New Horizons Music Fox Valley (NHMFV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides affordable music education, training and performance opportunities for adults of any level of musical experience, who desire to play in a community band or orchestra. Adults who wish to play again or learn to play for the first time are invited. All beginners are welcome. No auditions are required.

The NHMFV point of difference from a typical community band or orchestra is that community musicians are expected to know how to read music proficiently, play skillfully, practice on their own and be well prepared for rehearsal without instruction. The NHMFV program teaches adults at any level of musical ability without judgement and provides them with a weekly group lesson and rehearsal as a full band or orchestra, along with the opportunity to perform in seasonal concerts and be part of a band or orchestra community – in lieu of only taking private lessons and practicing alone at home.

NHMFV consists of a concert band, string orchestra and smaller band ensemble. Pre-COVID, our adult instructional music program included over 110 participants.  As of Sept 2021 our programed welcomed approximately 75 participants. Both the band and string orchestra have highly qualified and experienced directors and instructors. Since 2004, our music program has instructed hundreds of adults – many of whom now perform with local community bands.

New Horizons International History
The New Horizons Music movement was started by Prof. Roy Ernst in 1991 at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and is now an international program with hundreds of bands, orchestras and other ensembles. His philosophy driving the program is that anyone can learn to play music at a level that will bring a sense of accomplishment and the ability to perform in a group; your best is good enough; and no audition is required to join the New Horizons program.