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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 (not offered during summer session)
• brush up your playing skills from the past
• meet new people
• have a whole lot of fun

About New Horizons Band:

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

NEW HORIZONS BAND (LONDON) – 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.

NEW HORIZONS BAND (LONDON) – 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.

NEW HORIZONS BAND (LONDON) – 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.

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NEW HORIZONS BAND (LONDON) – CONCERT BAND LEVELS

New Horizons Concert Band – Beginner I^*

^{*not offered during the Summer session}

• 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 one hour of instrument instruction, and one hour of band. 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 registration fee.
• Register below

New Horizons Concert Band – Beginner II

^{*see combined Intermediate/Beginner II summer session below}

• You will have completed the NHB Beginner program or equivalent and are ready to step up to the next level of instruction.
• Session consists of sectional instrument instruction, plus band.
• Blue Standard of Excellence book is included in registration fee.
• Register below

New Horizons Concert Band – Combined Intermediate/Beginner II

Conductor: Emily Rouse
Fee: $136+HST for weeks
Start date: Saturday, May 2 (see schedule; no session on May 16)
Location: Music Building, Western University 
Time: Saturdays 9–11:30am

• Designed for those who have participated in either the Beginner II session (or equivalent) and/or in our Intermediate level sessions (or equivalent).
• This band will bring together both playing levels who wish to enhance their musical talents.
• Please note instrument instruction is not provided in the Summer session.
• Register below

New Horizons Band - Jazz/Blues^*

^{*not offered during the Summer session}

• Designed for experienced players (Intermediate to Advanced) interested in exploring a variety of jazz and blues styles. Rehearsals emphasize stylistic phrasing, rhythmic precision, and ensemble balance. Members will also develop improvisation skills using the blues scale and other jazz approaches, while improving their ability to read and interpret swing and blues rhythms. The group provides an engaging, collaborative environment for musicians eager to deepen their understanding of jazz performance. All instruments are welcome.
• Register below

New Horizons Concert Band – Advanced

If an Intermediate Band member is ready for more challenging music, they may choose either the Advanced I or Advanced II Concert 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. (Note: The Advanced II Concert Band performs at least one community outreach concert at locations such as retirement homes, hospitals, or mall each term. The level of this outreach repertoire is intermediate with some easy advanced music.)

New Horizons Concert Band – combined Advanced I & II

^{(for people not going on the Croatia/Slovenia trip)}

Conductor: Mark Enns
Fee: $136+HST for 8 weeks
Start date: Saturday, May 2 (see schedule; no session on May 16)
Location: Music Building, Western University 
Time: Saturdays 9–11:30am

• Designed for Advanced participants from either Advanced I or Advanced II bands who are not going on the July 2026 trip to Croatia/Slovenia.
• These two Advanced groups will come together to further enhance their musical talents for this summer session.
• This band may perform one Outreach concert during the term.
• Register below

New Horizons Europe-Bound Band – Croatia/Slovenia 2026

Conductors: Mary Gillard & Andy Chelchowski
Fee: $136+HST for 8 weeks
Start date: Saturday, May 2 (see schedule; no sessions on May 16)
Location: Music Building, Western University 
Saturdays 9–11:30am

• Participation is limited strictly to those who are part of the 2026 NHB travel group to Croatia/Slovenia. Participation is not open to non-performing travelers or ensemble members who are not attending this trip. To ensure adequate preparation, every rehearsal will be dedicated exclusively to trip repertoire.
• Register below

NEW HORIZONS BAND – ASSOCIATED SMALL ENSEMBLES

Lost at "C"

^{*not offered during the Summer session}

• NHB associated small ensemble that rehearses on Mondays
• For more info, contact NHB coordinator  bsmit32@uwo.ca
  

Once a Quartet

^{*not offered during the Summer session}

• NHB associated small ensemble that rehearses on Thursdays
• For more info, contact NHB coordinator  bsmit32@uwo.ca

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SUMMER 2026 SCHEDULE

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 FAQ

• Frequently Asked Questions about New Horizons Band (PDF)   

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Registration

Registration requires 2 steps for each individual participant:

1. The sign-up form (button below)
2. Payment on Western's secure payment platform, PurplePay. A payment link is provided on successful submission of the sign-up form.

Want to register for two or more people? Please register and pay for each individual separately. Thank you! 

COMING SOON

HST number: 10816 2587 RT0001

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In the News

Article about Mary Gillard, New Horizons conductor since 2001: Sparking confidence through music education

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Recordings

Video

Click on the following link(s) to view community-supplied recordings on YouTube:

• NHB Fall 2025
• NHB Winter 2025
• NHB Fall 2024
• NHB March 2024
• NHB December 2023
• NHB April 2023
• NHB November 2022

Audio

Click on the links below to listen to an audience member's recording of Lost at C's December 5, 2018 performance at Wolf Performance Hall, London Public Library.

• Recording: Lost at C - Dec 5, 2018 - part 1
• Recording: Lost at C - Dec 5, 2018 - part 2

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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.
Read article - In Tune: After 25 years, Western’s New Horizons bands are still a huge draw for amateur musicians  

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20th Anniversary Celebration

Thanks to all who joined us for the New Horizons Band’s 20th anniversary Celebration concert in November 2019!
View photos (Flickr)

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European Tours

• 2026 (planned): 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

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Awards

• NHB Once A Quartet - Gold Certificate - St Thomas Rotary Festival (PDF)

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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.

 
Dean Michael Kim, Advanced II Conductor Mark Enns, and Allan Capp -  photos courtesy Don Kaikkonen

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Contact Information

Brenda Smith
New Horizons Band Coordinator
519-661-2111 x82974
bsmit32@uwo.ca

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Image Gallery