In August 2018, I started an intergenerational concert band class, combining local homeschool teens, members from the Lake Worth Senior Center, a decent amount of nervous energy, and a hefty dose of my very rusty band teacher skills.
A few rehearsals in, the personality of the group had already emerged and it was obvious that we needed a much cooler name than "intergenerational concert band".
Several off-the-wall suggestions, a lively discussion, and one vote later, the Generation Gap Concert Band was born.
We started out as I've started every other beginning band - squeaking and honking our way through Concert Bb and Mary Had a Little Lamb - but by December (a mere 14 rehearsals later) we were performing legitimate Christmas concert music.
Our group evolved rapidly, moving from almost complete reliance on me as instructor to a more collaborative style, with students frequently turning to each other for help or giving out pointers on this fingering or that technique. Some students had been playing for years and others were complete newbies. Some already knew how to read music, others had a knack for playing by ear and feel. Regardless of age or experience (which are not necessarily synonymous), each student had something unique and vital to contribute.
Like most of the world, we were forced to break up the band during the pandemic in order to protect our Senior members. Although the teens and I kept chugging along, there was a gaping hole where our missing colleagues were meant to be. In August 2021, we were finally able to get the band back together and we’ve been going strong ever since!
In August 2023, due to increased interest from the homeschool community, I started a second class, again of combined experience levels, which was called the Next Generation Concert Band. The 2023-2024 school year brought wonderful students, new musical experiences and was truly a year of growth and challenge for me!
However, interest in a second group dwindled, and since Aug 2024, we've been enjoying the experience of being one large ensemble again.
And when I say "large", I mean it! In August of 2018, we had just 8 students and now, in the spring of 2026, we have 27! It's definitely time to take the next step forward!
Starting in the 26-27 school year, I will once again be offering two classes! This time, however, they will be divided by playing experience. Generation Gap Beginning Band will be for students who are totally new to their instrument (as well as any experienced students who want more playing time, or perhaps want to learn a new instrument). Generation Gap Concert Band will be for my experienced students. Although there are many benefits that happen when beginners sit next to experienced players, I believe that both groups of students will grow immensely from this change.
To my homeschool friends: If you have students who are 11+ (or will turn 11 by the end of the year) and you'd like to join us, please fill out the contact form on this site.
To my friends who are 55+, I invite you to consider joining our group! Lake Worth Senior Center has no residency requirements, though you will need to sign their membership agreement. If you ever wanted to learn a band instrument, or if you've wanted to get back into playing, this is a great group to join!
- Jacqueline
I have a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Arizona and am a certified Texas music educator. My dad was a music teacher for over 30 years and passed his love of music and teaching on to me. In 1994, at age 11, I started playing French Horn and have enjoyed a rich experience of private lessons, youth orchestra, band and orchestra festivals and camps, as well as small ensembles. I have 10+ years’ experience teaching public school general music, band, and orchestra, as well as homeschool general music and band.
I am passionate about music education and I can’t describe how much joy I find in watching the GGBP students come together and learn and grow as musicians. This class is as much for me as it is for the students!