It's never too late to start playing an instrument. Catawba Valley New Horizons Band provides an entry point to music making for adults 50 and over.

If you've always wanted to play in a band, or used to play an instrument in school, then you're welcome to join us for the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band to explore the fun and rewards of music making as a mature adult. No previous musical experience is required!

The program is appropriate for absolute beginners, although previous instrumental experience or ability to read music is acceptable as well. The program welcomes any mature adult with a desire to play an instrument and a willingness to give it their best.

NOTE: An information session will be held at the Western Piedmont Symphony rehearsal hall, SALT Block, downtown Hickory, on Wednesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. Interested parties may attend to learn more about the band, try out instruments, and get acquainted with other members. If you are interested in participating in this free session, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Band rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at 9 a.m. and will continue for 12 weeks through Wednesday, December 8. (No rehearsal on Thanksgiving week.) Group lessons will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. each week. Light refreshments will be served from 10 to 10:30, and the whole group (ensemble) practices together from 10:30 to 11:30.

Rehearsals are held in the Western Piedmont Symphony rehearsal hall at the SALT Block in downtown Hickory. The address is 243 Third Avenue NE. Participants may enter a rear door directly into the rehearsal hall.

Without an instrument? No worries. We're partnering with The Music Center to determine which instrument may be right for you. An easy rental plan, with ability to rent-to-own, is available. Ask for Brent in the Hickory store at 828-322-4366. Store hours are 9-6 M-F and 9-5 Sa. The store is closed on Sunday.

Experienced musician? If you are currently playing an instrument and would like to join the group, please call to discuss your options.

Our Leader

Leonard "Len" Allman is director of the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band. Len has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Calvin College and a Master of Music in Brass Pedagogy from Western Michigan University.

Len has taught band and orchestra in Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. He has performed locally with the Western Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, the Unifour Brass Ensemble and the Lenoir-Rhyne University Wind Ensemble. Len has also served as the brass instructor at Catawba Valley Community College.

To Register

Registration for the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band is available to adults 50 and over by phone, mail, or online through August 25. After August 25, please call for availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $120 per person for the twelve-week semester. (This does not include music, about $10-20, or instrument rental or purchase.) Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Ensemble only? If you are an experienced musician with no need for one-hour group lessons, please call to register at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008. Do not register online.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before August 25. After August 25, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled in progress, a prorated refund of the unexpired registration fee will be made.

Additional Questions?

Still have questions? Call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.