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New Horizons Band
New Horizons Band
New Horizons Band
Western’s program was the first New Horizons Band in Canada, and remains one of the largest adult programs of its kind in North America. We have 200+ members over the various band levels.
Join New Horizons Band if you want to:
- learn how to play a band instrument*
- brush up your playing skills from the past
- meet new people
- have a whole lot of fun
*Instrument instruction not offered during summer sessions
About New Horizons Band (London)
As we age, research shows that playing a musical instrument as an adult in particular can be beneficial for your health:
- develops fine motor control skills
- improves breath control
- renews a sense of purpose
- expands circle of friends
- broadens your musical interests
The program provides instruction (not offered during summer session) to adults―whether 25 or 95―wishing to learn (or re-learn) to play wind or percussion instruments:
- flute
- oboe
- clarinet
- saxophone
- trumpet
- French horn
- trombone
- tuba/euphonium
- percussion
Information
There are six New Horizons Bands: Beginner, Beginner II, Intermediate, Jazz/Blues, Advanced I and Advanced II. These bands all rehearse Saturdays or Sundays (varying from week to week and term to term) at the Don Wright Faculty of Music.
Both our Fall and Winter sessions follow the academic year (September through early April). Some ensembles are also offered during a Summer session during May and June.
All instrument instruction provided for the Beginner / Beginner II / Intermediate band levels will be in a group setting for each respective instrument, and by each band level, during both the Fall and Winter terms only. Please note: instrument instruction is not provided during the Summer session, and not all band levels are offered every season.
Mission Statement
New Horizons Band is an inclusive organization geared towards the creation of nurturing, non-judgmental musical experiences for all participants. As we age, music keeps our brains and bodies active, enhances our enjoyment in life, and provides opportunities for positive social interactions and friendships. We believe music connects people, promotes well-being, and builds community.
Mandate
New Horizons Band, part of the Don Wright Faculty of Music's Outreach programs here at Western University, offers adults a welcoming place to make music together - whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time, or returning after years away. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone's contribution matters. In line with Western's artistic and academic vision, we are committed to promoting a meaningful, accessible, and joyful musical experience.
New Horizons Concert Bands: Descriptions
Saturday Mornings, Music Building, Western University
It's never too late to learn to play an instrument! No previous experience or note-reading ability is required to join Beginner I.
You must arrange for your own instrument – if you don't already have one, you can either rent or purchase instruments.
Beginner I consists of a weekly instrument instruction* session followed by band rehearsal. An optional rhythm/theory class is also available for those students wanting to learn more.
Red Standard of Excellence book and music stand are included in the registration fee.
*not offered during summer sessions
You will have completed the NHB Beginner program or equivalent and are ready to step up to the next level of instruction.
Session consists a weekly sectional instruction session*, an optional rhythm/theory class, followed by band rehearsal.
Blue Standard of Excellence book is included in registration fee.
*not offered during summer sessions
Designed for those who have already participated in the Beginner/Beginner II session (or equivalent), or who have had similar band experience (1 year to 2 years' experience).
Jazz/Blues works on the basics of improvising using blues scales and other techniques, improving rhythmic and melodic jazz/swing feel, and working on fun/engaging music.
All instruments are welcome. Must be an Intermediate band playing level or greater.
If an Intermediate band member is ready for more challenging music, they may choose either the Advanced I or Advanced II band as they continue their musical journey. The degree of difficulty between the Advanced I and II bands is the same but the type of music played reflects the conductor's individual choice of music. The Advanced II band gives back to the community by performing at least one community outreach concert such as a retirement home, hospital, or mall each term. The level of this outreach repertoire is intermediate with some easy advanced music.
Advanced I
Designed for those who have played a musical instrument for at least two years or those who have completed Intermediate Band and wish to further enhance their musical talents.
Each Advanced band has opportunities to perform throughout the term.
Advanced II
Designed for those who have played a musical instrument for at least two years or those who have completed Intermediate Band and wish to further enhance their musical talents.
Each Advanced band has opportunities to perform throughout the term.
Associated Small Ensembles: Descriptions
Lost at "C" is a New Horizons Band-associated small ensemble that rehearses at Mount Zion United Church and various concert venues on Mondays.
For more information, contact NHB coordinator bsmit32@uwo.ca
Once a Quartet is a New Horizons Band-associated small ensemble that rehearses at Saunders Secondary School, A.B. Lucas Secondary School, and/or various concert venues on Thursdays.
For more information, contact NHB coordinator bsmit32@uwo.ca
Fall 2026: New Horizons Bands
Saturdays starting Sept. 12 | No sessions Sept. 26 or Oct. 10 | Music Building, Western University
Beginner I
Conductor: Andy Chelchowski
$250+HST for 11 sessions
8:00-9:20am | Instrument Instruction
9:30-10:30am | Band
10:30-11:30am | Optional Rhythm/Theory class
Beginner II
Conductor: Emily Rouse
$202+HST for 11 sessions
9:25-10:25am | Instrument instruction
10:30-11:30am | Optional theory class
11:45am-1pm | Band
Intermediate
Conductor: Andy Chelchowski
$187+HST for 11 sessions
10:30-11:30am | Instrument instruction
11:45am-1pm | Band
Jazz/Blues
Not offered Fall 2026
Advanced I
Conductor: Mary Gillard
$187+HST for 11 sessions
9:00-11:30am
Advanced II
Conductor: Mark Enns
$187+HST for 11 sessions
9:00-11:30am
Fall 2026: Associated Small Ensembles
Lost at "C"
Conductor: Emily Rouse
$130+HST for 13 sessions
Mondays starting Sept. 14 (no session on Oct. 12)
Location: Mount Zion United Church and various concert venues
Once a Quartet
Conductor: Eric Heidenheim
$110+HST for 11 sessions
Thursdays starting Sept. 24
Location: Saunders Secondary School, A.B. Lucas Secondary School, and various concert venues
Registration
Registration requires two steps for each individual participant:
- The registration form
- Payment on Western's secure payment platform, PurplePay. A payment link is provided on successful submission of the registration form.
Want to register for two or more people? Please register and pay for each individual separately. Thank you!
HST number: 10816 2587 RT0001
Registration Form
In the News
Article about Mary Gillard, New Horizons conductor since 2001: Sparking confidence through music education
Recordings
Click on the following link(s) to view community-supplied recordings on YouTube:
25th Anniversary Celebration
2024 marked 25 years since the start of New Horizons Band at Western. Read the article featured in the Western Alumni Magazine (Fall 2024 Edition) to learn more about the program.
European Tours
- 2026: Croatia, Slovenia
- 2024: France (read more at this personal blog post from NHB tour participant Natasha Regehr)
- 2022: Germany, Austria
- 2019: Belfast, Galway, Dublin
- 2017: Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw
- 2015: Edinburgh, York, London
- 2013: Berlin, Luebeck, Copenhagen
- 2011: Rome, Florence, Venice
- 2009: Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki
- 2007: Paris, Vimy, Brugge, Amsterdam
- 2005: Vienna, Budapest, Prague
Awards
NHB Once A Quartet - Gold Certificate - St Thomas Rotary Festival
Roy Ernst Award - Congratulations to Allan B. Capp, a recipient of the New Horizons International Music Association Roy Ernst Award. Allan has not missed a practice in his many years of membership and his beautiful tuba sound is enjoyed by all band members. He has joined many of the Europe trips with the band, taking his tuba wherever it is needed. Allan's constant presence in the band exemplifies perseverance, a passion for music and commitment to lifelong learning. His band members are grateful to have been working with him for all these years.
Image Gallery
