photo credit Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha
Symbolized by a rose in full bloom and a rose bud, the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha (IGO Omaha) joins older, experienced musicians with young musicians, using a love of music to bridge generation gaps. The Orchestra explains that, “The rose in full bloom signifies the lifetime of experience the older musicians bring to the group, while the rosebud represents the emerging talents of our younger artists.” This intergenerational program is a win-win for all involved; the young gain the opportunity to develop their skills, while older participants are able to play the music they love well past the age of retirement. Perhaps more significantly, both young and old find support and friendship as they pursue musical excellence.
With the goal of joining two distinct generations “through the universal language of music,” the IGO of Omaha was started by Chris Gillette, current project director of the Orchestra and the director of the Community Services Division of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA), and former co-worker Cora Lee Bell. The Orchestra was initially funded by a grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, but has since been supported by numerous other grants, donations, memberships, fundraisers, and performance fees, and a sponsorship from ENOA. The Orchestra is run by an elected board of directors, which includes two younger and two older musicians.
The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha has an average of 60 musicians ranging in age from 12 to 82 years. Musicians may audition if they are age 25 years or younger or 50 years and older, with no minimum or maximum age restrictions. The Orchestra attracts top talent, including its conductor, Chuck Penington, now in his 26th year conducting the Orchestra. He has performed with such musical legends as Tom Jones, Henry Mancini, Wayne Newton, and Engelbert Humperdinck and conducted orchestras for such major stars as George Burns, Bob Hope, and Bob Newhart. Performances encompass a variety of composition types, including movie and television themes, popular hits from different eras, and even some of Penington's original work.
The Orchestra's season runs from September through April, with ten to 15 concerts each year, in a wide range of venues including retirement homes, schools, and private events. Although most performances are in the greater Omaha region, IGO Omaha has toured nationally ten times, performing in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Mount Rushmore, Kansas City, Dallas, and Colorado's Estes Park.
The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha is an example of a great approach to bridging generation gaps. Young musicians have the chance to learn from seasoned performing artists, while inspiring the creativity of older adults. Through IGO Omaha, the community expands the positive impact of its older residents. The Orchestra's capacity is not huge, but it continues to influence its older adult audiences, who see their peers pursuing an activity they love and taking pleasure in performing with young people. They are thus encouraged to make the most of their older years and find ways to give back to their communities.
More information can be found at the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha website