MONROE - The Monroe City Band will begin rehearsals for the upcoming summer concert series April 2. The band rehearses weekly at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Monroe Middle School band room.

The band is always accepting new members and is especially in need of percussionists, oboes and clarinets. Membership to the band is free, and there is no audition process - simply show up at rehearsal.

Band members consist of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. Current members reside in Monroe and its surrounding communities, with many members traveling from all over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

The band was founded in 1949 by Allan F. Barnard as a way for adults to continue to perform music after high school. Currently in its 69th year, the band offers a full schedule of events and a wide variety of musical genres.

The annual concert series will begin at 7:30 p.m. June 4 in the bandshell at Twining Park. The summer season continues with performances on June 18 and July 4, 16 and 30. The band also will perform during Cheese Days weekend in September in addition to the annual holiday concerts in December.

Questions should be directed to Monroe City Band Director Brian Bruggeman at brianbruggeman@monroe.k12.wi.us or 608-328-7447.