After retiring from Claremont Math and Science Academy in 2012,
Joy Reeves was ready for a new challenge. Her grandson had
recently taken up playing the saxophone, and seeing how much fun
he was having learning a musical instrument, Joy knew what she
wanted to do with her newfound free time.

Digging out the clarinet her daughter had
played while in high school, Joy began taking private music
lessons. After about a year, her instructor pointed out that
nothing can really compare to playing music with a group, and
pointed her toward the New Horizons Band, an ensemble that
welcomes adults of all levels of musical proficiency to hone
their skills together as a group.

Though slightly apprehensive of joining a group after just a year
of musical experience, Joy was glad she followed her instructor’s
advice and took the leap. Not only did she learn a lot from the
band, but she also made a bunch of new friends. In addition to
rehearsing twice a week with the whole group, she also regularly
practices with just the clarinet section to work on their parts.
Whenever the music proves to be a bit too challenging for a
beginner, her director and fellow bandmates are happy to offer
tips and advice. The band regularly performs at schools,
churches, and other local venues, and Joy has found that there’s
nothing quite like “the joy of playing before an audience as part
of a well-rehearsed group with a common purpose.”

While she freely admits to still not being
the most proficient musician, none of that matters to the New
Horizons Band, just as long as you’re willing to try; a sentiment
any former teacher can get behind.