Hooked On Bands, Inc. (HOB) is the evolution of the original “booster organization” for the Madison New Horizons Band that was first established in the fall of 1996. Membership in HOB is open to current and former band members, their families and friends, and anyone else who enjoys the kind of music played by the bands and who wants to ensure continuation of the New Horizons Band experience. Membership in Hooked On Bands exceeds 80 members located in at least eight states. In 2009 the HOB board of directors decided to transform the organization into a non-profit corporation and shortly there after it applied to the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax status. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, contributions to HOB other than membership are tax deductible. The new tax status also provides the ability of HOB to seek corporate contributions and apply for grants.
HOB is today the primary sponsor of performance opportunities for the New Horizons Band throughout the region. Its mission is to enrich the community experience by providing an opportunity for (mostly) senior musicians to perform for public groups. HOB also sponsors the Fall Door County Band Weekend in Bailey’s Harbor, (Door County) Wisconsin that provides a three-day music workshop with guest conductors from around the country. HOB engages in additional sponsorship of programs to promote musical education and performance opportunities for individuals of all ages within the region.
Some of the Concert Band’s recent engagements include the Mothers Day Concert at Olbrich Gardens, the Middleton Ice Cream Social, the Annual Christmas Concert in McFarland, and a joint appearance with the Waunakee Community Band. The Swing Band has recently played for the Witwen Campground Concert Series, the Roxbury River Arts Festival, the Dean House Concert Series as well as dances and dinner parties for The East Side Club, Elks and the Sun Prairie Dance Club.
The Fall Door County Band Weekend is open to non-members and members of any New Horizon Band in the U.S., with only a small fee charged to participate. Rehearsals and sectionals are held from Friday noon through Sunday noon. Time for shopping, attending theatrical performances, and just relaxing is built into the schedule, as are at least two group meal options. Sectional programs typically include woodwind and brass ensembles, a German “polka” band, a drum circle and may include other programs as time and interest permits.