2010
UNLV Bands Concert III
Feb 25
The New Horizons music program originated at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) in 1991 by then chair of the department of music education, Dr. Roy Ernst. Today there are over 120 New Horizons bands, orchestras or choral groups across the United States, Canada and Australia. "Older adults have the time and motivation to develop musical skills rapidly. In addition, performing music – especially in large groups, can improve health and quality of life." Ernst noted. Ernst adds, "many gerontologists believe that music making supports good mental and physical health as one grows older and studies indicate that participants take less medication, have reductions in depression and loneliness and have increased strength of the immune system."
The UNLV New Horizons Band was started in January 2006 and is under the aegis of the university bands area within the Department of Music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is offered as a non-credit course through the UNLV Department of Educational Outreach. In accordance with the New Horizons philosophy, this musical ensemble places a higher emphasis upon the learning and enjoyment of music above the rigor and pressures of performance. Although musical comprehension and appreciation are of the highest priorities, the UNLV New Horizons Band also performs regularly throughout the academic semester both on and off the UNLV campus. The rehearses each Tuesday evening during the regular fall and spring semesters in BMC (Beam Music Center) room 160 and is open to anyone with the desire to play an instrument within the concert band idiom. The group is under the supervision of UNLV Associate Professor of Music Anthony LaBounty. For more information, please contact LaBounty at (702)895-3733 or tony.labounty@unlv.edu.