Got music in your blood and an instrument in your closet?

Then, come and join the Escambia County Community Band, said member David Gehman.

Currently, practice is ongoing for three upcoming concerts, and more community participation is needed, Gehman said.

“Several years ago, Jerry Gehman helped assemble what was the Atmore Community Band,” he said. “Two years ago Nolan McAnally and Jake Cannon lead efforts to gather musicians from across the county, known as the Escambia County Community Band.

“Often people that participated in high school or college band, when they graduate, their instrument is put on a shelf and gets dusty,” he said. “The Escambia County Community Band is a great opportunity to dust off your instrument, tune it up and make some music and memories as we provide some great band music right here at home in Escambia County.

“No matter how many years since you played, pick up your instrument and join us,” he said. “Being a part of a band and performing music is a great quality of life opportunity.”

Gehman said current and former band students are encouraged to participate as the band prepares for performances this summer. Practice sessions are held each Monday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Flomaton High School band room.

Currently, there are approximately 25 musicians “but that number is expected to increase once school is out for summer,” Gehman said. “The band will present popular music from the Beatles-1964, big band super hits, music of Queen, from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Liberty Bell, Kentucky 1800 and Light Calvary in addition to a selection of gospel and patriotic songs.

“We welcome and encourage musicians to join the band,” he said. “There is a need for more brass horns including trombone, tuba, baritone, French horn,

The ECCB is currently searching for a performance venue in Brewton. The band is voluntary and has no funding.

Upcoming performances include:

• Sat., May 31: Flomaton High School auditorium, 6:30 p.m.;

• Sat., June 28: Patterson Auditorium, Old Sanctuary of First Baptist Church-Atmore, 6:30 p.m.; and,

• Fri., July 4: WindCreek Casino Resort Amphitheatre outdoors with fireworks, tentatively 8:30 p.m.

For additional information contact Dietrich Bondurant at 251.238.1651; John Lambert, 251.393.7567; or Gehman at 251.253.8219.