Sign Up for New Horizons Band

There’s a new band in town, or there will be after informational meetings to be held Thursday, Aug. 29, at 3 and 6:30 pm in the education wing of the Bay View Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Bay.

The meeting is to introduce the concept of the New Horizons Band to people with no musical experience or long-ago experience who would like to learn to play in a band.

There are more than 100 New Horizons Bands performing across the country, but this will be the first time for Door County.

Although many New Horizons Bands focus on attracting retired and semi-retired members in the 50+ age group, the director of the Peninsula New Horizons Band, Paula Eggert, wants to encourage all adults who are seeking a creative weekly activity to come to the informational meeting to learn more about New Horizons.

In her work as a music teacher and director of the Peninsula Symphonic Community Band, Eggert has met many adults who regret not having the opportunity to learn to play an instrument in their youth.

“Music has been such a wonderful part of my life, and I share this through my work as an educator and through performance ensembles. I couldn’t imagine not having music in my life, and I know it is never too late to start enjoying the fun, the creativity, as well as the physical and the social benefits of belonging to a musical group. The thrill of performing music in a group is so satisfying! I have met such fascinating people through my music, and I am sure I will meet many more through this endeavour!”

To kick off the New Horizons Band program on Aug. 29 from 3-4:30 pm or from 6:30-8 pm, a “Play Day” will be hosted by members of the Peninsula Symphonic Community Band and New Horizon instructors – Eggert and Kathy Krauss. On this day, interested adults will have the opportunity to try out various wind and percussion instruments under the guidance of the New Horizon Instructors and other local music professionals.

Starting Thursday, 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 thru early December) and the spring semester will have 13 weeks (February thru May).

There are two ways to register.

• Print a registration form at peninsulasymphonicband.org and mail to

Peninsula Symphonic Band, PO Box 84, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

• Fill out a form at the Info Night on Thursday Aug. 29.