Valley seniors tune up their musical interests

PHOENIX - A group of Valley seniors may have retired from their day jobs, but definitely not from their musical interests.

Retired psychology professor Joan Cantor is a member of Desert Foothills New Horizons Band.

"I always wanted to play percussion," she said. "But, they told me, back in the old days, girls don't do that."

These days they do -- and, so does Cantor.

She also plays piano, timpani and xylophone.

The musical organization is celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year -- with nearly 200 New Horizons Bands across the world -- including two here in the Valley.

One is in Phoenix , the other is in Mesa.

The bands consist mostly of folks over the age of 50 who aren't ready to retire their love of music.

Some members, including Cantor, are rediscovering it. 

"During my teaching years, I rarely played piano, she said. So, for all intents and purposes, I really hadn't played anything for about 40 years."

Band members play at locations and events across the Valley and are always welcoming new talent -- no experience neccessary.

"It's wonderful for senior people to keep their brains working and be learning new things," Cantor said. "And, that forestalls the aging on our cognitive functioning."