A new ensemble for community members age 50 or older is seeking new members interested in learning to play an instrument, returning to an instrument after a long absence or improving their skills with an instrument. Players and beginners on all concert band instruments are welcome, but clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and tuba players are particularly needed at this time. No previous background in music or on an instrument is necessary to join.
New Horizons Band shown at left, featuring clarinet section. To join, visit the web page here.
“Music making is just too much fun to leave only to younger folks,” said Dr. Katherine M. Levy, an assistant professor of music education at SUNY Fredonia and conductor of the New Horizons Band of Western New York. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment, and lots of helping hands are available.”
Group lessons and band rehearsals will begin in February and continue through May. Former players who wish to reacquaint themselves with their instruments can join at any time, but novices are asked to join during the upcoming spring term, which will begin on Friday, Feb. 3.
The program will include two group lessons and two band rehearsals per week for a total of 10 weeks. Lessons and rehearsals will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays in mason Hall on the SUNY Fredonia campus. Cost for the semester program is $95 and does not including instrument rental.
Sixty-eight year-old Cassadaga resident Eric Kroon is one of the 25 current members of the New Horizons Band of Western New York who has embraced the opportunity to participate in the new program.
“The pay-off of New Horizons is in the progress being made, and the joy and excitement of advancing and playing more difficult music,” said Mr. Kroon. “If we can then go out and play for others and share our enthusiasm – if not our expertise – then how great is that?”
The New Horizons Band of Western New York is part of the SUNY Fredonia Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered by the School of Music through the Office of Lifelong Learning. For more information about the New Horizons Band of Western New York, please visit its website or call 716-673-4628.
Individuals who would like advice regarding choice of instrument may to contact Dr. Levy at 716-673-3401 to schedule an appointment to sample various wind, brass and percussion options.
