New Horizons Bands of Northern New York

WHO WE ARE

The local New Horizons Bands of Northern New York began September 2009 at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Since its start as one band, the membership has grown to over 50 musicians and features a concert band and a swing band as well as small ensembles. Ron Berry was the force behind the creation of our New Horizons groups here in the North Country, and he has rehearsed us, arranged for our lessons and clinics, and supported us as we formed musical partnerships with other musical groups. Ron retired in the spring of 2020.  Succeeding him as music director is Diane Mathie. Diane had been directing the clinics, offering lessons, and working with emerging musicians. As the music director, Diane conducts the concert band and works closely with her associate directors, Theresa Witmer who directs our swing band, and Paul Beull who directs our clinic.  

Over the years The New Horizons Bands of Northern New York have performed at Partridge Knoll Retirement Center, the Potsdam Summer Festival, SOAR Luncheons, the Akwesasne Senior Center, the Norwood Parade, the Norwood Village Green Concert Series, the Malone Day Habilitation Facility, with the 7^th/8^th grade band at Canton Central School District, at the Colton Riverside Gazebo Performance Series, for the Dekalb Historical Society, at the Massena Summer Concert Series and twice with Crane bands.

There are several different levels of performance.  A member development band, clinic, concert band, and swing band.  Member development is designed for beginners, where members learn to play their instrument and read music.  Clinic is a group that gets together to review scales, rhythms and go over parts of the band music that may be more difficult. The concert band plays anything from marches to Broadway/Movie/Film themes and other band compositions.  Swing band plays jazz and swing music.

Rehearsals are generally held at rehearsal halls at the Crane School of Music.   

Yearly membership starts at the beginning of June.  Membership is $90 per year. A reduced membership is available for new members joining midyear. New members are accepted at any time throughout the year. 

Board of Directors

 President:  Mark Josephs (2019-2021)

Treasurer:   George Cox (2019-2021)

Secretary:   Carol Ann Kissam (2020 - 2022)

At Large:    Natalia Stahl (2019-2021)

At Large:    Sid Teska (2020 - 2022)

Band Directors

Emeritus Music Director: Ron Berry (2013-2020)

Music Director: Diane Mathie

Associate Director: Theresa Witmer

Associate Director: Paul Buell