The New Horizons Bands program was created to bring seniors into or back to music after long lay-offs … and there are now over 200 senior bands internationally. That was the vision of Dr. Roy Ernst, the founder of the New Horizons International Music Association. He started the first New Horizons band in 1991 based on his philosophy that “anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to perform in a group”.
As our band is affiliated with the NHIMA their website understandably becomes a rich source of information that relates to us. Visit New Horizons Music
The New Horizons concept of making music provides a non-intimidating environment to
grow musically and to enjoy rehearsing, playing and performing with others. People who join New Horizons groups are from varied backgrounds, but they all share one thing in common - their love of music. And being active in music has been shown to have very positive effects on people’s emotional and physical well-being.
The growth of that New Horizon bands program is a success story of seniors joining in a shared pastime and for social reasons as well.
Recently our CHB hosted its second band camp that drew over 100 musicians from a wide area nationally for a chance to share music making and new friendships. Roy attended this camp and has visited us in the past, keeping the NHIMA philosophy alive by putting a face on it and reminding us and his bands what they can do while having fun.