The New Horizons Band of Western New York will present a Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in King Concert Hall on the SUNY Fredonia campus in Fredonia. The concert is free, but the band will be accepting food (non-perishable) donations for the Food Pantry of the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry.
The New Horizons Band, conducted by Dr. Katherine Levy, will perform "Conquering Spirit" by Ed Kiefer; "Toccata" by Frescobaldi, arranged by Slocum; "Contemplation" by Elena Roussanova Lucas; "Trumpet Gallop" by Derek Bourgeois; "Jolly Robbers Overture" by Franz von Suppe, arr. by Bender; "Prima La Musica Symphonic March" by Thomas Doss; "Ngoma za Kenya" by Paul Basler; "Fanfare on an Old French Carol" arranged by R.W. Smith; "Old Time Rock & Roll" arranged by Murtha; "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town" arranged by Sayre; and "White Christmas" arranged by van Auken.
Donald Keddie, retired band director from Fredonia Central School District. will conduct "Man of La Mancha" by Leigh, arranged by Erickson and Karen Boyd, retired band director from Brocton Central School District will conduct "Parade of the Tall Ships" by Chattaway.
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New Horizons Band of Western New York.
The NHB Jazz Ensemble led by Matthew Suprina will perform "Moten Swing" by Buster and Bennie Moten, arranged by Sweeny; "Don't Ask Me Why" by Billy Joel, arranged by Lowden; "Stella by Starlight" words by Washington and music by Young, arranged by Mantooth; and "Here Comes Charlie" by Bruce Johnstone, arranged by Matthew Suprina.
The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine Levy, was launched by the SUNY Fredonia School of Music seven 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.
The band program includes two weekly group lessons on an instrument and two weekly band rehearsals at SUNY Fredonia in Mason Hall. 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 New Horizons Band will continue with group lessons and band rehearsals in early February. No previous background in music or on an instrument is necessary to join. Members can testify that it is possible to learn to play an instrument as a senior adult. A special four week session of band rehearsals will be held during the month of January, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3 to 4:30 p.m., starting on Jan. 4.
Levy, associate professor of music education, conducts the band. Advanced music education students in the School of Music provide group lesson instruction. 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," 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."
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, Iowa.
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.asp or call 673-4628. Those who are not sure what instrument to play, contact Levy at 673-3401 to schedule an appointment to try out various wind, brass and percussion instruments.
Members of the New Horizons Band and their towns of residence include: Angola - Frank Needham, David Stout and Janet Stout; Bemus Point - Cathy Norton; Brocton - Signe Rominger and Lynn Utegg; Cassadaga - Jim Holton and Eric Kroon; Cowlesville - Marlene Smith; Derby - Tom Dyl; Dunkirk - Alona Forbes, Sam Fote, Jim Gibbons, Doris LaSpada, Daniel Miceli, Larry Perdue and Dorothy Schrantz; Forestville - Rick Lundquist and Audrey Spencer; Fredonia - Karen Boyd, Carol Calarco, Doug Corell, Karen Davis, Charles Erbsmehl, Mary Margaret Fogarty, Mary Ann Frazita, Gregory Harper, Joann Joy, Ronald Joy, Donald Keddie, Marc Levy, Bill Loftus, Sharon Morrison, Jacqueline Paddock, Judie Paternosh, Judy Reynolds, Janine Scaccia, Ron Scaccia, Barb Servatius, Judy Waterman, James Wilcox and Jim Wilmoth; Hamburg - Denny Heuer; Lakewood - Michael Dunn; Lily Dale - Paula Vogt; Mayville - Marcia Clark; Portland - Larry McFadden; Sheridan - Susan Bigler; Silver Creek - Charles Borzillire, John Krestic, Bud Lowery, Mary Miller, Bill Novaro and John Vona; Strykersville - Donna Perry; Westfield - Pauline Emilson, Barbara Kittle, Phyllis Noble, Carole Okey and Roxanne Wood.
