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The New Horizons Band Dallas (NHBD) is a volunteer, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) association. NHBD provides the opportunity for people ages 50+ who play, used to play, or want to learn to play a wind or percussion instrument. The NHBD association currently has four bands and one ensemble. The primary or main group is the New Horizons Concert Band, with over 65 active members and growing. The other three bands are the UpSwing Jazz Orchestra, the DixieSwing Dixieland Band, and JazzLand. The association's ensemble is the Garage HORNets. All five groups play for a variety of events in the Greater Dallas area. More information about each group is provided below.

The Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Lorenzo Parker, plays traditional band music, e.g., marches, patriotic tunes, collections from Broadway musicals, love songs, popular music and contemporary children's songs for children's groups.PERCUSSIONISTS, WE WANT YOU!!! We are very low on percussionists - come join the camaraderie and fun of the New Horizons Concert Band.

The 20-member UpSwing Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Joe Mehling, performs for senior centers, retirement facilities, schools, and events such as meetings and receptions. The group plays Big Band swing, jazz and Latin music of the 30s and 40s, plus a little rock from the 50s and 60s.

Formed in 2011, the 8-member DixieSwing Band has steadily evolved from a collection of individual musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to preserving the traditional New Orleans sound. With a repertoire covering a wide range of musical influences—spirituals to early 1900s blues and age-old hymns to WW II favorites—its performances evoke the rich musical sound of the French Quarter. The band has gained a loyal following through its hand-clapping, foot-tapping tunes and dedication to preserving America’s music. Click HERE to see names of DixieSwing members.

JazzLand

Our newest group of 7-8 musicians plays light improvisational jazz music, of many great standard charts. Click HERE for additional information about the JazzLand group.

The 4-member French horn group, the Garage HORNets, was formed in 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic. Tired of staying at home and wanting to play their music, these musicians began rehearsing in an open garage with plenty of space and air circulation to be safe and to follow state mandates. Their name recognizes horn players practicing in a garage and, as hornets like to swarm garages, thus Garage HORNets. Click HERE to see more information about the Garage HORNets.