Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Marks-Field of the Florida Intergenerational Orchestra.
Lorraine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra (FLIOA) under the direction of founder/conductor Lorraine Marks-Field is based in Boca Raton. the FLIOA is a nonprofit community orchestra, educational and cultural organization that currently has musicians spanning the ages of 8- 99. The mission of the FLIOA is to bridge the generations, with music and musical performances. Our unique environment encourages, nurtures and promotes closer relationships between the generations. We foster: role modeling, character building, responsibility, self esteem, confidence, maturity, team spirit, feeling of accomplishment, and appreciation of the arts. We have 65 members in our symphony orchestra and 25 members in the chamber orchestra. Musicians need not audition to become a member of the FLIOA; everyone of all abilities is welcome. All that is needed is a willingness to perform and attend rehearsals and concerts. The adult musicians that mentor younger players have new meaning to their lives and the younger players benefit from the wisdom of the elders, as well as improving their musical skills. We consider ourselves “America’s First Destination Orchestra” because we have musicians that visit us from all over the USA, Canada and the World perhaps on vacation or to retire here. The musicians that come to visit tryout the orchestra in hopes to retire in our area and many subsequently move here and become members. We promote “successful aging through music” and we are doing just that! Music is very powerful with the ability to aide in “healing” I have the testimonials to this as a number of recent widows and cancer patient members see the orchestra as a very important therapeutic influence on their health and well-being. Our orchestra rehearses on Thursday nights at the St. Andrews Estates South located in Boca Raton. St. Andrew Estates is an independent living community whose residents enjoy the rehearsals and the interaction with the musicians of many generations . Concerts are given 3 times each season in Boca Raton. In addition to concerts, we have Outreach programs that take us to perform in school settings and in other venues throughout South Florida.
What gave me the idea to start an intergenerational orchestra was my experience learning how to play the viola. My teacher invited me to play with his group of adult musicians, who became my role models. “What motivated me to practice was sitting downtown next to an older adult and having them mentor me.”
My first intergenerational orchestra was formed in New Jersey and still exists. When I moved to South Florida, I wanted to create a new group. I did so with help from my husband, Bob. He is a retired public defender and now he manages the orchestra and plays piano in the orchestra.
It gives me such joy to see the musicians come together to learn and perform. “Sometimes the students are better than the adults and they help the adults,” “It’s about relationships and mentorship.”
As for the more senior performers, the orchestra gives them an activity to look forward to every week. “They sit down and play their instruments and forget for a few moments their pain and aging, it invigorates them”. “Music helps people in their lives.”
I am sending you our latest PR and Event Listings. Did you know that we have members and audiences that come from all over the USA to South Florida to play with or hear the Florida Intergenerational Orchestra in Boca Raton? Many are “Snowbirds ” and just join us for part of our season. No auditions! Some musicians miss their music experience and find our orchestra to continue their music making. We are considered, “America’s First Destination Orchestra”. NEWS: We have created an intergenerational coloring book titled, “Color the Music”.
Florida Intergenerational Orchestra Interactive Coloring Book is for all ages. Learn about the instruments of the orchestra. Be inspired – we created a 31-page intergenerational coloring book which explains all of the instruments of a symphony orchestra, including how to listen to them in different selections of music from classical to pop. When you attend concerts these days, you will find that most of the people in the audience are older adults. The purpose of the coloring book is to enable grandparents, parents and children to all share in the wonder of classical, semi-classical and popular music as played by a symphony orchestra. The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra is just what the word means — a combination of older adults and youthful musicians, about 65 of us – from the ages of 9 to 96. We know how important it is to blend with the generations and learn from each other. We use this book as a guide to the intergenerational orchestra at our concerts.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting the word out about the orchestra… finding venues for rehearsal and performances are always challenging.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (FLIOA) – what should we know?
We are a unique symphony orchestra with musicians ages 8 to 99. We are a destination orchestra, members are from all over the USA and Canada :some snowbirds, visitors and residents of various South Florida communities.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The willingness to share passion for the music, with the knowledge that it can enhance the lives of the musicians as well as the community.
Contact Info:
- Address: Phone 561 482-8206
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.flioa.org
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