Cover Story: New Horizons Band marks its 20th anniversary in 2025
The New Horizons Band is shown performing at the 2024 holiday concert. The band rehearses in Roeland Park.
By David Markham
The Roeland Park New Horizons Band is celebrating its 20th year of making music, building friendships and creating community for older adults in Johnson County.
What started in 2005 as a collaboration between the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus program has grown into a unique, multigenerational ensemble embodying the motto: “It’s never too late.”
“Members of the New Horizons Band range from those with no musical experience at all, to those who stopped playing after they finished school, to those who never took a break from playing,” said 50 Plus Recreation Coordinator Melissa Bribiesca. “We welcome everyone who desires a strong musical experience in a supportive atmosphere.”
“Music is a part of who we are for a lifetime,” said flutist Jean Anderson, who has played since the fourth grade and has been with NHB for 17 years. “At any age, we can learn more and enjoy music while connecting with others who have similar feelings!”
Rusty Smith, who played trumpet in high school, agreed. “Over the course of my first year with the band, I was really struck by the fulfillment and purpose it provides to so many people participating in the program,” he said. “I saw joy, dedication, and comradery all around me in the practice sessions. I believe New Horizons Band is one of the most beneficial and healthy programs in our community.”
Band members speak of the group as a kind of “therapy” – both physical and mental – that enriches their lives. Eugene Young, a retired architect, was encouraged by Dr. Joseph Parisi, local New Horizons’ chapter founder and conductor, to switch from trombone to timpani (kettle drums) after surgery left him unable to play his longtime instrument.
“That doctor’s prescription has been a very fun therapy,” Young added.
How JCPRD’s NHB started
Dr. Joseph Parisi is the New Horizons Band founder and conductor.
The first New Horizons Band was founded by Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, in 1991, based on the belief that musical education is not just for the young. New Horizons has since grown to more than 150 bands in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Parisi, who is also a professor at UMKC, recalls how the New Horizons Band began following an interesting conversation and a happenstance phone call from JCPRD staff.
“We were talking at the conservatory of doing some community outreach and starting a community band, and then the Johnson County Park and Recreation District came to us and said, ‘We have discovered this thing called the New Horizons Band, which is a national organization. Have you ever heard of it?’” Parisi said.
“JCPRD came to us right at an opportune time. I thought it was remarkable that we could also incorporate our conservatory students into this kind of social-cultural learning of intergenerational music making. It’s pretty incredible.”
The current New Horizons Band has about 60 members, with the average age of 70. The youngest is 50; the oldest is 93.
“What is so special about this band is its collaboration of novice and well-tuned musicians making music together, regardless of age,” explained JCPRD Development Specialist Lisa Eagle. “Their shared experience is heart-warming to witness and an amazing opportunity we are able to offer in Johnson County thanks to the partnership with UMKC and leadership of Dr. Parisi.”
Returning to music
The New Horizons Band quintet share their musical talents in a 2024 holiday program.
A common concern among would-be participants is whether they’ll be able to pick up and play their instrument again after many years.
“I feel at like every concert, there are people in the audience that have a similar story like ‘I used to play an instrument’ and it may be in the back of their heads they’re going ‘oh maybe I could do this again, but I’m nervous,’” Parisi said.
“What I can say to someone who is really apprehensive about playing is that the community is warm and loving and nurturing; this is about community helping each other.”
Current band members talked about their own experiences in returning to music.
“After not playing the clarinet for 45 years, I received so much support in remembering those skills I had forgotten and also observing how I was able to play those notes without thinking, which was not how I felt when I first returned to playing in the New Horizons Band over 12 years ago,” said Vicki Asner.
“I feel that my skills now are the same as when I was playing in high school.”
“It’s wonderful to come every week and be accepted no matter your ability level or age or other issues,” said clarinetist Kathy Johnston. She has been playing off and on for more than 60 years and has been with NHB for about four years. “This group of mature musicians looks after one another and wants everyone to love music.”
“Playing a musical instrument is what initially brought students and 50 Plus participants together in the New Horizons Band program, but the sense of community built over the years is what we truly want to share while marking this 20th anniversary,” Eagle said.
JCPRD debuted a commemorative video highlighting this achievement, which can be viewed at jcprd.com/1782/About-NHB.
Band rehearsals and public concerts
The New Horizons Band has nearly tripled in size from its early days. New members are encouraged to join at the start of the semester. NHB rehearses most Tuesday nights at the Roeland Park Community Center. To learn more, call 913-826-3160.
NHB presents public concerts in March, May, October and December, typically at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. The next two concerts will at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and Dec. 2 at the White Recital Hall, 4949 Cherry St., at UMKC. Advanced registration is not required to attend the free concerts. Donations are accepted.
“I think the best thing for me as a conductor is to understand what New Horizons has meant. I think it’s really grounded me in understanding that lifelong music is truly something that is special and that everyone should have an opportunity to at least explore. I hope that we’ve been able to provide that over these 20 years,” Parisi said.
“This is the group that restores my soul. That’s why we teach. That’s why we share the love of music – because we want people to experience it. It’s not going to be the Berlin Philharmonic, but if it’s a mountaintop experience for someone, then we’ve met our goal.”
JCPRD’s New Horizons Band program is made possible by support from The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County. Learn more about this program and how you can get involved at JCPRDfoundation.org.
David Markham is communications specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.