The New Horizons Band of Western New York will begin its fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The band is starting its 14th 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 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, for further directions to lesson rooms.

Ensembles/lessons are from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Band practice is held from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. on Wednesdays and 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. Lessons and band practices are held in Mason Hall. The New Horizons Band will perform their Fall Concert on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall.

An additional performance for the band will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6. The New Horizons Band of Western New York will be performing in the Alice Seton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall prior to the 2:30 p.m. concert of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine Levy, was launched by the SUNY Fredonia School of Music fourteen 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 65 musicians. The average band member age of the New Horizons Band of Western New York is 63. 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, 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.”

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 is available on line at www.fredonia.edu/music/community/newhorizons.asp or call 673-4628.