Community members performing include (front row, left to right) Phyllis Noble and Carole Okey of Westfield, Susan Forster of California, Janet Stout of Angola and Nancy Larson of Lakewood; (second row, left to right) Bill Loftus and Doug Corell of Fredonia, Larry McFadden of Portland, Charles Erbsmehl of Fredonia, Andrea Mansfield of Westfield, John Krestic of Silver Creek; and (third row) Barbara Kittle of Westfield.
The New Horizons Band of Western New York will begin its fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 31, starting its 15th year in Western New York.
New members are welcome to join in the fun of playing music together. Ensembles/lessons are from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Band practice is held from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. on Wednesdays and 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Lessons and band practices are held in Mason Hall on the SUNY Fredonia campus. Music education students in the School of Music provide group lesson and small ensemble instruction.
The New Horizons Band will perform its Fall Concert on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall.
The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine Levy, was launched in affiliation with the School of Music at SUNY over 15 years ago. Dr. Levy noted that, “Its members are living proof that, when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument, it truly is never too late.”
New Horizons Band members, who are at least 50 years old, learn to play a band instrument, return to playing a band instrument after a long absence, or continue to improve playing an instrument they have long enjoyed. The average band member age of the New Horizons Band of Western New York is 65. Band member ages range from the early 50s to the early 80s.
Persons who own or can rent the instrument they wish play are required to sign up and pay the registration fee online ($105) for Fall New Horizons Band by clicking the blue REGISTER NOW button on the organization’s webpage.
Levy was introduced to New Horizons in 1995 when she became the brass instructor for one of the first New Horizons Bands founded in Iowa City, Iowa. She has conducted New Horizons Bands in Iowa and Georgia, and she founded a New Horizons Band in Hagerstown, Md.
“Music making is just too much fun to leave only to younger folks,” Levy said. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment, and lots of helping hands are available.”
More information about New Horizons music efforts and the New Horizons Band of Western New York is available online.
Persons who are not sure what instrument to play may contact Levy at 716-673-3401 to schedule an appointment to try out various wind, brass, and percussion instruments.
Participants in the New Horizons Band of Western New York are required to have initial and one booster COVID-19 vaccination(s). Additional COVID-19 booster vaccinations are at the discretion of the individual. Masks are optional for players, conductors and instruments.
