Dorian Kimball bought an accordion at a yard sale in 1972 with the intention of using it for the fifth and sixth grade students at Merrimack Valley Middle School, where he teaches. The accordion sat in a box for more than 30 years until she decided, “If I’m going to play it anyway, I might as well do something with it.”
In 2005, she decided to start taking lessons at Accordion Connection, a music store that once existed in Gilmanton. Kimball, who spent a year reluctantly taking piano lessons as a child, said she still remembers how to read music, even though she hasn’t been involved in music for decades.
Now, every other Friday morning, she gathers with several other musicians at the Citywide Community Center in Concord for a musical jam session featuring several violinists, guitarists, harmonists and other performers.
“It’s a great way to get out and meet new people and just have fun in a relaxed atmosphere,” Kimball said. “In music, there’s often a lot of pressure to do it right, but that’s not the case. There’s no pressure.”
She and group member Becky Bukowski formed the group last year in hopes of building connections through music and helping people reconnect with their musical sides.
“We’re just having fun,” Kimball added. “It’s nice to meet you. We’ll talk about music, we’ll play. We’ll play it from the beginning and say, ‘Oh my god, this was terrible.’ After playing it a few more times, you’ll be like, “Wow, that sounds pretty good.” ”
On a Friday morning, the musicians stream into the room, set up their stands, chat about the songs they’ve been practicing, and crack jokes with each other. After warming up, they discuss the songs they would like to play that day.
Violinist Leo Bouvet began learning to play the violin at the age of 75. He recalled that his father played multiple instruments when he was young, but stopped by the time Bouvet was 8 or 9 years old.
“This group helps me a lot,” Bouvet said. “I’m trying to learn to play by ear.”
He takes violin lessons and finds that attending musical jams gives him a sense of community that he doesn’t get from private lessons. His fellow group members emphasized the importance of the unity they derive from each other.
Guitarist Paige Cannon said, “I found it easier to get up and get excited about my music when I played with other people in a space like this.”
Bukowski began playing the violin at the age of 50. Her father had three violins. She had them repaired and now plays one with Musical Jam and the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble.
“I read an article that said learning a new instrument and a new language is good for the brain. I didn’t think I could learn a new language, so I went and picked up the violin,” Bukowski said. “I don’t have time for that while I’m working.”
Noel Gagne, who is also a violinist, says that over time he found his way back to music.
“My mother made us all take piano lessons. I had a violin when I was 10 years old,” Gagne added.
She currently enjoys reconnecting with her musical roots by performing with Bukowski in musical jams and fiddle ensembles.
The group held a concert in May at one of its monthly luncheons for seniors. They hope to get more participants and hopefully perform again in the future. We welcome interested seniors to join our group, regardless of experience level or instrument.
“Everyone needs music, but maybe they just don’t know it yet,” says harmonist Jeanne North.
Musical Jams are held at 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of each month at community centers citywide.
Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com.
