Viewfinder: Seniors Play It Again

It's hard to say what you hear first as you open the doors to the Hartland Senior Center on a Tuesday afternoon – the varied tones of wind instruments being tuned, snippets of songs in rehearsal, or the happy sounds of laughter and fellowship.

The Hartland Second-Wind Ensemble, made up of seniors over 50 who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, rehearses at the Center on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., and is open to new performers, regardless of experience level.

Most of the musicians in the group played once upon a time, but many haven't picked up their instruments since high school. Some haven't played in 30 or 40 years and are enjoying the challenge of relearning a forgotten skill.  Others have a long history in music or music education, and are stretching their talents by trying a completely new instrument.

The ensemble plays a variety of music, including show tunes, marches and classics such as "America the Beautiful."

The ensemble is led by Larry Detter, a retired music educator who taught for nearly 40 years in the Farmington Public Schools and is an accomplished musician himself. Detter performs with the Farmington Community Band and the Livingston County Concert Band.

"We're always open to new musicians," said Detter.

There are no auditions and no requirements to join the group other than a love of music and an instrument. And even the instrument is negotiable. The center has some instruments to loan to musicians who have lost track of their own along the way.

You may have caught the ensemble's performance last year during Hartland Heritage Days. If you missed that, the group has a concert scheduled 7 p.m. June 7 at .

Tickets are $15 at the door and refreshments are included.