ALTERNATIVE MAIN.HTM

PETERBOROUGH NEW HORIZONS BANDS BANDS AND ENSEMBLES Peterborough New Horizons Bands has a beginning band (Green Band), two concert type bands (Oak and Pine Bands) a Wind Ensemble, a Swing Band and the Dynamics. In addition, there are nine ensembles ranging in size from two to twelve members. Click on the photos for a larger image and information about the group.
Green Band	Green Band. Peterborough NHB 'Green Band' is where it all starts. This is *truly a beginning band, designed for people with absolutely no prior musical experience, and also for those who may have played decades ago, and who want to get back to it. In Green Band we start from scratch to learn how to make sounds, to count and to read music - all essential skills before moving to the next level band, which is our 'Pine Band'. We have a new Green Band every year. It commences in September and terminates in mid June when members graduate* to join Pine Band in September. Anyone can join, and anyone can learn to play an instrument.
Pine Band	Pine Band. The Pine Band is a large group of between 40 and 70 players. This is where players often spend their first 2 or 3 years of playing after Greeen Band. Some eventually move to Oak Band, however many decide that Pine Band is the level of music, and the kind of music they want to play, and thus prefer to remain in Pine Band. Their experience then helps everyone, especially the new members just coming in from Green Band.
Oak Band	Oak Band, and the new Birch Band. The Oak Band is another group of musicians, numbering 30 to 60 players... a group that is a little smaller and with more of a musical challenge. For those who like a challenge, the music played in Oak Band generally has aspects that involve some rhythmic or technical problems to overcome. It is an exciting group, always trying something new and enjoying the music when it comes together at concert time, which it always seems to do! In addition to Oak, in Fall 2008 the Birch band was formed to provide an even more challenging level of music and to accomodate the growth of the PNHB.
Wind Ensemble	Wind Ensemble. The Peterborough New Horizons Wind Ensemble is a smaller ensemble of about 35 members, most of whom play one person per part, and who enjoy the independence that comes with that type of playing. This is our most advanced ensemble, and one which requires considerable technical, rhythmic and reading skill. It is a closely knit family of musicians who get great enjoyment from their weekly rehearsals, and who enjoy concert performances even more. Wind Ensemble is an exciting group to listen to, but even more exciting for those who do the playing.
Swing Band	Swing Band. While the Peterborough New Horizons Bands organization was started in 2002, it wasn't until September 2005 that there were enough skilled players to start a swing band. The band has made remarkable progress since its inception and presently has a repertoire of 30 charts. The band has a traditional 5,4,4,3 set up with tuba and baritone horn added from time-to-time. It plays big band music in the style of the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, etc. The band's musicians are very enthusiastic about this style of music. As well as playing in the swing band, the members also play in one of either Oak Band, Pine Band or Wind Ensemble.
Swing Band Too	Swing Band Too.
Dynamics	Dynamics. This group was formed by members of the Peterborough New Horizons Band in October, 2003. The band has clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a baritone horn, french horns, tuba, and a percussion section which includes many creative instruments. The Dynamics has performed at a number of venues over the past few years including Peterborough City Hall, the Peterborough County Agricultural Society, a private birthday party, Centennial Place in Millbrook, various retirement homes, a Liftlock Cruise and most recently at the 2006 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Peterborough County.
Clarinaires	Clarinaires. The Peterborough New Horizons Clarinaires was formed in the summer of 2004 with 10 members. The goal was to play clarinet music exclusively in trios and quartets to improve our skills. In the summer of 2005 some of the members attended the Clarinet Masters Week in Rochester, N.Y. and in October 2006 the group was honoured to be asked to perform at the second annual Clarinet Festival at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. The group has played in a number of New Horizons Band concerts, church service preludes, and seniors' residences. Currently there are 19 members.
Silverwood	Silverwood. The Silverwood Ensemble was formed in the spring of 2006. Consisting of Christine Annett and Lori Schuett on flutes and Pamela Haskell on cello, the group plays some of the beautiful suites and works from Handel, Hayden, Stamitz and Bach written especially for two flutes and cello. Silverwood performs for special occasions such as dinner parties and intimate gatherings as well as at New Horizons functions.
Allegria	Allegria. Founded in 2005 Allegria presently consists of eight flautists from the Peterborough New Horizons Bands. The ensemble plays a wide range of music written specifically for C flutes in three to four part harmonies including Alto flute and C piccolo parts which provide listeners the opportunity to experience the rich melodic tones of flutes. Allegria enjoys playing varied pieces from the Baroque to Contemporary time periods and have performed at church services, The Festival of Trees, community events and other special occasions.
Brass Ensemble	Brass Ensemble. The Brass Ensemble was formed in 2004. The group consists of trumpets, french horns, trombones, baritones, euphoniums, a bass trombone and tuba. At present, the group is 19 members strong. The ensemble performs at concerts featuring New Horizons small groups, churches, senior's homes and community activities. Our music ranges from brass band marches to sacred arrangements to contemporary pop. One of our most favourite activities is performing in the malls at Christmas time. The sounds of carols emanating from brass instruments is very exciting and puts everybody in the Christmas spirit.
Quintessential Winds	Quintessential Winds. The NHB woodwind quintet, known as the "Quintessential Winds", was formed in the summer of 2006. This configuration of wind instruments, having evolved from the imperial Harmoniemusik as employed during the latter decades of the 18th century at the Vienna court of Joseph II, became well established by around 1800. Technical advances in instrument making combined with the unique and varied timbres of the five solo voices in today's wind quintet gave composers an ideal outlet for composition of sophicated chamber music for winds, comparable to that of the classical string quartet. Furthermore, the wind quintet is well suited to arrangements of larger scale works and contemporary pieces. Our quintet is looking forward to exploring and sharing, through various performance opportunities, some of this beautiful music.
Classic Duo	Classic Duo. The Classic duo was formed in 2001. The duo enjoys performing classical music pieces for flute from composers such a Handel, Telemann and Geminiani because they feel this kind of music lends itself well to the mellow and rich tones of the flute and is very calm and relaxing. Contemporary works have been added to the repertoire for performances and concerts.The duo has performed at a number of venues including Trinity United Church, Peterborough Centennial Museum, the Peterborough Historical Society, and the New Horizons Band Workshop in Chautauqua New York as well as special occasion events.
Belltones
Hornucopia	Hornucopia. Hornucopia is a group of six french horn players who gather each week to be challenged by horn music in six parts. The french horn is one of the most difficult instruments to learn to play. Stretched out, the tubing that makes up the horn could be 20 feet long. The horn has the smallest mouthpiece of all the brass instruments. As well as developing their skills in Hornucopia, the members also play in one of the main bands.

