Our Mission

New Horizons Music North York is a member of  New Horizons Music International which has nearly 200 member groups worldwide, The New Horizons Music program was founded in the 1990’s by Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.  The goal of the organization  is to engage adults in group music making, including those with little or no musical experience, as well as those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. Many studies have shown that there are multiple benefits to playing music in a group, and that as we age, music keeps our brains and bodies active, enhances our enjoyment in life, and provides opportunities for positive social interactions and friendship.   New Horizons is an inclusive organization geared towards the creation of nurturing, non-judgemental musical experiences for all participants.

Our History

New Horizons Music North York began in February of 2017, when Susan Baskin was invited to take over a concert band, at the Long and McQuade location in North York, that had lost its conductor. Since then, the program has grown to three ensembles: the original concert band—now the Monday night Concert Band; the Wednesday night Intensive Band Class; and the Thursday afternoon ukulele ensemble.

Our Instructors

Susan Baskin

Susan Baskin

Musical Director
Susan Baskin, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, has been a musician and music educator in the Greater Toronto area since 1980. In 2018, Susan retired from her position as Head of Music at Bill Crothers Secondary School. After 40 years of experience teaching music to students of all ages, Susan is thrilled to be the music director of New Horizons Music North York, and to teach the Monday night Concert Band and the Thurday afternoon Ukulele Ensemble. In addition to the groups she directs at New Horizons, Susan teaches other ukulele groups in the GTA, sings in a choir, and performs as a flutist. In her spare time, when she isn’t practicing the flute and the ukulele, she loves to attend opera, concerts, and films.
Ari Skulko

Ari Skulko

Ari Skulko, teacher of the Wednesday night Novice Ensemble, is a native of Toronto. He studied trumpet at the University of Windsor, and is a certified music teacher who holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education. Ari plays the trumpet with the Silverthorn Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Ari has been with NHMNY since September 2017. In his spare time, Ari enjoys concerts, movies, and travel.