The Auburn Community Band rehearsals for the holiday concert season will begin Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the High Street Congregational Church.

Auburn Community Band invites new members

AUBURN – The Auburn Community Band has announced that rehearsals for its upcoming holiday concert season are to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

All interested musicians who wish to perform with the band need to become a member before the end of this month.

The band has an immediate need for musicians who play flute, saxophone or tuba. The organization also hopes to grow its trumpet, French horn, baritone horn and tuba sections. There is also a need for percussionists who can read music.

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 Wednesday evening 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, Lewiston. The group will also give performances for senior citizens and residents living at one of the local health care facilities. One performance is expected to be broadcast over the local cable channel, as was done last year.

Currently, the 46 members range in age from 15 to 82 and collectively represent 15 central and southern Maine towns.

Before joining, many of the 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 band’s 26th season under Simon’s direction. For more information, interested musicians should call Band President Brian Hodges at 375-6312 or go online to www.auburncommunityband.org.