Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The Starkville-Mississippi State University Community Band begins its seventh year Jan. 11 with registration and a rehearsal on campus.
Formed in 2003 and directed by Craig Aarhus, the performing group was created to give interested persons with prior experience an opportunity to continue making music. In addition to MSU students, membership includes residents of the Golden Triangle--and area cities as far away as Philadelphia and Tupelo.
Aarhus, assistant director of MSU bands, said registration will be part of the rehearsal, which gets under way at 6:30 p.m. at the Band and Choral Rehearsal Hall. The facility is located just off Blackjack Road near the southern edge of campus.
No pre-registration will be held this year, Aarhus said, adding that the $20 registration fee will be accepted at sign-up.
The 2010 schedule includes two concerts during spring semester. The band's repertoire includes a mix of traditional band music, marches, patriotic selections, and "pops" arrangements.
Aarhus said participants must be at least 15 years of age, have two years of prior playing experience and furnish their own instruments. Some instruments (tubas, French horns, percussion) may be available through MSU Bands on a limited basis.
"People of all ages and experience levels are welcome, even if it's been a few years since they've played," he said. "Also, continuing education units are available through the Division of Academic Outreach and Continuing Education for those that are interested."
Aarhus said the program's goal is to offer a variety of music that all can enjoy.
"Community bands are a big part of the musical heritage of our country," he observed. "We're happy to be offering this experience once again, and encourage all those in the area who want to keep playing their instruments to come and join us."
For more information, contact Aarhus at 662-325-2713 or caarhus@colled.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.