Skip to main content

About the Band

The BYU New Horizons band was established in 2025 to create an opportunity for adults—and especially older adults—to begin study of a band instrument. It serves as an entry point into instrumental music education for people who have never played before, and a re-entry point for those who may have been away from music making. It also serves as a laboratory’s teaching setting for BYU Music Education students, and a vehicle for identifying and studying the ways music can affect family life.

The New Horizons Band is sponsored by the BYU School of Music.

Information

  • Who may participate: Adults age 40 and up
  • Woodwind and brass musicians must provide their own instrument. Percussionists must provide their own drumsticks and mallets. All participants must bring their own folding music stand.
  • Required Texts:
    • Purchase a book for your instrument.
      • Returning musicians (if you have played a band instrument):
        • Habits of a Successful Musician, by Scott Rush and Rich Moon (GIA Publications)
      • Beginning musicians (if you are playing a band instrument for the first time):
        • Essential Elements for Band, Book 1, by Tim Lautzenhiser (Hal Leonard)
      • You can purchase a book from a local music store or online at jwpepper.com
    • Other music is provided. Participants may need to purchase additional music at a later time.

Materials are available from most local music stores (recommended), and also from many online stores.