Wayne Community College will start the “Bison Community Concert Band” this fall.

The band is open to anyone 16 years old or older of any skill level.

“Everybody will come together for the rehearsals and concerts,” said WCC Music Instructor Randi Chalfant.

“Some experience is definitely useful,” said Chalfant. “You will be with people who are more and less experienced. The instructor will give you resources to build on what you know.”

While she expects wind, brass, and percussion instruments, there are no limits on what instruments can participate. “We’re open to other instruments if they’re interested,” Chalfant said.

The band will be under the direction of Dr. William Ford. He serves as professor of music at the University of Mount Olive, where he directs the band program and teaches multiple music courses. He is currently the interim director of Goldsboro’s Starlight Band.

Special concerts will be performed at the end of each semester at the college and at community events throughout the year. The performances will be open to the public.

Participants must register for the band as a class. It will be offered as both a Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) course and a traditional college class.

“If you need credit, you can get it. If you want to do it just for fun, this is the one,” explained Chalfant.

If taken as a WCE course, the cost is $35.00 per semester.

If taken as a college credit course, it will cost $76.00 for in-state students plus student activity and technology fees and successful completion will result in one hour of academic credit.

Participants must provide their own instruments. Contact Chalfant at [email protected] for information about instrument rentals.

Rehearsals will be held 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 18-Dec. 8 in Moffatt Auditorium on WCC’s main campus in Goldsboro.

Anyone who is interested in the band should complete the form at www.waynecc.edu/bison-community-concert-band/ and someone will assist them with registration.