PETERBOROUGH NEW HORIZONS BANDS
BANDS AND ENSEMBLES

Peterborough New Horizons Bands has a beginning band (Green Band), two concert type bands (Oak and Pine Bands) a Wind Ensemble, a Swing Band and the Dynamics. In addition, there are nine ensembles ranging in size from two to twelve members. Click on the photos for a larger image and information about the group.

Green Band

Green Band. Peterborough NHB 'Green Band' is where it all starts. This is truly a beginning band, designed for people with absolutely no prior musical experience, and also for those who may have played decades ago, and who want to get back to it. In Green Band we start from scratch to learn how to make sounds, to count and to read music - all essential skills before moving to the next level band, which is our 'Pine Band'. We have a new Green Band every year. It commences in September and terminates in mid June when members graduate to join Pine Band in September. Anyone can join, and anyone can learn to play an instrument.

Pine Band

Pine Band. The Pine Band is a large group of between 40 and 70 players. This is where players often spend their first 2 or 3 years of playing after Greeen Band. Some eventually move to Oak Band, however many decide that Pine Band is the level of music, and the kind of music they want to play, and thus prefer to remain in Pine Band. Their experience then helps everyone, especially the new members just coming in from Green Band.

Oak Band

Oak Band, and the new Birch Band. The Oak Band is another group of musicians, numbering 30 to 60 players... a group that is a little smaller and with more of a musical challenge. For those who like a challenge, the music played in Oak Band generally has aspects that involve some rhythmic or technical problems to overcome. It is an exciting group, always trying something new and enjoying the music when it comes together at concert time, which it always seems to do! In addition to Oak, in Fall 2008 the Birch band was formed to provide an even more challenging level of music and to accomodate the growth of the PNHB.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble. The Peterborough New Horizons Wind Ensemble is a smaller ensemble of about 35 members, most of whom play one person per part, and who enjoy the independence that comes with that type of playing. This is our most advanced ensemble, and one which requires considerable technical, rhythmic and reading skill. It is a closely knit family of musicians who get great enjoyment from their weekly rehearsals, and who enjoy concert performances even more. Wind Ensemble is an exciting group to listen to, but even more exciting for those who do the playing.

