MONROE - The Monroe City Band will begin rehearsing for its annual holiday concerts, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, in the Monroe Middle School band room. Subsequent rehearsals will be at 7:30 p.m. every Monday night, from Oct. 3 to Nov. 28, in the Monroe Middle School band room.

New members are welcome to join the group, with the only pre-requisite being a minimum of three years of playing experience on a band instrument. All instrumentalists are welcome, with a particular need for percussionists and trumpeters. Membership is open to residents of any community, and there is no charge to participate.

The Monroe City Band was organized in 1949 by director Allan Barnard, who sought to form a group in which adults in the area could continue to play music after graduating from the local high school program. Currently, the group ranges in size from 50 to 60 players and performs concerts in Twining Park during June and July on alternating Monday evenings.

Tthe band's season rounds out with the holiday concerts on the first Sunday in December.

The current conductor of the Monroe City Band is Randy Schneeberger. More information is available by calling Schneeberger at (608) 325-9722.