New Horizons Band of Western New York is opening its doors.

On Friday, the band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine McKay, will hold an Open House for prospective members.

The public is welcome to attend the event, to be held 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Mason Hall of the SUNY Fredonia campus.

Parking is free. Signs will direct visitors to the event.

The Open House, part of the band’s 20th anniversary celebration, will offer an informal tour of the band’s rehearsal facilities where small ensemble activities such as the New Horizons Jazz Band, Band Music Workshop, Instrument Lessons, Clarinet Ensemble, Malleteers and Flute Ensemble will be underway. Visitors can stay with a group or see all the ensembles during the first hour of the Open House.

At 4 p.m. the full New Horizons Band will rehearse in Room 1075 Mason Hall. During this time, visitors may ask questions about the band, sit in a section of the band or examine and try out musical instruments on display.

Information about instrument rentals will be available, and there will opportunities for Open House visitors to register for the band’s fall session. For beginning musicians, lessons can arranged.

“This is a great opportunity for people who need or want instruction to learn or return to playing to start with us. They can get fall and spring instruction with music students and learn to play in a group now,” said McKay, Professor Emeritus (Retired) of Music at SUNY Fredonia.

The first New Horizons was founded more than 30 years ago by Dr. Roy Ernst in Rochester, N.Y. Today the organization boasts more than 250 bands and more than 10,000 members in several countries. The idea behind New Horizons is to give aspiring or former musicians a chance to play music in a non-competitive, socially enriching environment. Many New Horizons members have returned to playing after as long as 40 years after their last band experience. To a person, these members say they’re surprised how much musical knowledge and ability they’ve retained over the years.