UNI New Horizons Band

The UNI New Horizons Band began in 1999 with 17 members and has grown to its current size of 80+ members.  This band welcomes anyone age 50 and older and the most senior members of our group are 90+ years old.  ​Band members in the UNI New Horizons Band come from Grundy Center, Waverly, Janesville, Floyd, Readlyn, Sumner, Fredericksburg, Tripoli, Dysart, Hudson, Jesup, Denver, Charles City, Maynard, Oelwein, Dike, New Hampton, Shell Rock, Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

Throughout the year, the UNI New Horizons Band performs several concerts, including performances at the Catherine Cassidy Gallagher Great Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and in many Cedar Valley communities throughout the summer.  Members enjoy a social hour after each rehearsal and have the option of participating in group lessons/sectionals that are led by UNI music students.

Community Music School
Register for New Horizons

Fall 

  • Fall Session: September 17 - December 16, 2024
  • Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall)
  • Group Lessons for select sections at 8am (Location TBA)
  • Fall Concert: December 16, 2024 at 7:30pm (Great Hall)
  • Viewing options:  Online Streaming or In Person 

Spring

  • Spring Session: February 4 - May 5, 2025
  • Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall)
  • Group Lessons for select sections at 8am (Location TBA)
  • Spring Concert: May 5, 2025 at 7:30pm (Great Hall)
  • Viewing options:  Online Streaming or In Person

Summer

Summer 2025 dates TBA

  • Summer Session: June 4 - July 25, 2024
  • Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn)
  • Performance Opportunities: 
Online Concert Streaming
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The New Horizons Band is directed by Diana Blake

Director

The New Horizons Band is directed by Diana Blake, who graduated Osceola High School (Clarke Community) in 1959.  She received a Bachelor of Music  Education degree from Drake University in 1963 and a Master of Music Education from Drake U. in 1965, and  has done additional graduate work at The University of Michigan and The University of Northern Iowa.

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Members of the band.

Group Lessons

  • Group Lessons are scheduled from 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays before rehearsal, in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
  • Group Lessons are taught by UNI students and are optional to attend. Members will work on band and small ensemble music, as well as instrument basics.

UNI New Horizons Band Student Teachers

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Band rehearsing.

Rehearsals

  • The UNI New Horizons Band meets for 12 weeks in the fall and spring and for 8 weeks in the summer.  
  • Rehearsal takes place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Davis Hall and practice rooms in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI Campus.  
  • Rehearsals are always followed by a social time of coffee, treats, and friendship.
  • Visitors are always welcome at rehearsals.  If you have an interest, but are not sure if this group is for you, come visit and see how much fun we have!