AUBURN — The Auburn Community Band has announced that rehearsals for their upcoming holiday concert season are to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 16. All interested musicians who wish to perform with the band need to become a member before the end of September. The band has an immediate need for percussionists who can read music. They also seek musicians who play flute, bass clarinet, tenor sax, baritone sax, French Horn or tuba.

The band rehearses from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, 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 the month of 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 citizen groups and for residents at a local health care facility.

Currently, the 45 members range in age from 16 to 84 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, said 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 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 28th season under Simon’s direction. For more information, interested musicians should call Simon at 782-3917 or go online to www.auburncommunityband.com.