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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. |
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The New Horizons Band of Western New York is completing its sixth season with a special summer session which will be held from July 6 through July 27.
Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., except during the first week when the band will meet on Wednesday and Friday.
The summer season will conclude with concerts scheduled on Thursday, July 29 at 7 pm at Ryckman Park Gazebo in the Village of Brocton and as part of the Fredonia Gazebo Concert Series at Barker Common on Friday, July 29 at 6:30 pm.
Cost of the summer term is only $20. No lessons will be offered during the summer session. 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).
The band has an enrollment of nearly 60 musicians. The average age of the New Horizons Band of Western New York is nearly 63 years ranging in age from the early 50s to the late 70s.
The band under the direction of Dr. Katherine Levy was launched by the SUNY Fredonia School of Music six years ago and is 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, are given the opportunity to 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.
Dr. Katherine M. Levy, associate professor of music education, conducts the band. Dr. Levy 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,” said Levy. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment, and lots of helping hands are available.” Dr. Levy was introduced to New Horizons as a graduate student when she became the brass instructor for one of the first New Horizons Bands in Iowa City, IA.
The New Horizons Band of Western New York is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered in the 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/music/community/newhorizons or call 716-673-4628.
