The Bainbridge Community Band will hold its annual Christmas concert this coming Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Kirbo Center at Bainbridge College.

The Community Band, directed by Decatur County Schools Band Director Paschal Ward, consists of about 70 musicians, ranging from age 14 to age 65. Instruments represented include the oboe, flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, French horn, tuba, percussion and baritone horn.

Many of the band’s musicians are current or former students of Ward, who has directed Decatur County School’s band programs for a number of years.

“All of the musicians are volunteers, playing for the enjoyment and the personal growth and challenge that a community band provides,” Ward said.

To prepare for the Christmas concert, the musicians—who volunteer their time away from their regular jobs—put in a lot of time and commitment, Ward said.

“We have professional musicians as well as men and women working as lawyers, teachers, college students, doctors and many other professions,” Ward said. “Their skill levels vary from ‘just getting the hang of it again’ after playing many years ago to a few ‘almost virtuoso’ performers.”

The Community Band’s Christmas Concert at the Kirbo Center, which is sponsored by The Post-Searchlight, will feature traditional Christmas carols to some popular songs related to the holiday season.

“The concert is something we all look forward to,” Ward said. “The community band is a family affair and it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to maintain such a worthwhile, enriching group.”

“We invite everyone to come join us for an afternoon of enjoying the peaceful holiday spirit,” Ward said.