Longtime Music Director Leads Final Concert with New Horizons Band

Jim Adkins steps down after 15 years leading the community ensemble.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:20am

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A striking abstract illustration featuring bold black silhouettes of musical instruments against a backdrop of bright red and white geometric shapes, conveying the transition of leadership for a community music ensemble.The vibrant New Horizons Band prepares to welcome a new conductor after 15 years under the baton of Jim Adkins.Summit Today

After 15 years as the music director of the New Horizons Band of Summit, New Jersey, Jim Adkins is conducting his final concert with the community ensemble before stepping down from the role. Adkins has led the band through numerous performances and helped grow its membership over the past decade and a half.

Why it matters

The New Horizons Band provides an important creative outlet for adult musicians in the Summit area, many of whom are older adults or retirees. Adkins' departure marks the end of an era for the band, which will now need to find a new leader to guide it into the future.

The details

Adkins, 68, first joined the New Horizons Band as music director in 2011 after a long career as a music teacher. Under his leadership, the band has performed at local events, community centers, and even a few regional band competitions. Adkins is stepping down due to health reasons, but says he is proud of the band's growth and development over the years.

  • Adkins has served as music director of the New Horizons Band since 2011.
  • His final concert with the band will take place on April 3, 2026.

The players

Jim Adkins

The outgoing music director of the New Horizons Band of Summit, New Jersey, who has led the community ensemble for the past 15 years.

New Horizons Band of Summit

A community band in Summit, New Jersey that provides an opportunity for adult musicians, many of them older adults and retirees, to continue playing and performing music together.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an honor to work with this wonderful group of musicians over the years. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have led the New Horizons Band and to see it grow into the vibrant community it is today.”

— Jim Adkins, Outgoing Music Director

What’s next

The New Horizons Band will begin a search for a new music director to lead the ensemble after Adkins' departure.

The takeaway

The transition of leadership for the New Horizons Band highlights the important role that community music groups play in providing creative outlets and a sense of belonging for adult musicians, especially older adults, in local communities.