In early 1998, Dr. Deborah Rohwer, a professor of music education came to UNT, bringing with her the concept of sponsoring a “senior band,” entitled New Horizons Concert Band. They rehearsed at the Denton Senior Center, where they still reside. Quickly, the New Horizons Concert Band expanded to 25 musicians from several area towns. Some of the more accomplished musicians formed a “combo” to play more of the big band sound rather than the concert-oriented style, while continuing in the New Horizons concert band. The original members were Charley Hayes, Richard White and Jim Martin, shortly joined by Charlie Goodhue and Jim Staercke. After several discussions, they decided to call themselves “The Young At Heart Band.”
The current orchestra is comprised of: Gloria Ayers on alto sax, Mary Jane Bell on clarinet, George Holladay and Charley Hayes on tenor sax, Woody Wood on alto and soprano sax, Mary Wood on baritone, sax and piano, Terry Frushour, band leader, on baritone horn, C.A.Bell on trumpet, and Doug Ebersole on trombone. The rhythm section consists of George Williams on bass guitar, Ed Nachtweh on piano, Richard White on rhythm guitar and Peggy Morrison on percussion. Several of the members also help out with vocal arrangements.
Young at Heart Orchestra plays a variety of music, including waltzes, latin numbers, polkas, and country/western tunes. However, the primary focus is on the big band numbers that they sang, hummed and danced to while growing up. The mission is to bring enjoyment and memories as well as danceable music to their various audiences, in addition to having fun. They have played for churches, retirement homes, nursing homes, VFW’s, American Legion, Denton Country Club, parades, fundraisers, garden parties and rehab centers as well as the annual Denton Jazz Fest each April. While they are considered by many to be the resident band for the Denton Senior Center, where they rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, they often play outside gigs when possible, at reasonable fees when appropriate.
For additional information, please contact Terry Frushour at 940-383-4124 or George Holladay at 940-566-6515.
