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New Horizon Band spring semester begins Jan. 22

Did you play an instrument many years ago? Did you ever want to learn how to play an instrument? Do you play an instrument now and want to continue to play and perform? Then the New Horizons Band of Western New York is for you! The New Horizons Band of Western New York will begin its spring semester on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The band is in its 15th year in Western New York. New members are welcome to join in the fun of playing music together. New members should come to the lobby of Mason Hall at 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for further directions to the band room. There will be no lessons on the first day of band rehearsal. Lessons will start on Friday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. followed by band rehearsal at 4 p.m.

Ensembles/lessons are from 3 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Band practice is held from 4 to 4:50 p.m. on Wednesdays and 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. Lessons and band practices are held in Mason Hall. The New Horizons Band will perform their Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall.

The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine Levy, was launched by the SUNY Fredonia School of Music fifteen 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, 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 has an enrollment of more than 70 musicians. 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.

Levy, Associate Professor of Music Education, conducts the band. Advanced music education students in the School of Music provide group lesson instruction. Levy was introduced to New Horizons in 1995 when she became the brass instructor for one of the first New Horizons Band in Iowa City, Iowa. She has conducted New Horizons Bands in Iowa and Georgia, and she founded a New Horizons Band in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“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.”

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 on line at www.fredonia.edu/music/community/newhorizons.asp or call 673-4628. Those who are not sure what instrument to play may contact Levy at 673-3401 to schedule an appointment to try out various wind, brass, and percussion instruments.

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