The Auburn Community Concert Band invites local musicians to join as it begins rehearsals for the fall concert season at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Submitted photo by James Jones

The Auburn Community Concert Band invites local musicians to join as it begins rehearsals for the fall concert season at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Weekly rehearsals take place from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant Streets, in Auburn.

This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band musicians to again experience the enjoyment of making music and performing in front of large audiences. Membership requires a commitment to the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals. Members must be able to read music, and have their own instruments. Currently, the Auburn band has an immediate need for clarinet players, and for people who can play snare and/or bass drum. All members are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Currently, the ACCB has 31 members, ranging in age from late-teens to mid-eighties. These members collectively represent a total of 12 central Maine towns. Before joining this organization, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played in a school or community band some 10 to 20 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 people regain their playing skills relatively quickly.”

The band’s annual holiday concert for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

New members should email their intentions to Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal. 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 next “Open Membership Month” in January.

The organization is celebrating its 41st season after being established by Simon in 1981. Additional information regarding membership can be found on the band’s website at www.auburncommunityband.com.