Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Website Questions
Question: How do I renew my membership?
Answer: Please watch this instructional video on How to Renew My Membership
Question: How do I register for an event as a member?
Answer: Please watch this instructional video on How to Register for a Member Only Event
Answer: Go to the Members Only tab, and select "update my profile" to change your personal information.
Answer: Go to Contact Us for more information.
Answer: To update your group information, please click on the Members Only tab and use your log in information. You can update information by clicking on ‘Update My Profile’.
Answer: To add a new group, please go to the following page Group Membership
Answer: To add or update your Planning Member information, please go the following page Planning Group Membership
Answer: Go to the Members Only tab, click on "Update my Profile" and select "Custom Fields".
New Horizons Music 30th Anniversary
Question: Where can we get a NH Commemorative Face Mask?
Answer: Our intent is for each group to order its own set of commemorative items. The attached logo can be used for t-shirts, decals, bell covers, masks or other items. The logo below is the official and approved logo for New Horizons Music 30th year celebration. You may upload it to any printing or commercial business that manufacturers the above items.
General
Answer: New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) is an international non-profit organization committed to the New Horizons philosophy of music making and undertakes initiatives designed to support the development and growth of New Horizons music organizations.
Answer: The idea of adults playing music was developed by Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music. He envisioned that many adults would be interested in making music in a group setting, but might not have the skills or confidence to get started.
Answer: New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. A New Horizons Music program should be inclusive rather than exclusive. There are no auditions. Every person has musical potential that can be developed to a level that will be personally rewarding.
Answer: Professor Roy Ernst says that EVERYONE has musical talent. “In more than 40 years of teaching, I’ve never found anyone who couldn’t learn music.” If no one in your family makes music, you would become a great example for them by starting.
Answer: Absolutely! The program originally was targeted for people 50 and over, however, many groups now open their membership to adults of any age. This is essentially a decision that is made at the local level. There is no hard and fast rule.
Answer: To support the continuation of New Horizons Music education and opportunities for adults.
Answer: Go to our Individual/ Couple Membership page for more information. There are also group memberships, planning group memberships and business memberships available.
Answer: Your preference is the most important factor and the starting point. If you love the look and sound of a trombone, for example, you should start with that. Check with your conductor or teacher to see if you have any physical conditions that could be a problem. It’s rare when that is the case. If your heart isn’t set on a certain instrument, ask your conductor or teacher what the band or orchestra needs. You will be even more important if you play an instrument that fills a special need.
Answer: You can usually rent a good instrument in good condition at a modest cost from your local music retail store (your instructor should be able to help you find a local store). Usually, if you change your mind about what instrument you want, the dealer will make an exchange for you. The most important thing is to get a good instrument in good condition. Some people become frustrated if they try to play an instrument that no one could play. If you have an instrument in the attic or if you find one at a garage sale, take it to a music store with a repair shop to find out how much it would cost to put it in good condition and whether the instrument is worth repairing.
Answer: Yes. The first New Horizons program in 1991 was a band, but the intent was to also start other kinds of New Horizons programs. New Horizons orchestras and choral programs started a few years later. Many groups have formed smaller ensembles - including brass, jazz, chamber music, German bands and many others. The concept and philosophy of New Horizons Music can be applied to many other types of music making classes.
Answer: All of the New Horizons groups are listed on our web site. Go to Find a Group to see detailed information.
Answer: Sponsoring organizations for New Horizons Music programs include music dealerships, schools, community music schools, college music departments, recreation centers and senior centers.
Answer: Go to Starting a Group where you will find all of the information you need to start a new group.
Answer: In addition to formal concerts, performances in shopping malls and summer concerts in parks, they often play for retirement and nursing homes where added events are really needed. Some groups do group exchanges or travel internationally.