As summer approaches, band musicians are preparing for the 2025 season of a local community musical tradition that has been continuously performing since 1911.

As one of the long-standing community bands in eastern Pennsylvania, the Palmerton Community Band takes pride in its 114 years of performing for audiences in the region.

The band is also proud of the role it has played in the development of young musicians who have gone on to become professional musicians and music educators.

The band will begin weekly rehearsals on April 23, and will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. in the Palmerton Borough Hall, 443 Delaware Ave.

The band is composed of about 40 musicians not only from Palmerton, but also from surrounding communities and counties. These volunteers, ages teens to 70s, get together to share their love of band music and performing. As a not-for-profit organization, the band is grateful to local community sponsors who provide essential funding for their continued operations.

This year, the band will perform concerts monthly on June 1, July 6, Aug. 17 and Sept. 6 as part of the Summer Concerts in the Park series and the Palmerton Community Festival.

Musical director Joseph Plechavy, who is entering his 26th year leading the Palmerton Band, invites community members, college students, high school and junior high students with concert band experience to join the band.

“We are always interested in having new people join us,” Plechavy said. “There are many people moving into the area who may not be aware of the concert bands like ours or how to join in. It’s a great way to get to know others in the community and to take part in a fun, friendly activity during the summer.”

Musicians are required to provide their own band instruments and must have intermediate level experience to participate. Generally, anyone who participated in concert band through their high school and/or college years should meet the skill requirement within a few weeks of practice.

Anyone who is interested in joining the band is invited to attend a rehearsal to get more information and meet band members.

For more information, send questions to palmertoncommunityband1911@ gmail.com.