Strike up the band! The Lee County Community Band will begin its 133rd season with a lively, fun-filled, free concert on November 11 at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School.

In keeping with tradition for the season’s first concert, Director Richard Bradstreet has selected a program featuring spirited and patriotic American music by American composers and a salute to U.S. military veterans.

The program includes Big Band Polka, Semper Fidelis, Syncopated Clock, Carousel, and The Armed Forces Salute.

The 50-member adult band will perform six concerts between November and April. Programs typically include a mix of energetic marches, Broadway hits, old favorites, patriotic songs, and a sing-along with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones. 

Band members are musicians from all walks of life – career musicians, amateurs, and folks renewing skills from years past – who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year.

The group rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael Lutheran School, Fort Myers; rehearsals for this season begin on October 18. Musicians interested in joining may phone John Fenn at 239-454-6430.

Lee County Community Band concerts are free of charge (donations accepted), and open to the public. Additional concert dates are Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, and April 7. All concerts will be at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, one block north of Veterans Parkway, beginning at 3 p.m. 

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal, and enthusiastic audience at every concert. Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating. 

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org