BETHEL – The Mahoosuc Community Band will have its annual Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec. 12th at 4 p.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel.

The band has added many new selections to the holiday concert, thanks to Jim Mann and the Mt. Mann Jewelers. New songs include Christmas Day by Gustav Holst, Midnight Sleighride, featuring percussion, by Sauter and Finegan, Cowboy Christmas arranged by Jeff Simmons and providing a country flavor to traditional songs, March of the Toys by Victor Herbert, and a humorous version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with narration of the traditional poem arranged by Jack Bullock. Refreshments following the concert allow time to visit with the musicians. Donations help with music and instrument purchases and ongoing costs to run the volunteer community band.

The band has been bringing music to the greater Bethel area for approximately 17 years. It was formed to share music when SAD 44 music program was eliminated for a few years, as a cost-saving effort. Since then both the SAD 44 music program and the Mahoosuc Community Band have grown. The community band now includes people from Hanover, Rumford, Dixfield, Waterford, Woodstock, Bethel, Albany, and South Paris. It’s a group of people of all ages that just enjoy making music together. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church basement. Following the December concert, the band takes a break until January 3, 2011. School musicians are encouraged to join the Monday night rehearsals and enhance their Middle School or High School music programs. The band plans a spring concert in May before the summer performances and parades for Mollyockett Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.

New members, or old-timers who may need to dust off their instruments, are always welcome. Contact Patricia Boyle-Wight, director, (824-8453 or [email protected]) or Kathleen DeVore, president, (875-2364 or [email protected])