AUBURN — The Auburn Community Band has announced that rehearsals for the upcoming holiday concert season will begin Wednesday, Sept. 22. All interested musicians who wish to perform with the band have until the end of September to become a member. The band has an immediate need for French horn players, and percussionists who can read music. They also seek musicians who play clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax, baritone sax and 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 Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts.

The community band is scheduled to perform several times during December. In past years, the annual public concert has taken place in the Olin Arts Center at Bates College in Lewiston. The group also gives performances for senior citizen groups and residents at a local health care facility.

Currently, the 46 members range in age from 20 to 84 and collectively represent 16 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 said that anyone who wishes to perform with the band, but is 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 29th season under Simon’s direction. For more information, interested musicians should call 782-3917 or go online to www.auburncommunityband.com