New Horizons Dixieland Band’s got that swing!

They call themselves either the New Horizons Dixieland Band or Hits and Misses. The ensemble, a spinoff from the New Horizons Band of Cincinnati, uses the Hits/Misses name to underscore the band’s current lineup: six guys and two gals.

The Dixieland Band has entertained at retirement communities, schools, churches, a veterans’ hospital, patriotic celebrations and other special events. Their toe-tapping melodies are warmly received by audiences of all ages.

Between public gigs, the Dixieland group rehearses twice a week following New Horizons full band rehearsals. During the summer when the concert band takes a break, the Dixieland group continues rehearsals at members’ homes.

The jazz group boasts four conservatory graduates -- leader and banjoist Bill Knabe, who played professionally for years; clarinetist Bruce Behlow, another professional musician, who directed the Batavia High School Band; tubist Bruce Knapp, a retired high school, college and Army Reserve bandleader who now instructs the New Horizons introductory ensemble; and pianist Claire Lee, who plays flute in the concert band. The other distaff member is Helen Rhoad, a former flutist and school teacher now swinging on jazz trombone. Sharing trumpeting chores are Don Bedwell, who served with the First Marine Division Band, and John Hager, experienced in both concert and combo work. Two drummers alternate -- Herb Krombholz, who played in his first dance band at the age of 13, and Ernie Ambrosius, who has also done combo work.

All in all, it’s a band guaranteed to produce more hits than misses.