Contributed photo A NEW COMMUNITY BAND is underway. Their first meeting will take place tonight at the Seniors Centre on Bythia Street at 7 p.m. Here member Morgan Lewars practices on her clarinet. Both children and adults are welcomed to join. For those who used to play an instrument and have given it up because of either a lack of time or people to play with, a new community band is starting in Orangeville tonight and everyone is welcome to join.

While players don't have to be expert musicians to join, Dave Lewars, one of the organizers, suggests participants have about two years' experience playing in bands. But he says this shouldn't discourage people. Even those with little experience are welcome.

"It's a learning experience," he says. "We're not professionals being paid to do this."

The band will be a mixture of students and adults who play woodwind and brass instruments. Mr. Lewars describes it as an orchestra/concert band. The conductor will be John Wervers, a former conductor of high school bands in Orangeville and Shelburne.

There isn't a cap on the number of people who can join. Mr. Lewars is hoping to have 15 to 20 members to start with. Their first performance will be a Christmas concert.

"It's going to be a fun environment," says Mr. Lewis. "We're gearing it towards adults and kids to give them more experience."

If you would like to join the band, you can attend the meeting at Seniors Centre on Bythia Street tonight from 7 to 9 p.m.