A New Sound at the Amelia Arts Academy
By Evelyn French • Photos courtesy of the Amelia Arts Academy

There's a new sound at the Amelia Arts Academy these days.

The New Horizons Band consists of men and women in the community over the age of 50 who have the desire to learn a new instrument, or brush up on their skills and play with other fellow band members in a concert setting.

The first New Horizons Band was founded in 1991 at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. The band was started by professor Roy Ernst in 1991 and is currently supported by a grant from NAMM International Music Products Association and the National Association of Band Instrument Manufacturers (NABIM). News of the band was spread through articles in publications such as The New York Times and was even featured on The Today Show on NBC. The idea soon spread to other communities, and now there are more than 80 New Horizons Bands in the United States, with many more bands and orchestras being planned for the future.

The New Horizons Band, with director Dr. John Mitchum,
during a practice session at the Peck Center. (Photo by Evelyn French)
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According to band director Dr. John Mitchum, "One of the benefits of the New Horizons Band is that people don't have that feeling of intimidation when joining a musical group like ours. Many members who join haven't picked up their instruments for many years." Whether you have been playing all along or haven't played a musical instrument since elementary school, don't worry - this is just the group for you to join. Everyone is encouraged to attend, no matter their level of talent. Band member and tuba player Eric Osteen said, "Its been 30 years or more since I played in a band setting, but it all comes back to you. There are some very talented people in our group and with the practices we just keep getting better."

Music is a way of experiencing life. It connects us to other individuals and cultures. In learning music you socialize with others and challenge yourself in many ways that help out mentally and physically.

The Amelia Island Chorale, under the direction
of Richard Dickson, at their spring concert.
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There is much more going on at the Amelia Arts Academy than just the New Horizons Band. The academy is here to cater to your artistic talents and needs. Music, dance, performance, you name it they've got it. Their mission is 'to build on the power of the arts to transform lives by engaging the community through creating, presenting and teaching of visual and performance arts.'

The academy offers classes, workshops, and summer camps in music, arts and dance at affordable rates to the community. All ages and ability levels are welcomed. There are individual and group lessons for year-round instruction. Some of the featured offerings are piano and guitar lessons, music theory and dancing of all disciplines. Private lessons can also be scheduled for voice, keyboard, percussion, wind instruments and string instruments. Or if music and performance arts are not your forte, perhaps you may want to try your hand at one of the many visual art programs such as painting and sculpture. The academy reaches more than 5,000 children and students in Nassau County and southeast Georgia. The academy is open to all children, adults and senior citizens. No matter your background, there is sure to be some activity to your liking.

Two young violinists perform at a recent recital.
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"Although the new economy is closely linked to technology, it depends all the more on skills cultivated by the arts - imagination, creativity, and comprehension thinking" says Richard Dickson, director of the Amelia Arts Academy. He goes on to say, "Disney and Warner Brothers, for example, cannot find enough creative people to supply their needs in the visual arts, writing and music. Disney tells us that they can teach computer knowledge, but they cannot teach us how to unlock one's imagination or how to harness one's talent to do truly creative work." Being able to explore these areas of the arts is important to people of all ages, races and cultures. The Amelia Arts Academy is a wonderful example of our local community reaching out into the art world.

Painting is one of the many activities available to
children through the Amelia Arts Academy.
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Art is used in everyday life more than one might think, from the design of your house or your favorite armchair, to the creation of your favorite movie or music selection. Have you ever thought about the time involved to create and design such common, everyday things? Just watch the credits after a movie is over - they can go on for many minutes listing all the people needed to create a full feature film for our enjoyment. And every time a new house is built, don't forget that someone had to draw the plans. The arts are all around us, and we need more and more people to get out there and explore them to keep the wave of talent and creation flowing.

The Amelia Arts Academy is currently located in the historic Peck Community Center, but next year, they will be moving to the First Baptist Church building in downtown Fernandina. The academy has many programs to offer the community. You or your children may benefit from their year-round activities, programs, classes and concerts. Please consult the tentative calendar of events below. For more information, please contact the Amelia Arts Academy at (904) 277-1225.