What are your plans for the fall? 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 fall semester on Wednesday. The band is starting its 18th 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 2:45 p.m. Wednesday for further directions to lesson rooms.

Ensembles/lessons are from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Band practice is from 4 to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. Lessons and band practices are held in Mason Hall. he New Horizons Band will perform their Fall Concert on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall.

The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine McKay, was launched by the SUNY Fredonia School of Music eighteen 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 approximately 60 musicians. The average band member age of the New Horizons Band of Western New York is around 65. Band member ages range from the early 50s to the early 80s.

McKay, recently retired Associate Professor of Music Education, conducts the band. Advanced music education students in the School of Music provide group lesson instruction.

McKay 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, Md.

“Music making is just too much fun to leave only to younger folks,” McKay said. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment, and lots of helping hands are available.”

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. If you are not sure what instrument to play or have questions, you may leave a message for Dr. McKay at the Fredonia School of Music office at 716-673-3151. You can view the schedule and register for the fall session at the website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/community/newhorizons.