A piece composed for the occasion by Dr. Stephen Shewan, accomplished composer and arranger, will be presented during the concert. work, “Evening Lights” celebrates the lighting of gas streetlights in 1825 in Fredonia.

Shewan found the lighting of Fredonia’s first gas street lights to be an important and evocative event in the community’s history.

“I like to study these places to see what the community is interested in.” » said Shewan. And, adds the composer, he sees a parallel between the lighting of these street lamps and the musicians of New Horizons. “I thought about how metaphorical these lights were for older people turning on their lights for the first time. » he added.

The piece opens with rhythmic pointillist patterns representing the illumination of individual lights. The dominant color of the mallets, piano and upper winds represents light through sound, Shewan explained.

Dr Stephen Shewan

“Like the streetlights, the New Horizons Band musicians of Western New York continue 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, ranging from Broadway — “Les Miserables” – to video game culture – “Baba Yetu.”

Led by Fredonia School of Music Professor Emeritus Katherine McKay, the group was launched in collaboration with the SUNY Fredonia School of Music 20 years ago and has the founding principle that it is never too late to play and enjoy music. New Horizons Band members who are at least 50 years old are learning to play a band instrument, returning to playing a band instrument after a long absence, or continuing to improve their playing of an instrument they enjoy for a long time.

McKay has led the group since its inception. The group has over 60 musicians, ranging in age from the early 50s to the early 80s. The group welcomes new members and can provide lessons for beginners.

“Making music is just too much fun to be reserved for young people. » McKay said. “Almost anyone can enjoy learning to play a musical instrument when good instruction, a friendly environment and plenty of helping hands are available. »

More information about New Horizons’ musical efforts and the New Horizons Band of Western New York is available at

Shewan has composed music for many media, including orchestra, string quartet, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, solo voice, choir and piano. His music has been performed by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the US Army Strings, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Moores School Symphony Orchestra, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the Vrije Univeriteit Amsterdam Choir and numerous choirs, groups, and ensembles. chamber and soloists throughout the United States and Europe. . He has won numerous 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 graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College and Ithaca College and received his DMA from the Eastman School of Music.

Now retired from full-time teaching, Shewan devotes his time to composition and accompaniment, and teaches a course in advanced aural skills at Roberts Wesleyan College.