This page is to highlight and showcase any of the New Horizons directors. If you have a story or want to express your thanks for the contributions of your director, please forward those articles (with a picture, if possible) to the [Webmaster] of NHIMA.

Salute to Our New Horizons Band Director, Peter Ziegler
by Iris Othrow
(On behalf of the New Horizons Band members, Madison, Wisconsin)

Peter Ziegler is the kind of director that has been perfect for the New Horizons Band in Madison, Wisconsin. When Peter first began directing this group fifteen years ago, he inspired us by giving us music that at first glance appeared to be too difficult for our meager talents. But Peter believed in us and encouraged us without intimidation, and what do you know, with time and practice, we were able to play the music! We were having fun, and folks were beginning to enjoy our concerts! Peter was patient and let everyone play and their best was good enough! My husband, Mike, started taking trombone lessons in 1995. He had never played an instrument and didn’t even know how to read music. Peter welcomed him to sit in with the band and play what he could as he was learning. There were never any negative comments about his errors. Everyone was encouraging. Peter wouldn’t have had it any other way, and with Peter’s instruction, Mike has become a fine trombonist. He encourages everyone to perform to the best of their ability. He’s always available with a compliment or help if you want it. Thank you Peter, for your patience, sense of humor, encouragement, and for your joy in making music with us!

You may have encountered Peter Ziegler and his wife, Cheryl, at various band camps. Peter and Cheryl have a son Jon, daughter-in-law Allison, daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law Scott, and two-year-old grandson John.

Peter continues to be an associate director of the New Horizons Band and the New Horizons Swing Band, both of Madison, Wisconsin. He teaches music to "home schooled" students, teaches band at Central Montessori in Madison and gives private lessons through Ward-Brodt Music Mall. His hobbies, besides playing the trombone, include snowboarding, snow shoeing, mountain climbing, and activities at his church.

Peter Ziegler was the band and orchestra director at Blackhawk Middle School in Madison for thirty-five years. He is a recipient of the University of Wisconsin’s Distinguished Teacher of Teachers award and has been associated with Ward-Brodt Music Mall as a teacher and director for fifteen years.

We love you and salute your accomplishments!
All your New Horizons Friends

Back To Top

   ©2004-8 NHIMA.  Web Site by Allegro Web Designs.