New Horizons Band
Dallas, Texas
Concert and
UpSwing Band
Director
Director - Sandy Barrows
Sandy Barrows was born in a small cotton farming community in the Texas Panhandle. She began playing piano and taking lessons at age 4 and began playing trombone at age 12. Sandy was a Texas All State Trombonist, within the top three chairs, all four years in high school. She was selected as an outstanding Brass Soloist by the Texas UIL in 1969.
Sandy spent her freshman year at the University of North Texas in 1969, then transferred to West Texas A&M University in Canyon in 1970. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A&M in 1974 and her Master of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas in 1977. During her career she has shared the stage with Patti Page, Doc Severensen, Christopher Parkening, Floyd Cramer, Beverly Sills, Van Cliburn, Boots Randolph, Jerome Hines, just to name a few. Sandy has also been an Ice Capades Orchestra Member and recording artist in Texas, and a member of the Amarillo and Grand Prairie Symphonies. She has played under the direction of such well-known directors as Dr. William D. Revelli, Frederick Fennell, Dr. Gary Garner, Vaclav Nelhybel, and Dr. Harry Begian.
Sandy became the director of both the Concert Band and UpSwing following the passing of Bob Austin (see below). Besides directing the two bands, Sandy currently is the pianist for Lewisville Bible Church and a piano teacher. To top it off, she is also a retired Captain for United Air Lines, Inc.
Director - Dr. Bob Austin
The New Horizons Band and UpSwing Band lost Bob Austin on Saturday, April 19, 2008, following a massive heart attack. Bob was so instrunmental 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.
Dr Dahryl Ramsey
Professor of Music
University of North Texas
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