The Willamette Valley Concert Band is starting its 2008-2009 season and invites musicians to join.

Richard Sorenson, conductor of the 55-member community band, will hold two-hour rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, starting this week, in the South Albany High School band room, 3705 Columbus St.

Several sections have openings, with special needs for bassoon, clarinet, baritone sax, French horn and percussion. Instrumentalists with at least high school band or orchestra experience may participate. There are no formal auditions.

For the band's 39th season, several concerts are planned in Albany, Independence, Lebanon, Monmouth and Corvallis. The annual fall Veterans Day Pops Concert is scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Russell Tripp Performance Center on the LBCC campus.

Other concerts are scheduled for Dec. 13, March 8, May 21, May 25 and several dates in July.

Contact director Sorenson, (503) 838-3474, or assistant director Christine Barreto, (541) 451-2791, and show up for the first rehearsal.

Democrat-Herald