The Cascade Horizon Band’s Story

The Cascade Horizon Band is affiliated with the New Horizons Bands senior band program. This program began 14 years ago at New York’s prestigious Eastman School of Music. In 2003, when the Cascade Horizon Band formed here in Bend, it was the 74th band to join the program. There are now over 100 bands internationally with over 4000 members.

The Cascade Horizon Band began with only twelve members just three years ago. The band has grown rapidly to well over 50 today. The majority of the members are in their 60’s and 70’s: a few, who are not yet 50, but close, are called “seniors in training.” Most of the members upon joining had not played their instrument in over 30, 40 or 50 years, and several had never played a band instrument in their lives. It was a struggle at first relearning to read music, and just getting a sound from their instrument was a challenge for many. Director, Sue Steiger, through her experience, good humor and tenacity, has brought the band from a very simple “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” which is where beginning 6th grade bands start, to a full sounding concert band playing jazz, swing, rock, Sousa marches and specializing in the sounds of the big bands of the 30’s and 40’s.

Although, not professionals by any standard, every member is giving it their all and striving to become better musicians every day. Because most had not played since their high school days, playing together in a band setting is a challenge met with so much enthusiasm our director is sometimes overwhelmed. The group as a whole is having the time of their lives, and many a good laugh during rehearsals is the norm. All that is required to join the band is a desire to learn and play music together in a band setting, and have fun doing it. There are no auditions or assigned chairs.

The band has made 48 public appearances in just over 3 years, always free of charge to the public, and has developed a devoted following. Their 3rd anniversary concert in January ‘06 drew an audience of nearly 700. This coming June, the band will give two performances of their annual summer concert: one on June 24, 7 pm at Bend High School, and one on June 25, 3 pm at Sister’s High School. Other venues have included Sunriver Library, Sunriver Grand Lodge, Deschutes County Historical Society, the 4th of July and Veteran’s day parades, the Pinckney Center at COCC, Mt. View High School, Drake Park’s Munch ‘n Music series, and many of the retirement facilities in Bend. In August, the band will perform at the Deschutes County Fair and for the Cruz-In auto show.

For those who might be interested in joining the band, weekly rehearsals are held each Tuesday from 3:45 to 6 pm at the High Desert Middle School, 61111 SE 27th. Street, Bend. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Marilyn Burkholder, 330-1989.

To present a major free concert, it costs the band an average of $1000 depending on the venue. Only through the generosity of sponsors is it possible to bring our music out into the community. We ask for your help and thank you for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated.

Please accept the following contribution: (Check one, make checks payable to CHB, and mail to: Cascade Horizon Band, 20235 Rae Rd., Bend, OR 97702)

____ Sponsor ($250 or $______)
____ Patron ($100)
____ Donor ($50)
____ Friend ($25)

Name __________________________________________
Address_________________________________________
City/St/Zip _______________________________________
Contact_________________________ Phone __________

Your name will appear in our concert program, and all sponsors will be verbally acknowledged during the concert introduction.

-End-