New Horizons Band

Outreach and Community Programs Contemporary Band Pedagogy Fall Preview Day High School Composition and Songwriting Competition High School Vocal Competition Instrument Days Western/OBA Intermediate Honour Band Kodály Certification Program New Horizons Band Spring Open House Summer Vocal Intensive Young Winds Youth Wind Ensemble

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.

Fall 2026 Session

Information and registration for the fall 2026 session will be posted by mid-August. For inquiries in the meantime, please contact the New Horizons Band Coordinator Brenda Smith via email at bsmith2@uwo.ca

Registration and Payment

Coming in August

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about New Horizons Band (PDF)

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.

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

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

To be posted in August