AUBURN — The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals for their upcoming holiday concert season will begin Wednesday, Sept. 12. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band members to experience the enjoyment of performing regularly in front of large audiences.

The Auburn band has a particular need for additional people who play flute, clarinet, alto sax, French horn or tuba. Membership requires a commitment to the group’s schedule of rehearsals and concerts. Members must also have their own instruments.

Weekly rehearsals take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant streets.

The group’s annual holiday concert this year is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. Additional Wednesday evening performances are also planned for earlier in the month.

The ACCB currently has 49 members, ranging in age from 13 to 88. These members collectively represent a total of 16 Maine towns. Before joining this organization, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played in a school or community band some 20 to 30 years ago, according to band director Milt Simon.

“New members are often nervous when they first join, because of the lapse of time since they last practiced,” said Simon. He added that “most players regain their playing skills relatively quickly.”

Prospective members who are unable to participate in any of the September rehearsals will have a second opportunity to join the band during the group’s “Open Membership Month” happening in January.

The concert band is currently celebrating its 37th season. The organization was founded by Simon in 1981. For more information, interested musicians should call band director Simon at 207-782-3917, or visit the band’s website at www.auburncommunityband.com.

Auburn Community Concert Band