New Horizons Band of Des Moines

The New Horizons Band of Des Moines is a community concert band for adult musicians of every experience level. Founded on the New Horizons principle that it is never too late to learn or return to an instrument, the band welcomes beginners, longtime players, and everyone in between — no auditions required. Members rehearse weekly under the direction of Karla Killinger and perform free concerts throughout the Des Moines metro, from retirement communities and churches to community centers.

We are a dedicated and enthusiastic group of adults who enjoy getting together and making music.

Some of us put the horn down forty years ago. Some of us are picking one up for the first time. There are no auditions. Bring whatever you have and sit down next to us.

Who plays with us

Retired teachers, nurses, engineers, farmers. People who played through high school and stopped. People who always wanted to try. The youngest members are in their fifties and the oldest are well past eighty, and everyone sits in the same rows.

We rehearse Thursday evenings at Rieman Music in Urbandale and play free concerts for our neighbors across the metro — retirement communities, churches, community centers. Karla Killinger directs.

A normal Thursday at Rieman Music.

And the last Thursday in October, which is not a normal Thursday.