The Lehigh Concert Band will start rehearsals for this season this week. Rehearsals were set to begin Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Faith Lutheran Church.

The Lehigh Concert Band is one of the oldest, continuing organizations in the Lehigh area. The band was started in 1970 and was an important group in early Lehigh. Over the years, the band has suffered a decline in members and activities, says Lynne Criss, president.

“But the band is starting a ‘renaissance,’ a rebirth of the arts in Lehigh, she said.

The band is open to everyone who plays or has played an instrument. If you are one of those people, you are encouraged and invited to join our band, she said.

There is no audition, no age requirement, just the love of playing an instrument and being a part of a group with people who enjoy music, Criss said.

Rehearsals are being held at the Faith Lutheran Church at 705 E. Leeland heights Blvd. on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, you can call Criss at 239-949-1834 or Sandy Silver secretary, at 239-369-6935, or member Peter Serries at 239-303-4754.

The band will perform a concert for the public on the third Sunday of each month beginning on Oct. 18.

All concerts will begin at 3 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church.

Anyone attending the concert will be encouraged to have Sunday dinner at Haney’s Cafe in the Microtel Hotel on Business Way in Lehigh.

As a “patron” of the band, Haney’s Cafe will provide dessert for those who show their program from attending the concert.

Concerts are free with a free-will offering.

The band is a non-profit organization and depends on donations to meets its expenses. This year, a sponsor/patron program has been initiated to help. Peter Serries can prove more information.

The band looks forward to welcoming you to their programs and keeping this musical organization as a vibrant asset in Lehigh,” said Criss.

The band has had a fund raiser concert for Hope Hospice for the past two years. The band has also participated in the Spring Festival from year to year.