The New Horizons Band of Cincinnati, barely a combo at the time, gathered for its first rehearsal in January 1999. It was a collaboration of three men with a love of music: Pete Metzger, who had directed the Sycamore High School band for 30 years before retiring from the schools system in 1995; Bill Harvey, Vice President of Buddy Roger’s Music, who offered his company’s sponsorship to nurture the infant ensemble; and the late Jim Key, a trumpet player whose enthusiasm helped bring the group together.
The three wanted to share their love of music by creating an inclusive, no-pressure ensemble that would encourage former musicians to unpack their aging instruments, and inspire first-timers to learn the benefits and pleasures of tooting their own horns. |
|
“Our first rehearsal at St. Barnabas brought out about 8-9 people,“ recalls Metzger. “We had to start out with fifth and sixth-grade music, playing whole notes and half notes, since some of our ’bandsmen' had never touched an instrument. Since the band had no tuba player and no drummer, when we staged our first concert at St. Barnabas, we had to invite a few other musicians to sit in with us.” Some listeners find it difficult to believe that many of the players hadn’t picked up an instrument for several decades. The band’s present skill level attests to the fact that, as New Horizons founder Dr. Roy Ernst says, “in more than 40 years of teaching, I have never found anyone who could not learn music.” Today, the band numbers about 40 members and plays a diverse library of music, ranging from familiar marches to show tunes from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber, performing at venues across Hamilton County, including retirement and nursing homes, bringing smiles to residents who tap their feet along with nostalgic tunes that remind them of years gone by. Some of the members have formed smaller groups: the Dixieland Band and a Woodwind Quintet . Both groups are available for performances.
|
|