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FREDONIA – The fall session of the New Horizons Band of Western New York is set to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the State University at Fredonia School of Music under the direction of Joseph Newton, the band's new music director.
Many current and past members had spent decades away from instruments they initially learned to play in grade school, others are retired music teachers or professional players, and several had never played an instrument before coming to New Horizons Band. The band is always interested in expanding its membership.
Full band rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Sept. 2 through Nov. 6. In addition to concert band rehearsals, members also choose, for no additional cost, two ensemble groups to participate in, such as Jazz Band, Blue Band (which is a smaller beginner band), and different brass, woodwind, and mallet ensembles. These groups are conducted by music majors from SUNY Fredonia's School of Music and meet in Mason Hall from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays during the 10-week session. Those who aren't sure they want to join can sit in on a couple practices to see if it is something they might like to do.
Membership in New Horizons Band is open to mature adults over age 17 who are interested in playing an instrument. The cost is $120 for the ten-week fall session. Prior experience in playing an instrument is not required to join New Horizons Band.
Private lessons with student conductors are also available for an additional charge of $180 for 10 half-hour lessons. They are open to anyone interested in learning to play their first instrument, a new instrument, or just to brush up on their skills after several years away from their instrument.
The completion of the band's 2026 Spring session also marked the end of Dr. Kate McKay's 21-year tenure as the Western New York chapter's founding music director of New Horizons Band of Western New York.
Newton is the New Horizons Band's new music director. He is a recent graduate of the SUNY Fredonia School of Music and has been conducting the Cassadaga Area Community Band for the past three summers. He was recently hired as the middle school orchestra teacher in Jamestown.
To register for the fall session, go to the New Horizons Band of Western New York page (search "New Horizons Band" on the top of the page) on the SUNY Fredonia website (fredonia.edu) and click on the "Register Now" link. For more information email Joseph Newton at newton.nhb@gmail.com.