Returning for its 59th season, the Ferris Community Summer Band will begin concerts this week.

The first performance is Wednesday, June 11, at the Canadian Lakes Castle. The concert will feature a variety of musical styles, from marches to Broadway musicals, and include featured oboist Michelle Kauffold of Canadian Lakes.

“It’s a beautiful setting,” said director Scott Cohen. “They’ve got a beautiful veranda that wraps around two sides of the castle and overlooks the golf courses below.”

This performance is one of four concerts scheduled for this summer. The band will perform at the Hemlock Park Bandshell in Big Rapids on three consecutive Wednesdays: June 18, June 25 and July 2. All performances begin at 7 p.m. and have no cost for admission.

Band members include college students, high school students and area adults. Cohen, who just completed his 23rd year directing ensembles at Ferris State University, said the band is always looking for interested musicians.

“For all you musicians out there, young and old, grab your horns, jump on the bandwagon and come help fill our summer skies with the sweet sounds of music,” Cohen said. “Join us for as many of the weekly cycles of rehearsals and concerts as you’re able to make.”

There is no cost to join the band. Rehearsals for these performances are held the Monday before each concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the University Music Center.

For more information, contact Cohen at RichardScottCohen@ferris.edu.

_{Photo courtesy of Dr. Scott Cohen.}