New Horizons Bands

[iMav]

Saw this organization referenced by John Morgan in an old thread. Much to my surprise (and delight!), there is one close to me. I'm already in two bands...but am tempted to make that THREE!

https://fmgoldennotes.org/

[John Morgan]

New Horizons is really a great organization, especially for those who played long ago and want to return or to those who never played at all. Some of the groups, over time, become quite good ensembles. You will find all levels of ability in New Horizons. People that are beginning (usually these folks take lessons for a while before joining or start with a beginning group of players) or people that played before (sometimes many years before) and want to play again (various levels of ability), and you will also usually find experienced and sometimes very experienced players who serve as mentors for others. I fell into that last category, but I was never ever bored or unsatisfied in any of the New Horizons Bands or Orchestras that I was involved with. I just moved from South Dakota, where I played with the Rapid City New Horizons Band for 12 years. I also played in two area symphonies, a really good summer municipal band and other things. But the group I miss the most is the New Horizons Band. Great friends, fun band, nice music, just a wonderful 12 years indeed. Check out New Horizons. It is a really worthwhile investment of anyone's time who is involved with music.

[iMav]

Dang. I’m 52.

[highpitch]

"Dang. I’m 52."

Must be nice...lol

[iMav]

Huh. Doesn't jive with their posted by-laws. (unless they have since been further amended)

https://fmgoldennotes.org/2017-12-Am..._Dec-2017.html

[iMav]

All squared away!

[John Morgan]

Good deal. Glad you meet the age requirement. When New Horizons first started, there was a general rule that you had to be 55 or over. As time went on, that requirement was altered/ignored by some, but not all, of the growing number of groups. Some, like the ones I was involved with, stipulated that you only had to be an adult. And even then, we have had some children and grandchildren of members sit in from time to time. Now it is basically left up to each group to set their own rules on the age requirement.
The general membership does tend to be of the senior citizen class, but there are many groups that have members much less than their 50's. I personally think allowing those less than 55 years of age to join is a good thing and helps keep the groups more vibrant.