Swing Band

Swing Band. While the Peterborough New Horizons Bands organization was started in 2002, it wasn't until September 2005 that there were enough skilled players to start a swing band. The band has made remarkable progress since its inception and presently has a repertoire of 30 charts. The band has a traditional 5,4,4,3 set up with tuba and baritone horn added from time-to-time. It plays big band music in the style of the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, etc. The band's musicians are very enthusiastic about this style of music. As well as playing in the swing band, the members also play in one of either Oak Band, Pine Band or Wind Ensemble.

Swing Band Too

Swing Band Too.

Dynamics

Dynamics. This group was formed by members of the Peterborough New Horizons Band in October, 2003. The band has clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a baritone horn, french horns, tuba, and a percussion section which includes many creative instruments. The Dynamics has performed at a number of venues over the past few years including Peterborough City Hall, the Peterborough County Agricultural Society, a private birthday party, Centennial Place in Millbrook, various retirement homes, a Liftlock Cruise and most recently at the 2006 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Peterborough County.

Clarinaires

Clarinaires. The Peterborough New Horizons Clarinaires was formed in the summer of 2004 with 10 members. The goal was to play clarinet music exclusively in trios and quartets to improve our skills. In the summer of 2005 some of the members attended the Clarinet Masters Week in Rochester, N.Y. and in October 2006 the group was honoured to be asked to perform at the second annual Clarinet Festival at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. The group has played in a number of New Horizons Band concerts, church service preludes, and seniors' residences. Currently there are 19 members.

Silverwood

Silverwood. The Silverwood Ensemble was formed in the spring of 2006. Consisting of Christine Annett and Lori Schuett on flutes and Pamela Haskell on cello, the group plays some of the beautiful suites and works from Handel, Hayden, Stamitz and Bach written especially for two flutes and cello. Silverwood performs for special occasions such as dinner parties and intimate gatherings as well as at New Horizons functions.

Allegria

Allegria. Founded in 2005 Allegria presently consists of eight flautists from the Peterborough New Horizons Bands. The ensemble plays a wide range of music written specifically for C flutes in three to four part harmonies including Alto flute and C piccolo parts which provide listeners the opportunity to experience the rich melodic tones of flutes. Allegria enjoys playing varied pieces from the Baroque to Contemporary time periods and have performed at church services, The Festival of Trees, community events and other special occasions.

Brass Ensemble

Brass Ensemble. The Brass Ensemble was formed in 2004. The group consists of trumpets, french horns, trombones, baritones, euphoniums, a bass trombone and tuba. At present, the group is 19 members strong. The ensemble performs at concerts featuring New Horizons small groups, churches, senior's homes and community activities. Our music ranges from brass band marches to sacred arrangements to contemporary pop. One of our most favourite activities is performing in the malls at Christmas time. The sounds of carols emanating from brass instruments is very exciting and puts everybody in the Christmas spirit.

Quintessential Winds

Quintessential Winds. The NHB woodwind quintet, known as the "Quintessential Winds", was formed in the summer of 2006. This configuration of wind instruments, having evolved from the imperial Harmoniemusik as employed during the latter decades of the 18th century at the Vienna court of Joseph II, became well established by around 1800. Technical advances in instrument making combined with the unique and varied timbres of the five solo voices in today's wind quintet gave composers an ideal outlet for composition of sophicated chamber music for winds, comparable to that of the classical string quartet. Furthermore, the wind quintet is well suited to arrangements of larger scale works and contemporary pieces. Our quintet is looking forward to exploring and sharing, through various performance opportunities, some of this beautiful music.

Classic Duo

Classic Duo. The Classic duo was formed in 2001. The duo enjoys performing classical music pieces for flute from composers such a Handel, Telemann and Geminiani because they feel this kind of music lends itself well to the mellow and rich tones of the flute and is very calm and relaxing. Contemporary works have been added to the repertoire for performances and concerts.The duo has performed at a number of venues including Trinity United Church, Peterborough Centennial Museum, the Peterborough Historical Society, and the New Horizons Band Workshop in Chautauqua New York as well as special occasion events.

Belltones

Hornucopia

Hornucopia. Hornucopia is a group of six french horn players who gather each week to be challenged by horn music in six parts. The french horn is one of the most difficult instruments to learn to play. Stretched out, the tubing that makes up the horn could be 20 feet long. The horn has the smallest mouthpiece of all the brass instruments. As well as developing their skills in Hornucopia, the members also play in one of the main bands.