Music is often seen as a bridge that connects people. An international language that holds the power to transcend borders and bring folks together, even in times of divisiveness.
Music, in many ways, can also be timeless and span generations. Tunes like “God Bless the USA'' and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” are still heard today and serve as a sentimental reminder of the past. And, if you're especially lucky, you may be able to catch the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band (PASCB) playing those very tunes during one of its concerts.
Gary Johnson is president of PASCB and has been involved for about seven years. More importantly, he's a clarinet and saxophone player.
“I'm blessed that I have the ability still to provide this opportunity of music which uplifts everybody,” explained Johnson. “You see the old hands start to tap; the feet will tap. If they can't do that, they'll sway from side to side.”
The band’s history dates back to 1968 when a saxophone player by the name of Henry Skinner started "the old man’s band." The first conductor was Ed Shepardson, former principal of Richwoods High School. When women were permitted to play in the band, the name was changed to Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band. However, the date in which that happened is unknown.
Seniors making music for seniors
The band travels around Greater Peoria to different retirement and nursing homes, as well as memory care facilities to bring music directly to the door of those who sometimes need it most. After all, the band's motto is "Seniors making music for seniors," and they're in their 55th season of doing just that.
“At several concerts, some of the residents will get up and dance,” said Bill Albers, trombone player and member of PASCB for the past 10 years. “There's one pair, I think it's in Roanoke, who are really good…they dance to every tune. But they seem to enjoy it. They give us a lot of applause…we usually get a standing ovation, probably not well deserved,” he added laughing.
The band's season lasts from April through early September and currently boasts 51 members, many of them retired music teachers or conductors. However, no audition or professional music experience is necessary to join the band.
Susie Dunnan plays the saxophone and serves as the band's secretary. For many of the seniors experiencing the music, it has the power to bring them back in time, she said.
“This lady yesterday came up and said, ‘My husband and I were professional dancers, and we traveled the country.' And then, you know, the memory will spark…the tunes we play will bring back some rich memories for them, and that's very healthy for them to go back and relive some of those happy times in their lives, and music does that.”
Comeback season
Aside from the audience members, Dunnan said the seniors participating in the band often view it as a type of comeback.
“Let's get our horn back out of the closet, see if it still works, see if I can blow into it,” explained Dunnan. “Some will still have their beginning music books and work on the fingerings and their mouth…some have even asked us for some music to practice just to see if they can still do it. And with a little practice, they'll find that there's no pressure. There's no tryouts in our band, and we take them as they come.”
Dunnan herself put down her instrument for 37 years before deciding it was time to dust it off again. Albers is a retired physician who enjoyed marching band in high school, but gave up his instrument to focus on his career. After retiring, he picked up the trombone again, joined the band and hasn't looked back since.
“I like it because we don't practice. We don't rehearse. We have one rehearsal each year on April Fool's Day,” said Albers.
Just one rehearsal is all that's necessary to get the band into shape to play roughly 20 concerts a season.
Jim Jones is someone who also understands what it’s like to pick up an instrument again. He's a member of the band, as well as the president of the Peoria Heights Community Band, which is about 75% seniors. That band was formed in 1986 and is currently in its 37th year playing music at Tower Park in Peoria Heights and at senior living facilities around the area.
“You'll see people that are in various stages of health, and we started playing, say, a big band tune or a Broadway show or something like that, and right away, they perk up their foot, start stomping, maybe even the hands start moving a little bit…the rewarding part of that is to bring that music to people that may or may not have exposure to it,” said Jones.
Jones himself took a 50-year hiatus from his saxophone. He said if you have a love for music, that's something that never really leaves you. That's what makes bands like the Peoria Heights one so attractive to seniors.
“You want to provide others with enjoyment the same way as you get enjoyment out of it. And so therefore, it's a multi-tasking opportunity. Not only is it a task to do it, but it's enjoyable to spread around to other people,” he said.
River Valley Big Band
While the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band ends its season in September, that month marks the beginning of the River Valley Big Band's season. The band is currently gearing up to enter season seven of making music.
Dunnan started that band about eight years ago with retired Washington Community High School Band director Ken Hess to provide even more music making and music enjoying opportunities for older folks around central Illinois. Hess recently retired from the band, playing his last concert as director on Aug. 30. The River Valley Big Band now welcomes professor Tony Jones of Illinois Central College as its new director.
While the senior citizens band primarily plays private concerts for the residents of senior living facilities, the River Valley Big Band performs public concerts as well, including 14 this summer. However, Johnson said anyone interested in catching a senior citizen’s band concert can call the facility beforehand to assess the capacity. The two bands share a lot of the same membership and are always looking for more opportunities to play publicly.
More than just making music
The impact all these bands has on both the seniors in them and the audiences who listen is not to be underestimated. Recently, Dunnan said overheard a member state these bands had saved his life.
“And I said, ‘Why are you saying that?’ He said, ‘Well my wife passed away a few years ago. I had nothing going on…without these two bands and for me to get up and practice, rehearse…and to come and drive’...He never misses. He's always there. And that put me back a step that someone would feel that strongly,” said Dunnan.
These bands and the importance of continuing to play music as you age is especially personal to Gary Johnson. Two years ago, he had a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body. While he was able to recover with therapy and the support of good doctors, he recalled a conversation he had with his neurologist.
“And he said, music…playing an instrument…the only thing you could do more for both sides of your brain would be to take a new instrument up,” explained Johnson. “He said, whatever you're doing right now, keep it up because it gets no better no matter what your age is…playing a musical instrument uses both sides of your brain. It keeps you young, and that's what we provide for the older folks. We keep them young,” he said.
Age is just a number
Jim Jones agreed with that sentiment. As folks age, Jones said it's important to consider how they can continue to extend their education regarding the world around them.
“You're looking for things that stimulate your mind and your brain and stuff like that. That's what this stuff does as well. I mean, just being able to read music and work within a team setting such as what a band is, it's an enjoyable thing,” Jones said. “And if you like that, and you want to spread that around and give others exposure that you enjoy, then it becomes a good opportunity.”
But is it ever too late to pick up an instrument and learn? According to Jones, “No, not at all. No. In fact, I highly recommend it to people…I'd be the first to stand up and say do it.”
After all, age is just a number. Gary Johnson said the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band recently had its oldest member retire — 95-year-old French horn player Marge Bjorklund.
“Marge was the epitome of the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band, a sweeter lady you won't find,” said Johnson.
Whether it's the joy that comes from being a member of the band, or the memories that come flooding back when listening to the music as an audience member, there's no doubt that within all these bands, music has power — thanks to those who continue to make it.
For those interested in more information about the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band, contact Gary Johnson at 309-840-0275, or visit their Facebook page. Inquiries regarding the River Valley Big Band can be directed to Susie Dunnan at 309-229-9765, as well as Facebook. Find more information regarding the Peoria Heights Community Band on Facebook, or by calling 309-692-3166.
