The Auburn Community Band will begin rehearsals for the holiday concert season on Wednesday, Sept. 17. All interested musicians are invited. The band is pictured playing at a concert recently.

Community band seeks new members

AUBURN – The Auburn Community Band has announced that rehearsals for the holiday concert season are to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 17. 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, clarinet or tenor sax, and for percussionists who can read music. The organization also hopes to grow its trumpet, French horn and tuba sections.

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. Their annual public concert will take place in the Olin Arts Center at Bates College in Lewiston. The group will also give performances for senior citizens and for residents living at one of the local health care facilities.

Currently, the 46 members range in age from 15 to 83 and collectively 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.

“Because their musical skills are out of practice, many people are nervous when they first join,” said Simon. “However, most regain those skills within a short period of time.” Simon added that anyone who wishes to perform with the band, but is unable to join will have a second opportunity during the band’s Open Membership Month in January.

This fall completes the band’s 27th season under Simon’s direction.

For more information, interested musicians should call Simon at 782-3917 or go online to www.auburncommunityband.org.