Do you wish you had learned to play an instrument as a youngster? Or maybe you wish you had practiced more? It’s never too late to learn! If you’re age 50 or older, you can learn to play in an instrumental music group at the School of Music. In fact, if you are younger than 50, we still want you to have music making be a part of your life. Come make music with us! It’s never too late and your best is good enough!
Fall 2022
Rehearsals and classes will begin September 12.
FALL 22 Tentative Schedule (as of 8/29/22)
Click here for a downloadable schedule.
Concert Bands: 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. (Meets at UofSC String Project; 851 Park Street) - We encourage wind players of all skill levels to participate.
Advanced Concert Band Director - Mandi Schlegel
Intermediate Concert Band Director - Derrick Snead
Beginning Concert Band Director - Ray Dunovant
Jazz Band: 7 – 8 p.m. (Meets at UofSC String Project; 851 Park Street) - We encourage wind players of all skill levels to participate. ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE WELCOME IN JAZZ BAND!
Cresecent Moon Band Director - Lauen Meccia
Beginning Concert Band Director - Ray Dunovant
Virtual participation through Zoom is available.
Jam Band - 6:00–7:30PM - For all levels of playing. Instrumentation is flexible but emphasis is placed on guitar (electric and acoustic), bass, drum set, keyboards, vocals, ukulele, and any other instruments. Emphasis is placed on music genres that are not represented by the current CNH offerings. Members choose the songs/pieces to be performed. An emphasis is placed on playing by ear, instrumentation flexibility, rotation of instruments, and improvisation. Will not begin until 9/13/22. Interested members should contact Mandi Schlegel
Complete this form related to your musical interests and ambitions for jam band. This form contains links to videos that explain more about Jam Band.
Clarinet Ensemble: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 012) - Director, Ray Dunovant
Dixieland Codgers: 6:30 – 8 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 012) - Coordinator, Will Smith
Junior Varsity Combo: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 012)
Varsity Combo: 7:40 – 8:40 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 012)
Combo director, John Valerio
Flute Loops - We are currently searching for a new Flute Loops instructor
Recorder Conosrts - We are currently seeking a new instructor for our recorder program.
Free, private VIRTUAL lessons - One of our MME students, Aaron McGarvey, will be avaialble for free private lessons via Zoom during the following times.
Contact Aaron to determine if his schedule aligns with yours.
Register for Fall 2022 CNH Experiences
Membership Information
Members of the Congaree New Horizons Band program come from all walks of life, and no prior musical experience is required to participate. Learn to play and perform a wind or percussion instrument in a group setting and have a lot of fun doing it. Each practice session includes full group rehearsals and small group and individual instruction.
The Congaree New Horizons Band program has grown by leaps and bounds and now includes three concert bands – beginner, intermediate and advanced, two jazz big bands – beginner and advanced, two jazz combos – junior varsity combo and varsity combo, a flute choir, a Dixieland ensemble, recorder ensembles, and a private lessons program. Future plans including adding intergenerational ensembles with area middle and high school students, percussion ensembles, a jam band, Mariachi/world music ensembles, and more.
UofSC's Congaree New Horizons Band Program is affiliated with New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA), an organization that encouraged seniors to learn and make music with friends. New Horizons has approximately 220 bands worldwide. CNHB members are encouraged to join NHIMA.
Download membership information here.
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Performance Archive
Click these links to see our previous concerts:
Summer 22 Concert Performance (August 11th, 2022)
Spring 22 Concert Performance (May 4, 2022)
December 21 Concert Perfomrance (December 12, 2021)
Fall 21 Concert Performance (September 27, 2021)
Spring 21 Concert Informance (May 4, 2021)
Fall 20 Concert Informance (December 8, 2020)
Fall 19 CNHB Night of Jazz (December 12, 2019)
Fall 19 Concert Bands and Chamber Ensembles (December 10, 2019)