The New Horizon Band is pictured.

The New Horizons Band of Western New York will begin its fall session on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The band is celebrating its 20th year in Western New York. New members are welcome to join, with those interested asked to go to the lobby of Mason Hall at 2:50 p.m. on Sept. 4, for further directions to practice rooms.

This fall the band will be starting a beginner’s band for mature adults who would like to learn to play an instrument. Those unsure about joining New Horizons Band who want to learn more about the band or what instrument might be the right fit can attend an open house on Friday, Sept. 13, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Visitors can drop in to the Open House or register in advance at forms.gle/mqQjPEcwxfyZTYCa7

For more information about registration or to arrange an opportunity to try instruments, call 716-673-3151.

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

The band, under the direction of Dr. Katherine McKay, was launched in collaboration with the SUNY Fredonia School of Music 20 years ago. New Horizons Band members 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 60 musicians.

McKay, a retired SUNY Fredonia music education professor, conducts the band. Advanced music 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 Bands in Iowa City, Iowa. She has conducted New Horizons Bands in Iowa, Ontario, 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 online at https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-music/music/community/newhorizons.