By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Much has been said about the positive effects of an active senior lifestyle. But canasta, crocheting and crosswords are out these days. The old reliable standards are back. And some local seniors are making some pretty sweet music.
With tunes that stand the test of time – to the students just as timeless.
“I'm 79 the 23rd of this month,” said Brady Buchanan, a new musician.
Pull up a bench and enjoy a class in the musical old school.
“I loved the sounds on that organ,” said Nola Cox. She and her classmates are learning the ins and outs of the electric organ — a mass of keys, pedals and buttons.
At first…
“It just looks so hard,” said Cox.
“I'll do well just to play the notes,” said Lila Chambers, another new musician.
Now, after a few lessons from Lynette Mitchell…
“I thought it would be fun today if we had several students play,” said Mitchell.
Blue skies — are all that they see.
“Some days when I sit down and play my organ, the tears roll out of my eyes, for the simple reason that I say to myself, did I just play that?” said Cox.
It's the same for Brady Buchanan. “It never ends. There's an accomplishment up in the next level constantly,” he said.
Brady hadn't picked up his old violin since high school — in 1944. Now so many years later, he's got the bare necessities down pat. Just days from birthday number 80 — he says age, sore hands and weak eyes shouldn't ever get in the way.
“I said my God, I was 74 when I started this thing. I said that's a lousy excuse!”
It's just the rhythm of life where classic songs and classic musicians make time stand still — if only for a moment.
The seniors learn and play at Keith Jorgensen's Music Center in Henderson. They offer classes for all skill levels, from beginners to want-to-be virtuosos.
Email your comments to Reporter Jonathan Humbert.
