The French Horn section virtuosi for the Mid-York Concert Band, John Sterchak and Jennifer Behrman. The group is seeking players for their holiday performance and are hoping for horn players. Horns are featured in many beautiful haunting melodies and are one of the most elegant brass instruments. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Mid-York Concert Band is preparing for its annual Holiday Concert.

Maestro Doug Ernst will appear again as director. This 40-piece band is made up of professionals, teachers and dedicated amateurs from Chenango and surrounding counties. You are sure to be pleased with their fine big sound.

We encourage musicians in the surrounding communities to grab their instruments, dust off the cobwebs and join us.

Remaining rehearsals are at 7 p.m. in the band room of the Norwich Middle School on Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 [dress rehearsal at Norwich High School auditorium]. Our concert will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

Any community member who would like to join us for the rehearsals and Holiday concert should contact Music Director, Doug Ernst at midyorkband@gmail.com. It is not required that you audition.

The following is a sample of the selections you are sure to enjoy: Carol of the Bells - This is an arrangement of the popular Ukrainian Bell Carol by Robert Longfield. It is based on a recording of the piece made by Mannheim Steamroller. Good Swing Wenceslas - This is a jazzy arrangement of Good King Wenceslas by Sammy Nestico, a prolific composer/arranger whose credits include writing for Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and the Count Basie Big Band. Home Alone Selections - John Williams, arranged by Paul Lavender. The kids will love this arrangement from the popular movie series! Radetzky March - Johann Strauss, arranged by Alfred Reed. It is a tradition for an audience to clap along to a performance of the Radetzky March to help bring in the New Year. Please join us as we perform this lively, toe tapping (and hand clapping) piece! Sleigh Ride – Leroy Anderson A joyful winter tradition! In addition to these pieces, we will continue our tradition of performing a Hanukkah piece and a Christmas Sing-a-long.

This ensemble is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

– Information from the Mid-York Concert Band