Twenty years ago, if you asked Martin Hill, a former pharmacist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, how he planned to spend his retirement, he would not have said, “Mastering the bassoon.” However, when he actually reached that point in his life, that’s exactly what he did.

“I was sitting at home puttering around,” says Hill, 72. “After I retired, I went shopping just as something to do. That wasn’t very good, so my wife encouraged me to try the band.”

The “band” is the Iowa City New Horizons Band, the local chapter of a large global network of bands that provide adults 55 years of age and older with the opportunity to learn an instrument and make music.

In just three years, Hill has advanced from learning how to play the bassoon to playing advanced compositions in the Iowa City Community Band.

“When I got involved in New Horizons, I took bassoon lessons from a graduate student. I’d never played it before, but I practiced and learned, and now I love it,” Hill says.

The Iowa City New Horizons Band, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, began in January 1995. It started with direction from Don Coffman, a professor of Music Education.

“Iowa City seemed like a great place to plant a New Horizons Band,” says Coffman. “We had an excellent music store, strong senior center, and a vibrant university community. When they asked me to be the director of the program, I, of course, said yes.”

Now, Erin Wehr, an assistant professor of music education, conducts the band, which meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Iowa City Senior Center. The band has progressed from playing beginning level music to more advanced pieces. They perform many well-attended concerts around the Iowa City community each year.

“When Coffman started this band 20 years ago, the intent was to provide a service, to provide an enriching musical experience for adults who had missed the opportunity to start an instrument, or for adults who had long put their instrument away but would like to return to playing music in a group,” says Wehr. “What was unexpected was how much these band members would give back.”

Today, the Iowa City New Horizons program has grown to include multiple musical bodies such as a jazz ensemble, a flute ensemble, a polka ensemble, and others.

“There are many self-directed small groups that formed out of the larger band, and these small groups play for community events, retirement homes, hospitals, and just about anywhere else that they are asked to play,” Wehr says. “I have heard it said many times that the New Horizons Band musicians have changed the culture of Iowa City.”

Not only does the New Horizons program positively enhance the musicians and community of Iowa City, but it also provides unique experiences for University of Iowa music education students who are involved in the direction of the ensembles, and who assist Wehr in the direction of the band.

Daniel Terrell (BM ’07), now the associate director of bands at Linn-Mar High School, worked with the New Horizons Band as an undergraduate student. At first he worked with the brass ensemble, but then he became assistant conductor of the full concert band.

“Working with New Horizons was invaluable,” says Terrell. “I got the experience conducting a full-sized concert band while still a student, which is a nearly impossible experience to have until you’re conducting your own band.”

Another aspect of the band aside from musicianship is the friendships that have grown from being in the band together. After each rehearsal, the music stands are put away, and many gather at tables for coffee. People share stories of grandchildren, weekends, and gardens, among other things.

Even for the students who conduct the band, the community is special.

“Aside from all the things I learned from a musical, leadership, and logistical standpoint, the most important and cherished thing I gleaned from my experience with the New Horizons Band was the personal relationships that I developed with the members of the group,” says Terrell. “Many became my friends and mentors. Many showed their support for me by attending my senior recital on campus and I still love to chat with them when I see them at various events.”

To enjoy the music, fun, and be part of the community, visit the New Horizons Band website.

Upcoming New Horizons Concert Schedule:

• Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 2:30 p.m. Iowa City Senior Center, New Horizons Ensemble Concert
• CANCELED: Thursday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. Iowa City Senior Center, New Horizons Band Concert 
• Thursday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m. Iowa City Senior Center, New Horizons Band
• Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3:00 p.m. Englert Theatre, New Horizons Band and the Iowa City Community Band Holiday Concert