Do you wish you had learned to play an instrument as a youngster? Maybe you want to relive the fun you had during your school band days? If you are 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! CNHB is THE place for adults to begin, resume, or continue their journey making music by themselves, with others, and FOR others!
Download FALL 2025 Rehearsal Schedule**
Download FALL 25 CNHB Membership Information**
NEW DATE!!!
FALL 25 OPEN HOUSE!!
Monday, September 8, 6 p.m.
**Come meet instructors, learn about offerings
and ask questions!**
851 Park Street
(String Project, Discovery Garage)
ALL NEW MEMBERS:
REGISTER FOR THE BEGINNER INFORMATION AND INSTRUMENT DEMO MEETING
Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
851 Park Street
(String Project, Discovery Garage)
CLICK HERE to register
FALL SESSION BEGINS
Monday, September 8, 2025!
**Armed Services Veterans Band
begins Saturday, September 6!**
WE ARE ECSTATIC TO WELCOME EVERYONE BACK FOR OUR FALL 25 SEASON!
Have you heard about the Congaree New Horizons Armed Services Band (ASVB)?
ASVB is now directed by Paul Northen!WIS Interview with Dawndy Mercer Plank
FALL 2025 OFFERINGS
Soda City Concert, Explorer, and Beginning Bands
5:30 – 6:45 p.m. (Meets at USC String Project; 851 Park Street)
Based on the skill levels of our members and their interests
Concert Bands Directors - Mandi Schlegel, Drew Connolly, and Ray Dunovant
Assisted by Music Education GA and Fellows: Katie Sightler and Trey Hogan
7– 8 p.m. (Meets at USC String Project; 851 Park Street)
All instruments are welcome!
Crescent Moon Band Director - Greyson Smallen
United Sound
7–8 p.m. (Meets at USC String Project; 851 Park Street)
USC School of Music students and members of the CNHB program serve as mentors for
interested members of the disabled community
United Sound will begin October 7th.
Click here to find out more about United Sound
Sponsor: Mandi Schlegel
United Sound President: TBA
United Sound Vice-President: TBA
Virtual participation through Zoom is available for Monday night offerings, except United Sound!
Loose Canon Recorder Ensemble - 10–11:30 a.m. - St. Paul's Lutheran Church (1715 Bull Street) - The Loose Canon Recorder Consort meets play a variety of music including baroque, Irish, and contemporary. Advanced beginners and more advanced players are welcome to join the group. loosecanonrecorders@gmail.com.
The JAMateurs - 6:30–7:30 p.m. - School of Music, Room 107 - For all levels of playing and ALL instruments. We can provide access to guitar (electric and acoustic), bass (electric), drum set, electric keyboards, ukulele, and any other rhythm percussion instruments instruments.
In Jam Band, we perform music genres that are not represented by the current CNH offerings. Members choose the songs/pieces to be performed and learn to play a variety of instruments, primarily in the rhythm section. Wind players are highly encouraged to join. We emphasize playing by ear, instrumentation flexibility, rotation of instruments, and improvisation. 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.
Jam Band "leader" - Mandi Schlegel
Clarinet Ensemble: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 022) - Director, Ray Dunovant
Junior Varsity Combo: 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 022)
Varsity Combo: 7:40 – 8:40 p.m. (Meets in School of Music room 022)
Combo director, John Valerio
REHEARSALS WILL RESUME IN FALL 2025. Date TBD
ARMED SERVICES VETERANS BANDS - 9:30 – 11:45 a.m. (Meets at USC String Project, 851 Park Street)
Veterans of ANY age and ANY experience level are welcome to join ASVB.
FOR VETERANS, BY VETERANS!
Formed in Fall 2023, the group is for current and former military personnel (veterans). Through the band, we seek to validate members' identities and increase their sense of belonging as they engage in a music ensemble full of others sharing similar lived experiences.
In Spring 2024, we founded the Armed Services Veterans Beginning Band (ASVBB) for veterans who want to learn a new instrument or refresh their instrumental skills prior to joining the Armed Services Veterans Band (ASVB). Paul Northen will lead the Armed Services Veterans Beginning Band. We look forward to providing veterans, active military personnel, or spouse of a veteran or active military personnel opportunities to learn a musical instrument and be an active music maker with others.
All instruments, musical supplies, and instruction are FREE to veterans.
Any veterans, active military personnel, or spouse of a veteran or active military personnel are eligible for membership in one of the Armed Services Veterans Band. Any ASVB or ASVBB member can participate in any other CNHB ensemble at no charge!
ASVB Director: Paul Northen
Register and Pay Fees for FALL 25 CNH Experiences
Donate to Congaree New Horizons Band Program
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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, jam band, and a private lessons program. Future plans including adding intergenerational ensembles with area middle and high school students, percussion ensembles, Mariachi/world music ensembles, a glee club, and more.
The Congaree New Horizons Band program is grateful for the vision of Dr. Roy Ernst, the founder of New Horizons Music and professor emeritus from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Learn more about Roy, the history of New Horizons, and musicianship programs and camps at the Roy Ernst Music Institute (REMI).
Performance Archive
Click these links to see our previous concerts:
Summer 23 Concert - Musical Sounds of Summer - August 15th, 2023
Spring 23 Concert #2 - "Make a Joyful Noise" - May 4th, 2023
Spring 23 Concert #1 - "It's Never Too Late" - May 2nd, 2023
Fall 22 Concert Performance (December 12, 2022)
Summer 22 Concert Performance (August 11th, 2022)
Spring 22 Concert Performance (May 4, 2022)
December 21 Concert Performance (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)
THE CONGAREE NEW HORIZONS BAND PROGRAM IS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP
FROM AARP SOUTH CAROLINA AND THEIR SUPPORT OF THE 2024-2025 CONCERT SERIES!
