Composition for the concert of the New Horizon Band | News, Sports, Vacancies

The concert will feature a piece written for the occasion by Dr. Stephen Shewan, an accomplished composer and arranger. Job, “Evening Lights” dedicated to the lighting of gas street lamps in Fredonia in 1825.

Shewan believes the lighting of Fredonia’s first gas streetlights was a significant and memorable event in the community’s history.

“I like to explore these places to see what is of interest to the community.” – Shevan said. And, the composer added, he sees a parallel between the street lamps and the musicians in “New Horizons.” “I thought about how these lights were metaphorical for older people lighting their lanterns for the first time.” he added.

The work opens with pointillistic rhythmic patterns depicting the illumination of individual lights. The predominant color of the mallets, piano and upper winds conveys light through sound, Shewan explained.

Dr. Stephen Shewan

“Like street lamps, the New Horizons Band of Western New York continues to shine. Based in Fredonia, their performances bring joy to their families, friends, community members and themselves.” added the composer.

The concert will also feature a variety of music, from Broadway to “Les Miserables” – video game culture – “Baba Yetu”

Under the direction of Fredonia School of Music Professor Emeritus Catherine McKay, the group was founded in collaboration with the SUNY Fredonia School of Music 20 years ago and its founding principle is that it is never too late to play and enjoy music. New Horizons Band members who are 50 years old are learning to play a band instrument, returning to playing a band instrument after a long absence, or continuing to improve on an instrument they have long enjoyed.

McKay has led the group since its inception. The group consists of more than 60 musicians ranging in age from the 50s to the early 80s. The group welcomes new members and can give lessons to newcomers.

“Creating music is too much fun to be left only to young people.” – said McKay. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning a musical instrument as long as there is good instruction, a friendly atmosphere and many helping hands.”

More information about New Horizons’ musical efforts and the New Horizons Band of Western New York can be obtained at:

Shevan has composed music for a variety of media, including orchestra, string quartet, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, solo voice, choir, and piano. His music has been performed by the Rochester Philharmonic, the U.S. Army String Bands, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Moores School Symphony Orchestra, the Tampa Bay Major Chorale, the Vrije Univeriteit Amsterdam Choir, and numerous choirs, bands, chamber ensembles, and soloists in the United States and Europe. . He has received many awards for his music.

Shewan taught and directed bands at Williamsville East High School near Buffalo, New York, from 1993 to 2020, and taught instrumental music at Odessa-Montour High School from 1983 to 1992. He is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College and Ithaca College and received a DMA from the Eastman School of Music.

Now retired from teaching, Shevan devotes his time to composing and accompanying music and teaching advanced aural skills at Roberts Wesleyan College.