Launched in 2008, North Bridge Magazine is a twice-yearly publication tailored to Acton, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Sudbury & Wayland residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in six of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: http://northbridgemagazine.epubxp.com/i/490312
area, including Sudbury, Concord, and Acton. We even have one band member who comes from South Lancaster, " says Muffitt. Aishwarya Sarma joined the SVNHM string orchestra, which began in 2010, as a beginner violinist in 2013. At 28, she is the local chapter's youngest member, by far. "Back in India," says Sarma who is a pharmacist and scientist and lives in Framingham, "I always dreamed of playing the violin, but education was always more important, so I didn't have the chance." When you attend a practice at Wayland Middle School with the band and the orchestra and watch them warm up, it becomes apparent that the great majority of members are 50 and above, a fact that Sarma cherishes. "I'm very proud to be part of this organization with its older people," she says. "I admire them for their enthusiasm. It's such a motivator to me. If they can do it, I can do it." The band and the orchestra both play two formal concerts a year at Wayland Middle School. They also play several concerts at area assisted living communities. Muffitt says the community and family members of the band really stand behind the organization and love to attend concerts. She notes "The groups play music at a variety of skill levels, from easy middle school level to music intended for adult musicians. No matter the level, the focus is on playing as musically as possible." According to Marjorie Keene of Sudbury, 72, who plays saxo- phone in the band, the concerts at the assisted living centers are especially rewarding. "We see what pleasure it brings to these peo- ple. They really appreciate it. They don't care if we squeak." There are a number of other benefits to being a part of this organization, says Keene, a retired physical education teacher who returned to music after a 55-year absence. "It's a wonderful feeling to play music with other people, especially when there's not pres- sure to play perfectly." She adds that she's made many good friends there in the seven years she has been in the band. Mary Beth Finch of Wayland, another band member who plays the flute, agrees. "I've met a lot of great people," the 63-year-old says, "and I would not have met them in any other way. I am always in a better mood after practice." She stresses that Muffitt also encourages group members to form smaller groups, like jazz ensembles or string quartets, so many people see their band friends more frequently than once a week. Another benefit is that being in the band helps members appre- ciate music more. According to Weston's Chandler, the band's elder statesman who was previously a guidance director at Weston High School, "This has helped me really understand music and appreciate concerts. It's widened my horizons." So, are you one of those people who listens to a concert and wishes you could play an instrument? Do you watch your child play an instrument and think it looks like fun? Muffitt says it's easy to participate in the SVNHM band or the orchestra. If you already play an instrument or are returning to an instrument that you used to play, you may join anytime of the year. Beginners start only in 34 ★ north bridge magazine ★ S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 Cellists Karen Fahmer and Diane Bladon, both of Wayland. Jamie Clark conducts the SVNHM swing band. P H O T O S B Y R U S S K E E N E