AUBURN – The Auburn Community Band has announced that rehearsals for the upcoming holiday concert season will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 21. All interested musicians who wish to perform with the band should join the group on that date.

The band is in need of several percussionists who can read music. There are also openings for musicians who play flute, bass clarinet, alto and tenor sax, French horn or tuba.

The band rehearses from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant streets. Musicians must have their own instrument and music stand and be able to commit to the weekly schedule of rehearsals and concerts.

The community band is scheduled to perform several times during December. The annual public concert will take place in the Olin Arts Center at Bates College in Lewiston. The group will also give two performances for residents living at local health care facilities.

The 50-plus members range in age from 14 to 80 and represent 15 central and southern Maine towns. Before joining, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played their instruments some 20 to 40 years ago, according to band director Milt Simon.

“Many people are nervous when they first join,” said Simon, “but most regain their musical skills within a short period of time.”

Simon said those who wish to perform with the band but are unable to join at this time will have a second opportunity during the band’s “Open Membership Month” in January.

This fall completes the Auburn Community Band’s 24th season under Simon’s direction.

For more information, interested musicians should call the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department at 784-0191 prior to attending the Sept. 21 rehearsal.