AUBURN — The month of January marks the Auburn Community Concert Band’s semi-annual open membership period. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band members to again experience the enjoyment of performing for others. All musicians who wish to participate in the band’s upcoming summer concert performances have until Wednesday, Jan. 23, to join the group and start participating in weekly rehearsals.

The 54-member concert band would particular like to add members to its flute and saxophone sections. The group also hopes to grow its clarinet, French horn and tuba sections. There is also a need for percussion and drum set players who can read music.

Membership requires limited conflicts with the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts. Musicians must have their own instruments and music stands.

From January through early June, band members rehearse from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the High Street Congregational Church. From mid-June through late August, the band presents weekly Wednesday evening concerts. These free, 75-minute performances take place at Festival Plaza, weather permitting. In the case of inclement weather, concerts take place indoors at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. A different selection of music is featured each week, appealing to audiences both young and old. The anticipated Wednesday concert dates for the 2019 summer season are June 19-Aug. 21.

This summer will mark the organization’s 38th consecutive season. Director Milt Simon formed the group in 1981 to offer musicians, who had once been members of their high school and college bands, an opportunity to continue using and improving their performance skills. Members of the ACCB currently range in age from 14 to 89, and represent some 16 central Maine towns. Membership is open to anyone knowing how to play a wind or percussion instrument.

“New members are often nervous when attending their first few rehearsals, because of the lapse of time from when they last performed,” according to band director Simon. “For many, it’s been 20 or more years since they last touched their instrument.” Simon added that most people regain their musical skills relatively quickly. “It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you have learned, you never forget. You just may need to do some practicing.” 

Over 430 people were in attendance at the band’s Dec. 19 holiday performance, which took place at the Gendron Franco Center. Following the concert, audience members donated over $1,185 to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign.

Interested musicians are asked to call Simon at 207-782-3917 prior to attending their first rehearsal. Additional information about the group is posted on the band’s website, www.auburncommunityband.com.

The Auburn Community Concert Band is seeking new members.

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