Getting the New Horizons Band Back Together

An innovative program called ‘New Horizons’ for beginning adult musicians has been introduced in Sturgeon Bay. The New Horizons Band (NHB) is living proof that, when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument, it truly is “never too late.”

Most NHB members, many who are at least 50-years-old, started taking music lessons only after passing their half-century birthday. Yet the New Horizons Music concept has become a popular performing ensemble in communities across the U.S. This fall, the program will accept new students for the Door County chapter. Lessons and rehearsals are held at Bay View Lutheran Church, located at 340 W. Maple Street in Sturgeon Bay.

Starting Sept. 26, the Peninsula New Horizons Band will conduct formal music lessons for the NHB members. The lessons will be held weekly at Bay View Lutheran Church. Cost for the program is $10 per two-hour session (not including instrument rental). The fall semester will have 10 sessions (September through early December) and the spring semester will have 13 weeks (February through May).

Paula Eggert, director of the Peninsula Symphonic Community Band, will serve as the NHB’s conductor, and Kathy Krauss and Eggert will serve as the primary instructors.

“The New Horizons Band program restores intellectual stimulation and opportunity that members had previously relied upon the workplace to provide,” said Eggert. “It also provides companionship and social activities with a variety of music-loving people.”