People of all ages join together to make beautiful music By Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa Pam Barton rehearses with the Toms River Seasons Multigenerational Orchestra. Bridging the generation gap through music, Seasons Multigenerational Orchestras successfully integrate fresh, young musicians with musically experienced seniors - producing heavenly sounds for the pleasure of the community. With rehearsal sites in the Princeton Village Community, Toms River Intermediate High School and a soon-to-be third location in Monroe (at an area school or possibly the Senior Center), the Multigenerational Orchestras never hold auditions. Rather, they practice and play as a community group, not a formal organization. "Kids in various stages of an instrument, music teachers, and amateur seniors who play unusual instruments make up the majority of the orchestras," explains William Kauffman, president of Seasons Multigenerational Orchestras and something of a Harold Hill, The Music Man personality, in that he has no musical background whatsoever, yet spends a great deal of time recruiting orchestra members from local schools and various senior centers. "The joy," he says, "is getting these unlikely people together to share music and life." Children learn a great deal from their counterparts in the orchestras, including a respect for elders and a commitment to their chosen instruments. The success of the orchestras is built on a team-sport philosophy, a noble approach in this individual-achievement society. The seniors have the opportunity to share their life experience and to enjoy the companionship of these energetic youngsters. Together they strive for a common goal - beautiful music. Through regularly scheduled rehearsals, the children develop their musical skills without constant nagging to practice from well-meaning parents. The seniors are given the chance to pick up where they left off musically, many years ago. For seniors, rehearsing with the diverse group sharpens rusty skills and brings about surprising bonuses - camaraderie with much younger musicians, and feelings of purpose and accomplishment which bolster confidence and self-esteem. "In an age where kids rarely interact with older adults and seniors have lost touch with the younger crowd, the Multigenerational Orchestras have brought these opposites together to form a mutual respect and genuine fondness for each other and for their generations," says Kauffman. The nonprofit organization performs several times each year, at community occasions mostly, but has also performed at the U.S. Capitol as well as jointly with musicians from Spain at the United Nations Conference on Aging in Madrid. For information on Seasons Multigenerational Orchestras rehearsal sites, times and performances, contact William Kauffman at (609) 208-0029.