Valley seniors learn to play instruments to fullfill dreams, stay mentally healthy

MESA, AZ - Valley seniors are turning to music in order to fulfill lifelong dreams and stay mentally sharp.

The “Sonic Seniors” are entering their fourth year as a group.

“It's reaching something I couldn't do as a child that I wanted to do,” said Patti Wooldridge, who has been a part of the group each year. “I wanted to play violin as a child but my mom and dad couldn’t afford that.”

The New Horizons Orchestra is based in Mesa. This year, over a dozen seniors are signed up and ready to play. The experience level varies, from years of practice, to those who have never touched an instrument.

“It’s one of the things that is being advocated strongly for older adults,” said Doris Gazda, head of the New Horizons Orchestra.

While this group gives seniors the chance to accomplish something they may have never done before, it also has health benefits. Patti Wooldridge is a nurse, and thinks the strum of a violin does much more than make a nice sound.

“It creates new neural pathways for aging people, which keeps your brain alive,” Wooldridge said.

The “Sonic Seniors” will continue to practice each week. They play a wide range of music, ranging from pop to classical.