How well do I have to play to join an ensemble?
Do I need to provide my own instrument and music stand?
How much does it cost to join?
Where do you rehearse?
Do I have to buy my own music?
How long are rehearsals?
Are the rehearsals fun?
Who is the Music Director?
Is attendance required for all rehearsals?
Do you rehearse and perform all year long?
How do I join?
Do I need to audition to join a group?
No. Auditions are not required for any of our ensembles.
We are a group of people who love music. Some of us had never played a musical instrument before joining New Horizons. Some had not played for many years. Some were already musicians. Whichever group you fall into, we hope you will have a terrific time with us. That’s our objective, to make music, have fun, and enjoy ourselves.
How well do I have to play to join an ensemble?
We have ensembles for all skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Our local “chapter” consists of a band, a separate group for beginners, a jazz ensemble, and a string ensemble. Many of our beginning members have never played an instrument or want to learn to play a new instrument. Some have not played an instrument since their school days, while others have been playing for many years.
Do I need to provide my own instrument and music stand?
All members (strings, brass, woodwinds, & percussion) provide their own instruments. If you are just beginning and do not own an instrument, please contact the director (Jim Adkins). We are privileged to have many music stores and studios in our area that can provide a rental instrument for you at a reasonable price.
We recommend that you start out with a rental instrument which we are sure you will want to purchase after you attend several rehearsals and experience how much fun it really is to play in our groups.
All of our members also supply their own music stand which can be purchased at the same store as your lesson book and instrument.
How much does it cost to join?
Each member pays a monthly fee of $28.00. This fee goes toward offsetting rental fees, music and supply costs, and part of our instructional costs. Your membership fee registers you as a New Horizons Band or Orchestra member.
Where do you rehearse?
Our local “chapter” consists of members from Akron, Barberton, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hartville, Massillon, Norton, Tallmadge, Wadsworth, and surrounding areas. We invite you to visit our website for additional information such as our rehearsal locations with times and directions, concert locations and programs.
As a member of the New Horizons Band, you may participate in any or all classes and rehearsals that we have scheduled which are listed on the Calendar
Do I have to buy my own music?
Sheet music is provided but there are addtional instructional books you may have to purchase.
Every member also purchases their own copy of the lesson book that we use.
The brass, wind, and percussion players use “Tradtition of Excellence and Ryan Nowlin. String players use “ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS” series written by Robert Gillespie.
How long are rehearsals?
The length of rehearsals varies depending upon the ensemble. Generally, rehearsals last from one to two hours, including a break.
Are the rehearsals fun?
Yes! Although we practice seriously, our Music Director makes the rehearsals enjoyable and educational.
Who is the Music Director?
Jim Adkins enjoyed thirty-three years of service in the Public Schools of Ohio. A graduate of Kent State University, Jim’s career began in the early ’70s as Director of the University Marching Band and Instructor of Percussion. From 1976 through 2003, he developed outstanding instrumental programs as Director of Bands at Timken High School, Norton High School, and GlenOak High School (all three in the greater Akron-Canton area of Northeast Ohio).
In 2003, Jim was appointed Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Plain Local School System. He served four additional years in this administrative position. Jim earned the respect of his colleagues developing and supervising arts curriculum K-12 in dance, drama, visual art, and music.
Is attendance required for all rehearsals?
Although we recommend that you attend at least one class or rehearsal each week, please understand that we know folks are busy. Sometimes it’s just not possible. THAT’S OK! Some of our folks come one or two times a week and others can only come twice a month. That’s not a problem.
Do you rehearse and perform all year long?
Rehearsals are held throughout the year with a short recess in December.
We generally give three or four free public concerts each year. We also offer a number of outreach performances in the community.
How do I join?
Simply fill out our Member Inquiry Form. We will then contact you with more information. We would love to have you consider joining us so that you can experience the lifelong benefits of making music. You can even sit-in on a rehearsal or two to try us out for no charge before joining.