all New Horizons ensembles, this group welcomes beginners and new members at all times.
Day and time: Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9 p.m. CHAMBER ENSEMBLESAdult Flute ChoirKibbie Straw, instructor
PMAC's most popular chamber ensemble, this flute choir is a fun outlet and a comfortable learning experience for teenagers and adult flutists of beginner to intermediate levels. A variety of music in a range of style is worked on technically and musically throughout the semester. The music will be performed at the end of each semester at a recital designed by the group.
Day and time: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Adult Saxophone EnsembleRuss Grazier, Director
Focusing on ensemble skills, the Adult Saxophone Ensemble plays an eclectic repertoire with arrangements of music from the Renaissance to the present. Whether playing Dixieland or a Bach Fugue, the goal is to improve playing skills while having fun. It is a wonderful way to improve music reading skills and general playing technique. The group focuses on saxophone quartet repertoire, with some pieces for saxophone quintet. The wide variety of recent arrangements played by the saxophone ensemble include "Ain't Misbehavin'," "The Amroth Tango," "Stella by Starlight," and "Londonderry Air." Open to early-intermediate to advanced level saxophonists who play soprano, alto, tenor or baritone saxophone.
Day and time: Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
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Adult Ensembles and Classes
