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The New Horizons Philosophy and Founding

Our band is affiliated with the New Horizons International Music Association with over 200 bands in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Dr. Roy Ernst was a professor of music education at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY when he conceived the idea that there should be more opportunities in music for adults. He didn’t agree with the prevailing wisdom that seniors would not be able to learn new things like making music in a group setting. In 1991, Dr. Ernst established three bands - one each in Rochester, NY, Madison, WI, and Iowa City, IA - not knowing if they would be successful or not. The response was phenomenal and the concept has proved to be valid. There are now over 200 active music groups in North America, Ireland, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand.

Since 1991, the New Horizons Music program has helped musical groups form to give seniors an opportunity to learn (or re-learn) how to play an instrument or become active in other musical endeavors. There are opportunities in band, orchestra, choral, and small ensembles, for example.

Important aspects of the philosophy are that a New Horizons Music program should be inclusive rather than exclusive; that the style of instruction must be completely supportive and free of competition and intimidation; and that a New Horizons group provides an entry point to group music-making for adult beginners and a comfortable re-entry point for adults who played music in school and would like to resume after long years of building careers and raising children.

The varied music groups that exist around the world provide the environments and the positive experiences conducive to learning musical skills and techniques. The New Horizons philosophy, “Your best is good enough”, is the overarching umbrella that captures the positive spirit necessary for senior musicians to engage and succeed.

The New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) was founded as an international non-profit organization committed to the New Horizons philosophy of music making and undertakes initiatives designed to support the development and growth of New Horizons music organizations.

A great deal of additional information is available on NHIMA’s website: www.newhorizonsmusic.org

OUR DIRECTORS

Dick Schoenfeldt, Music Director and Conductor

Dick Schoenfeldt is a charter member of the Saline New Horizons Band. As a performer, he has been equally at home in the saxophone section, with the trumpets, and on percussion. But all along, he had been one of our Associate Directors, taking a turn at the podium now and then. We were pleased that he accepted the position of Conductor and Music Director of the band in 2017. Richard is a music professional with a Masters Degree in Music Education and is an active Adjudicator for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. In addition to his position with the SNHB, he currently leads the Orchestra and Bell Choir at the Saline First Methodist Church, as he has since 1993.

Grant Hoemke, Associate Director

Grant Hoemke is a retired music educator, the former conductor of the Birmingham Concert Band and was, at one time, a student of Dr. Labuta.

Jerry Dennison, Associate Director

Jerry Dennison was a band director in Colorado before returning to Michigan to go into business. He started playing the tuba in eighth grade, having been "drafted" by Dave Wolter.