BETHEL — The Mahoosuc Community Band is now 24 years old and preparing for a summer concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13,at West Parish Congregational Church UCC, 23 Park St.

The band, initially called Mahoosuc Music Makers, started in 1994 when Ellen Whitney and Rhonda Buker noticed the lack of a local band in the area for Memorial Day activities. Telstar Regional High School had dropped the music program due to budget cuts. Whitney, Buker and Brian Dunham felt the lack of music in the region. A group of about 12 people started meeting in June of that year trying to figure out ways to get a hold of the Telstar music, find a director and start rehearsals with a goal of being in the Molly Ockett Day Parade that very year.

Donations are accepted at the door, which help to cover costs of new music and the director. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

Under the direction of Patricia Boyle-Wight, the Mahoosuc Community Band rehearses Monday nights in the basement of the West Parish Congregational Church. All abilities of music players are welcome to rehearse and share their love of music. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the basement of the church. The band takes a break after the August concert and reconvenes Sept. 10.

FMI, contact President Julie Schubert-Cowan at jdschubes@gmail.com or Director Patricia Boyle-Wight at pboylewight@ants.edu.

The Mahoosuc Community Band