New Horizons Band
Dallas, Texas
Concert and UpSwing Band Directors
Mike Rossi,
NHBD and UpSwing Director
Click here to see decoupage of Mike at work. Mike Rossi became the director
of the New Horizons Band-Dallas and the UpSwing Jazz Band in March 2010.
He also plays trumpet in the Allen Philharmonic and conducts the Frisco Jazz
Band. Mike judges marching band
competitions, solo and ensemble contests, and teaches Master Classes
throughout the United States each year. He received his undergraduate
degree from the University of Kentucky, and he holds a Masters degree in
Music Performance from Akron University. Mike is presently finishing up
his Doctorate in Music Performance at the University of North Texas.
Mike's professional
career includes a period of time as the Trumpet Professor at Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, where he taught Music Theory, Ear Training, Music
History and Jazz Improve. He also taught 14 trumpet students in
the Trumpet Studio.
Kenneth Peck,
Assistant
NHBD Director
Dr. Bob Austin,
Director Emeritus
The New Horizons Band and UpSwing Band
lost Bob Austin on Saturday, April 19, 2008, following a massive heart attack. Bob was so
instrumental in making vast improvements in the performance of both bands. He loved music
and he loved the bands. He will be sorely missed both as a director and as a player in the
UpSwing Band by all members of both bands.
Bob was born in Houston, TX. and raised on a ranch in Northern Kansas. He received his
BA in piano at Wichita State University, his MA in saxophone and his ABD in Coral
Conducting at the University of North Texas. In his musical performance career he
played with the last of the "Big Bands" on the road, including Stan Kenton,
Woody Herman, Larry Elgart, and Buddy Morrow! Bob's conducting experience included
directing the International Ice Capades. He was well known in the area for his musical
performance and directing in local musicals and recitals for public benefits. Bob was also Choirmaster/Organist at
St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. He is survived by his wife Barbara
Hallie Austin; his parents, Loren and Vivian Austin of Salina, Kansas; his
"children" Scott Uhrig, Robin McBride and Warren Spiker; and his grandchildren,
R. Ryan McBride and Emerson Spiker.
