New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs has over 100 musician members. Each and every member has a unique life story to tell. We would like to introduce to you our fabulous musical family.

Getting to know Jeff Ader...

1. Name? Were you named after anyone?

Probably but I can't prove it.

2. Where are you from?

I was born in Brooklyn NY many, many, many years ago and raised in Lake Hiawatha, NJ. My wife and I moved to Colorado Springs at the end of 1973.

3. What band are you in?

I am lucky enough to play in the Kicks Jazz Band, the NHBCOS Small Jazz Ensemble and to be the new director of the Concert Band.

4. Do you play in more than 1 musical group?

I play regularly with the New Century Big Band and Swing Factory along with Tarnished Brass (a brass quintet) and the Front Range Brass (a brass choir). I also sub occasionally with Jazz Express and the Woodland Park Wind Symphony.

5. What did you want to be when you were a kid?

It varied but now I want to be a band director and trumpet player when I grow up.

6. Do you have kids?

Yes. we have a son and a daughter. 4 grandchildren also.

7. Do you play more than 1 instrument?

I play the variations of trumpet. I really enjoy Flugelhorn and cornet. I struggle to play the piccolo trumpet with any degree of skill.

8. What is your favorite dessert?

Ice cream of any kind.

9. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I also teach karate and have done so for over 40 years. Come by and visit my school. We also love to hike and travel whenever time permits.

10. What is or was your career?

I have retired from my profession but I taught severe/profound needs students in CS District #11 for 31 years after a short career as a music teacher.

11. What is your favorite type of music?

At this point in my life I would say big band jazz.

12. How did you get involved in music?

I'm not even sure but I remember attending a summer music program before I entered high school and becoming enamored of the trumpet. I got to play a solo after just 6 weeks of classes and rehearsals. I was hooked.

13. What is your favorite Summer activity?

Hiking. We love to walk and hike almost anywhere and have done some memorable if foolhardy treks here and there.

14. Have you ever been to a different country?

Yes, probably too many to list but standouts were time spent in Israel, Okinawa and New Zealand.

15. Describe yourself in 3 words...

Clever, compassionate & complex!