Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s band staff again is inviting university faculty, staff and graduate students, as well as Golden Triangle residents with previous band experience, to participate in the Starkville-MSU Community Band.

Practice sessions will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Monday during the spring semester at the MSU Band and Choral Rehearsal Hall, located at 72 Hardy Road on the Starkville campus. A $20 participation fee is required, which can be paid at the first meeting on Jan. 6. No pre-registration is required.

The band’s diverse repertoire includes traditional marches, patriotic selections and “pops” arrangements. The band will perform two concerts during the semester.

Interested high school students age 15 and older also are invited to join. In addition to having at least one year of prior playing experience, high school students wishing to participate must receive permission from their band director.

Musicians must furnish their own instruments. Some instruments, such as tubas, French horns and percussion, may be available on a limited basis through the band office.

Craig Aarhus, MSU associate professor of music and associate director of bands, said the community band provides a low-stress environment where musicians can practice their craft on a weekly basis. He said musicians that may have gone a few years without playing their instruments are welcome.

For additional information, contact Aarhus at cha18@msstate.edu or 662-325-2713.

Learn more about MSU’s nationally accredited Department of Music at www.music.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.