The New Horizons Band at the Eastman Community Music School will premiere a new work in memory of the group’s former leader, Edward Mizma, during a concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, in Eastman Theatre. Titled “Moments of Glory,” the work was commissioned by the ensemble and The Commission Project, a nationally recognized program that sponsors composers-in-residence, with support from the New York State Music Fund.
“Moments of Glory” was written by Howard Rowe, a retired Rush-Henrietta School District Music teacher and a composer and arranger of works for jazz band, concert band, strings, and chamber ensembles. Rowe began his residency with the New Horizons Band last November, initially talking with band members and leaders and Deborah Mizma, Mr. Mizma’s widow, to draw insights about Mr. Mizma for a composition that would reflect his involvement with both sacred and secular music as well as his zest for life. Rehearsals started in early January on the first draft of the score, which Rowe has revised over subsequent months.
“The New Horizons commission to honor Ed Mizma has provided me some challenges and a wonderful opportunity as well,” said Rowe. “First, the task was to create music that would evoke memories of Ed for all the participating musicians as well as their audiences, plus, that objective had to be accomplished within parameters concerning length, range, instrumentation, and others. Just as important, the project gave me the opportunity to meet and work with a great group of people. I have found this process to be immensely gratifying.”
Mr. Mizma directed the New Horizons Band from 1992 until his sudden death in July, 2007, at the age of 73. He earned his bachelor and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from Bucknell University and Cornell University, respectively. During his long career with Kodak, he pursued his avocation with a passion, leading the Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, the choir at Hilton Baptist Church, the Hilton Gazebo town band, and several other church and community choirs, including the New Horizons Choir.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Mizma took music courses at the Eastman School of Music. Later, he enrolled formally and received his master’s degree in music education in 1993. At Eastman, Mr. Mizma took classes with Roy Ernst, who founded New Horizons, an adult music education program. Mr. Mizma joined the New Horizons Band and took over more responsibility in directing the program in Rochester as it grew.
In Rochester, New Horizons is sponsored by the Eastman Community Music School of the Eastman School of Music. The program has been widely adopted by more than 100 organizations in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Locally, weekly rehearsals are held at the First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road. More information is available from the Eastman Community Music School, 585-274-1400, or online at www.esm.rochester.edu/community.
The Commission Project was founded by musician and educator Ned Corman to foster creativity by commissioning music for ensembles and bringing musicians into close contact with composers to see the creative process at work.
The May 27 program by the New Horizons Band is part of Eastman Community Music School Festival Week. Other New Horizons concerts occurring during Festival Week are: the New Horizons Orchestra, Wednesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Eastman Theatre; the New Horizons Green Band, Green Strings, and Chorus, Thursday, May 29, 2:30 p.m., Kilbourn Hall; the Brasso Profundo and the New Horizons Big Band, Friday, May 29, 7 p.m., Kilbourn Hall; and the Evening of Ensembles, featuring chamber music, Monday, June 2, 7 p.m., Kilbourn Hall. All concerts are free and are open to the public.
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Calendar Listings:
May 27
7 p.m.
New Horizons Band: Premiere of “Moments of Glory,” a work in tribute to the group’s late leader, Edward Mizma
Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St.
(585) 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community
Free
May 28
7 p.m.
New Horizons Orchestra
Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St.
(585) 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community<
Free
May 29
2:30 p.m.
New Horizons Green Band, Green Strings, and Chorus
Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St.
(585) 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community
Free
May 29
7 p.m.
Brasso Profundo and New Horizons Big Band
Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St.
(585) 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community
Free
June 2
7 p.m.
New Horizons: Evening of Ensembles, featuring chamber music
Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs St.
(585) 274-1400, www.esm.rochester.edu/community
Free