At Wind Crest, Bob and Patty Lee Pick Up the Instruments They Played as Teens

Bob and Patricia "Patty" Lee started playing instruments at a young age. However, like many hobbies and interests, their clarinet and trumpet fell by the wayside when life got busy.

"I started playing the clarinet in fifth grade and continued through high school," Patty says.

Likewise, Bob played the trumpet from sixth grade through high school but stopped when he joined the Navy.

A positive move

Shortly after moving to Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., they heard that there was a resident-led band at the community--the perfect opportunity to pursue their love of music in retirement.

"I never picked up a clarinet again after 1960--until we moved here!" says Patty.

Now, the couple regularly practices and performs with the band, appreciating the fact that they have more free time to truly enjoy this chapter of their lives.

Experienced vocalists

For most of Bob's military career, he ran computer operations throughout the Pacific. Whenever he and Patty were transferred to a different location, he would immediately look up the closest military churches and chapels to see where they could attend service and sing with a choir.

The couple joined choirs in San Diego and Monterey, Calif.; near Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii; and in Guam. "We traveled to so many places while Bob was in the military. We sang all over," says Patty.

They didn't know at the time, but their years of singing were preparation for picking up their instruments once again in retirement.

At the time, Wind Crest's band had about six members, and they were looking for more. When the band leader discovered Bob and Patty used to play, he asked them to join. They were willing to try, but there was one problem--they no longer had any instruments.

"The next thing you know, a clarinet appears at our door! There was also a trumpet for Bob," says Patty.

They also received a book of songs before their first practice. "We're lucky we sang so much because we are able to read the music," says Patty. "So, we just started practicing."

Back in the groove

It didn't take long for Bob and Patty to get back in the groove. "It was slow going at first, but the band members were very patient with us," notes Patty.

Led by resident Steve Mallinson, the Wind Crest Band is comprised of 22 residents. The entire band practices together each week, and Patty will sometimes practice with the other two clarinet players. Bob usually does the same with the other trumpets.

"We've got some people in the band who have played in local orchestras," says Bob. "We've got a good blend of folks with different abilities."

The band plays three major concerts each year--a spring-summer concert, one on Independence Day, and a holiday performance.

The spring-summer concert features songs like "Summertime" from the opera Porgy and Bess as well as numbers from West Side Story, Appalachian Spring, and many more. For the holiday concert, they play festive hits such as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "Carol of the Bells."

But July 4th is when the band really shines. They perform on the patio of the community's Windows restaurant with residents spread out across the grass on blankets or in chairs to listen. Playing a salute to the military, lots of marches, and patriotic songs like "God Bless America," Patty says, "We have quite a big production!"

After concerts, residents offer praise. "That makes you feel good," says Bob. "It's so rewarding."

Practicing at home

The Lees love their two-bedroom, two-bath home, which sometimes acts as a practice studio.

The couple warned their neighbors that the music might be loud at times, but it turned out to be unnecessary. "They can't hear us! But we don't practice together. She goes for a long walk, tells me when she'll be back, and then I get my trumpet out," says Bob, with a chuckle.

In addition to power walking around the community, Patty helps with sales at the community's Treasure Chest thrift shop. Bob is an active member of the veterans' group.

'We love it!'

But what they enjoy most of all is playing with the band--an unexpected joy made possible thanks to Wind Crest's vibrant atmosphere and worry-free lifestyle.

"It keeps me active," says Bob. "I like getting together with the others."

Patty adds, "Playing in the band, getting together with people, and being able to entertain--we love it!"

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski