The New Horizons music program was begun at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) in 1991 by the chair of the School of Music Education, Dr. Roy Ernst. Today there are more than 120 New Horizons bands, orchestras, or choral groups across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The UNLV New Horizons Band was started in January 2006 within the School of Music and is offered as a noncredit course through the Department of Educational Outreach. In accordance with the New Horizons philosophy, this musical ensemble emphasizes upon the learning and enjoyment of music above the rigor and pressures of performance.

Although musical comprehension and appreciation are of the highest priorities, the band also performs regularly throughout the academic semester, both on and off campus.