Denton New Horizons Senior Band
Director:
Dr. Debbie Rohwer
Phone: (940) 369-7538
Email: debbie.rohwer@unt.edu
Rehearsals:
Monday, 4-5 pm for beginners
Monday, 5-7 pm for intermediate and advanced
Members:60
Fee:$30/semester
The Denton New Horizons Band began in February of 1998 at the Denton Senior Center, founded by Dr. Debbie Rohwer, the Chair of the Music Education Division at the University of North Texas. Thirty people started playing in the band that first year, and since then, the numbers have steadily grown; average membership currently is between 50-60 members. Members come from all walks of life, are both working and retired, and play the entire range of instruments one finds in a traditional concert wind ensemble. Some have played their instruments before, and are now returning to them; some are just beginning their journey.
The band's link with the University of North Texas has been helpful in the area of personnel. Every semester, a handful of music education students from the University of North Texas teach small group or large ensemble sectionals with the band. This set-up has been mutually beneficial as the students get experience and the seniors get a variety of teaching ideas. This university/senior band partnership has also encouraged the senior citizens in the band to attend many concerts at the university, again, to the benefit of all those involved.
The Denton New Horizons Band has performed at the Texas Music Educators Conference in San Antonio, has performed under the baton of UNT Director of Bands Eugene Corporon, and has shared the stage with the McKamy Middle School Wind Symphony, the Dallas and Norman, OK, New Horizons Bands, and the Flower Mound High School choirs.
There are two different Denton New Horizons bands: one for straight beginners, and one for more experienced players. The beginner band rehearses from 4-5 pm every Monday, and the experienced band rehearses from 5-7 pm every Monday. Both bands meet at the Denton Senior Center at 509 N. Bell and follow the UNT semester calendar for rehearsals. New members are always welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Debbie Rohwer at Debbie.Rohwer@unt.edu or 940-369-7538.