Our Ensembles
West Michigan New Horizons offers a variety of large- and small-format ensembles for adult musicians of all playing levels. No auditions are required. Rehearsals for all ensembles are held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3215 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI—see individual ensembles for dates and times.
Have questions? Contact us.
Members who pay for one ensemble may play in additional ensembles (of equal or lower cost) FREE of charge.
New Horizons Symphonic Band
Open to musicians of all playing levels
Full Season, $150; Semester, $75
(32 weeks, September thru May)
Paul Schroeder, Music Director
This band balances challenge with the enjoyment of playing in an ensemble. Music includes moderately challenging pieces with occasional syncopated rhythms, accidentals, and dynamic contrasts.
Musical Knowledge: Comfortable reading sheet music, with a working knowledge of key signatures (up to 3-4 sharps/flats), time signatures, and basic dynamics/articulations. Understands phrasing, dynamics, and nuanced musical expression.
Technical Skills: Moderate to advanced control over tone, intonation, and articulation. Can play a broader range of notes and execute fast passages and wide dynamic ranges with precision.
Experience: One or more years of playing or consistent practice in a community band setting. Comfortable with ensemble dynamics and following a conductor. May be able to play faster tempos, complex rhythms, or extended techniques. Sight-reading ranges from functional to fluent.
Rehearsals:
Mondays, 9:30am to 11:30am
Includes a 10-minute coffee/social break
Ransom Street Big Band
Open to intermediate/advanced swing band musicians
(with Ensemble Director approval)
Full Season, $150; Semester, $75
(32 weeks, September thru May)
Ken Huisman, Ensemble Director
· This ensemble specializes in swing-band style and is limited to standard big band instrumentation (by invitation from the conductor). Performs challenging professional charts, including some intricate rhythms and technical demands. May include solos or lead parts.
o Musical Knowledge: Grasp of big-band style, latin syncopation, and advanced ensemble playing. Understands phrasing, dynamics, and nuanced musical expression.
o Technical Skills: Excellent control over tone, intonation, and advanced techniques. Can execute fast passages and wide dynamic ranges with precision.
o Experience: Extensive playing experience, possibly including private lessons, or long-term ensemble participation. Minimal technical limitations; focuses on musicality, interpretation, and ensemble leadership. Sight-reading is fluent.
Rehearsals:
Thursdays, 9:30am to 11:30am
Includes a 10-minute coffee/social break
Bellissimo Handbells
Open to all experienced handbell ringers
(with Ensemble Director approval)
Full Season, $110; Semester, $55
(32 weeks, September thru May)
Della Landheer, Ensemble Director
· This handbell ensemble rings three octaves of Malmark handbells and four octaves of Suzuki handchimes. Music includes simpler to moderately challenging pieces with occasional syncopated rhythms, accidentals, and dynamic contrasts.
o Musical Knowledge: Comfortable reading handbell music, with a working knowledge of key signatures (up to 3-4 sharps/flats), time signatures, and basic dynamics/articulations.
o Technical Skills: The ability to cover two bells/chimes and accompanying accidentals, as well as knowledge and ability to execute handbell techniques such as correct damping, Shelley ringing, use of mallets, martellato, shakes, tower swing and echo.
o Experience: Two or more years of ringing in a handbell ensemble. Comfortable with ensemble dynamics and following a conductor. Sight-reading is functional.
Rehearsals:
Thursdays, 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Deutschlanders German Band
Open to intermediate level German band musicians
(with Ensemble Director approval)
No Charge
(Seasonal Ensemble, mid-August thru October)
Roger Bleiler, Ensemble Director
· This small ensemble (10 to 15 members) plays traditional and contemporary German Folk Music, with standard German Festival Band instrumentation. Music includes moderately challenging pieces with occasional syncopated rhythms, accidentals, and dynamic contrasts.
o Musical Knowledge: Comfortable reading music, with a working knowledge of key signatures (up to 3-4 sharps/flats), time signatures, and basic dynamics/articulations.
o Technical Skills: Improved control over tone, intonation, and articulation. Can play a broader range of notes and execute more complex fingerings consistently.
o Experience: One or more years of playing or consistent practice in a small-format band setting. Comfortable with ensemble dynamics and following a conductor. Sight-reading is functional.
Rehearsals:
Mondays, 12:00noon to 1:15pm
Woodwind, Brass & Percussion Ensembles: Flexible Groups for Small-Scale Performances
Occasionally, WMNHME members come together to form smaller ensembles—just for the fun of it! These voluntary groups, made up of woodwind, brass or percussion players, explore music written for smaller ensembles and rehearse as scheduling allows.
Membership is flexible each semester, depending on player availability. These ensembles may perform in major concerts or at outreach venues that are best suited for smaller groups of less than eight musicians.
Rehearsals:
Schedule Varies