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. The band welcomes wind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists ages 50 and older. Band members in the UNI New Horizons Band come from Cedar Falls, Denver, Dike, Dunkerton, Decorah, Fairbank, Fredericksburg, Grundy Center, Hudson, Janesville, Maynard, New Hampton, Oelwein, Reinbeck, Shell Rock, Sumner, Tripoli, Waterloo, and Waverly.
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.
Fall
- Fall Session: September 16 - December 15, 2025 (no rehearsal November 27)
- Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall)
- Group Lessons for select sections at 8am (Location TBA)
- Fall Concert: December 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Great Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn)
- Viewing options: Online Streaming or In Person
Spring
- Spring Session: February 7 - May 11, 2026
- Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall)
- Group Lessons for select sections at 8am (Location TBA)
- Spring Concert: May 11, 2026 at 7:30 pm (Great Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn)
- Viewing options: Online Streaming or In Person
Summer
- Summer Session: June 3 - July 24, 2025
- Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday at 9-10am (Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn)
- Performance Opportunities:
- July 11 - Felix Grundy Festival - Courthouse Square, Grundy Center (5:00pm)
- July 20 - Kohlmann Park, Waverly (7:00pm)
- July 22 - Overman Park, Cedar Falls (6:20pm)
- July 24 - Western Homes Diamond Event Center, Cedar Falls (10:00am)
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.
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
Rehearsals
- The UNI New Horizons Band meets for approximately 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!