The Morris Plains Community Band, a 25 piece traditional concert band, plans to perform a free holiday concert on Wed., Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Morris Plains Borough School Auditorium.

The musical selections will include traditional American music, patriotic songs, marches, Broadway show tunes, movie themes and holiday music. A special highlight of the concert will be the performance of “The Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah,” at which the band will accompany a choir of local singers.

Singers who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Larry Ripley at larryripley@verizon.net  or 973-984-2505. There will be one short rehearsal just before the concert on Dec. 21.
The Morris Plains Community Band was originally founded in 1888. Reactivated in 2015, the band rehearses on Wed., 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Morris Plains Borough School Band Room, and is made up of musicians ranging in age from twelve to eighty.

There is no cost, no commitment nor obligation to participate. The group performs monthly concerts at various locations such as nursing homes, senior citizen groups.

The Morris Plains Community Band is conducted by Larry Ripley, a retired musician and bandleader who is the third member of his family to lead a town band.

To learn more about the Morris Plains Community Band, contact Ripley at 973-984-2505or larryripley@verizon.net.