NJ Intergenerational Orchestra Rocks
They call music the universal language, and the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra is the epitome of that idea.
Lorraine Marks, founder of the orchestra, is a modern-day crusader on a musical mission, reports CBS News Correspondent Anthony Mason.
For six years she's nurtured her pet project, the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, mothering the 140 members, who span all ages.
The orchestra, recently honored by the United Nations, is proof that young and old can harmonize together, can teach each other about caring and compassion, and making friends.
"Oh, yes, I’m sure we're friends. I put new strings on his cello for him," said 74-year-old cellist Derek Maishman about 13-year-old Josef Rodriguez.
Some of the older members are learning an instrument side by side with the grade schoolers.
Marks explains that for an older person to take up something new late in life is a very big step. "We almost call it brain calisthenics, because it's an exercise for themselves."
But many are retired professionals, like Helen Gottlieb, who's played the violin all her life.
"It's thrilling to have them say, 'Could you help me tune up or what's the bowing, and so on. And they do follow you,'" said Gottllieb.
"My stand partner is really nice to me. He helps me through the music, since I have some trouble," said Michelle McKenny.
"Older people have to have that feeling of being needed and wanted," said Marks. "Our society is so fragmented. You have senior citizen housing, you have assisted living where people aren't coming together anymore."
"Young people need the wisdom of the older people. You cannot separate them. They need to be brought together."
Lorraine Marks' orchestra is striving to bring us together, note by note, and bar by bar, using a language everyone can understand.