In residence on the SUNY Fredonia campus, the New Horizons Band of Western New York is completing its third season with a special summer session. New Horizons bands offer opportunities for persons who are at least 50 years old to learn to play a band instrument, return to playing a band instrument after a long absence, or to play an instrument they have long enjoyed in a new ensemble. Former players wishing to "reacquaint" themselves with their instruments can join at any time, but novices should join during the fall when group lessons will be a feature of the program.
By popular demand, a special summer band session will be held from Monday, July 7 through Wednesday, July 30. Summer band rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. A concert has been scheduled as part of the Fredonia Gazebo Concert Series at Barker Common on Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm. No lessons will be offered during the summer session. Cost of the summer term is only $20. This is a great opportunity for former players to get in shape!
The fall term, which will include group music lessons and band rehearsals, will begin in September. The fall program will include two weekly group lessons on an instrument and two weekly band rehearsals for a total of 10 weeks at SUNY Fredonia in Mason Hall. Cost for the fall semester program will be $95 (not including instrument rental).
Dr. Katherine M. Levy, associate professor of music education, conducts the band. Dr. Levy is an active conductor and clinician of bands for all ages. She was introduced to New Horizons in 1995 when she became the brass instructor for one of the first New Horizons Bands in Iowa City, Iowa and has since conducted New Horizons Bands in Georgia and Maryland. “Music is for everyone, not just for young people in school. New Horizons music-making is an activity that senior adults can easily adapt to fit their needs.” said Levy.
Members of the New Horizons Band of Western New York were on the NBC Nightly News (November 21, 2006) as part of the series, “What Works.” In a story reported from the Chautauqua Institution, where a “New Horizons Band” camp was featured, several local musicians were visible during a segment: Dr. Katherine Levy, Director (SUNY Fredonia); Cathy Norton, clarinet (Bemus Point); Thomas Kozlowski, saxophone (Portland); Eric Kroon, French horn (Cassadaga); Janet Stout, French horn and David Stout, trumpet (Angola). Dr. Levy, was shown leading a French horn ensemble during one of the reporter’s stand-ups. She was sitting immediately in front of NBC correspondent Dawn Fratangelo. The story focused on the New Horizons music programs, which included a group based at the Fredonia School of Music.
The New Horizons Band of Western New York is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered in the SUNY Fredonia School of Music. More information about New Horizons music efforts and the New Horizons Band of Western New York is available online at www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/communit… or call 716-673-4628.
