PMAC is pleased to host the 2026 Granite State New Horizons Music Summit, an annual collaboration that brings together adult community concert bands from across New Hampshire—based in the Lakes Region, Concord, Monadnock, and Portsmouth—for a shared day of music that culminates in a combined concert for the community. New Horizons is an adult music program for people returning to an instrument or learning one for the first time.
Each year, the Summit rotates among the four host communities. This spring, it is Portsmouth’s turn as host, and PMAC will welcome musicians from around the state to rehearse together and present the program as one combined ensemble.
The participating adult bands are:
- Monadnock New Horizons Band — Donna Morse, Conductor
- Concord Community Music School New Horizons Band — Maria Isaak, Conductor
- Lakes Region New Horizons Band — Debbi Gibson, Conductor
- PMAC New Horizons Band — Russ Grazier and Ginna Macdonald, Conductors
Each band rehearses independently in advance. On the day of the Summit, musicians from all four programs combine into one concert band to rehearse and perform the same program together. This year’s concert will feature a family-friendly mix of concert band pieces, including a Sousa march, a Swahili folk hymn, and more.
“With more than 60 musicians playing together, the sound is immediately bigger—more depth, more energy,” said Russ Grazier, PMAC CEO and New Horizons Band Director. “It’s an exciting chance for the players to experience what a full concert band feels like: listening to more players, adjusting your balance, and being part of something you simply can’t create with a smaller group.”
Combined Concert Details
The community is invited to a combined concert on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2pm at Portsmouth Middle School. Donations are welcome.
About New Horizons
Founded in 1991 by Roy Ernst, Ph.D., at the Eastman School of Music, New Horizons was created to give older adults—and ultimately adults of all ages—a welcoming entry point to making music. Today, New Horizons programs provide inclusive, supportive group music-making with instruction for everyone from true beginners to advanced players, including adults returning to an instrument after many years away. The New Horizons movement now includes bands, orchestras, choruses, and smaller ensembles that perform and enrich the cultural life of their communities. At its core is a simple belief: every person has musical potential, and everyone deserves access to a personally rewarding music experience.
