As another summer of music rolls around, the Austin Community Band kicks-off their concert season tonight at Mill Pond in conjunction with 4th Avenue Fest.

The 45-member band will be featuring a wide array of different music from show tunes to jazz to contemporary in five scheduled concerts, according to Roger Boughton, a community band member. Tonight’s concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. Free ice cream will also be available for the first three scheduled concert events on June 13, 20 and 27 and performances typically run for an hour.

This season will also be different from previous summers because the Second Edition—a women’s choral group of 16 members—will be performing with the band during the July 4 concert at the City Bandshell.

Conductor Brian Koser leads the Austin Community Band through rehearsal Tuesday night at the Austin High School annex.

Since April, musicians have been rehearsing.

“More members of the community are taking part with the community band,” Boughton said. “With 45 band members and 16 vocalists, it makes a sizable group. I think the community band hopes to continue with (participation) in the future and give other groups opportunities to participate in the festivals with us.”

The community band is made of members both from mid-teens and adults, professionals and beginners, and is a way to connect Austin residents to others who share similar interests in performing music.

Aaron Knoll plays the French Horn during an Austin Community Band rehearsal Thursday at the Austin High School annex.

Sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), the community band felt that this summer will be another successful season, with the Austin Public Schools for providing a practice space, and the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation and Forestry Department’s transport of instruments, there was even more involvement from the Austin residents, which was what the band wanted, and anticipates for an exciting summer performance season for all to enjoy.

“It’s good connectivity to what’s going on in the community and meeting other people,” Boughton said. “(The band) is just a fun experience and it lightens up your life. You leave practice with a big smile on your face.”

Community Band Concert Schedule

June 13

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Mill Pond

June 20

(Community Jazz Band performs instead)

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: City Bandshell

June 27

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: City Bandshell

July 1

(Community Jazz Band performs)

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Hormel Historic Home

July 4

(Band performs in the parade at 11 a.m.)

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: City Bandshell in conjunction with Freedom Fest