The June 18 band concert will be a varied program of marches by March King John Philip Sousa, a medley of "hot" country music, a Moonlight Serenade, pop selections from the l960s and ’70s, an overture and selections from the musical "Annie." Kuhlmyer said the group chose the "Annie" medley to complement the play to be presented by Lincoln Community Theatre in August.

The Fourth of July program will have a patriotic theme, including a service salute comprised of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard theme songs. The other two programs will feature a variety of selections similar to the first one, according to Kuhlmyer.

The band was formed five years ago to provide musical programs in the summer, when the LAMS orchestra and chorale do not meet. This year’s 30-member band includes both adults and high school students. Kuhlmyer describes the band as a well-balanced group of instruments, including flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, horns and percussion instruments. Kuhlmyer, who lives in Atlanta, is a music teacher for Lincoln Elementary District 27 and a saxophone player.

"Everyone who can play an instrument and who can come to our Monday night rehearsals in the Lincoln Community High School band room is welcome to join," she said. Rehearsal time is from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The LAMS group as it is now organized goes back to 1986, according to Helen Hannah, a member of the orchestra from the beginning. Before that, an informal orchestra group met on Monday nights.

"It gives musicians of all ages a chance to share their talents with the community," Hannah said. She thinks it is especially important for young people. "It gives them a chance to belong to a semi-professional group so they can decide if they want to go on with music as a career."

The LAMS orchestra has been slowly growing over the past five years, according to director Julie Kasa. It tends to have more members than the band, she said. Because of the young people, high school and even junior high school age, who play with the group and then move on to college or careers, the membership has a high turnover. Kasa, who has studied piano since the age of four, attended Augustana College and received a degree in music education. She is also a piano tuner.

The chorale, which has from 35 to 40 members, has been directed by the Rev. Richard Reinwald of St. John United Church of Christ for the past 10 years. Rev. Reinwald has a B.A. from Elmhurst College and has appeared frequently in Lincoln Community Theatre productions.

Accompanist for the chorale, Karen Strampp, is a lifelong Lincoln resident and graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. She is a private piano teacher in Lincoln and a member of Lincoln Community Theatre Board.

The orchestra and chorale combine to give a Christmas concert in December and another concert in the spring. The program includes seasonal music, classics, pop, jazz and religious works. At the end of each concert the chorale and orchestra present a combined selection.

Membership in the not-for-profit organization is open to anyone from eighth grade to 80 years of age who can sing or play an instrument. No auditions are required.

[Joan Crabb]