New members ... the words are music to Maitland Community Band's ears.
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The band, which has been a part of the Maitland community since 1995, has put the call out - it needs new blood.
"Ideally we'd have about 20 members to function really well, but right now we're down to 10," said musical director John Grant, who has been with the band since its inception 23 years ago.
"Ideally we're looking for players who would have at least 18 months experience playing and reading music, but we'll happily work with inexperienced players.
"Brass, woodwind, percussion, keyboard ... we'll accommodate them although our greatest need is probably tuba, french horn, trombone, those sort of things."
The band plays has an eclectic repertoire, dabbling in everything from classical through to pop, jazz, rock and Latin.
"We play in local community events, at aged care facilities, eisteddfods and so on," Mr Grant said. "Occasionally we'll enter a band championship, but with our numbers down we haven't done that for a while.
"Most of our members are younger, but we welcome players of all ages. Our band gives younger players the chance to learn from more experienced players.
"We see the band as very much a p[art of the community, and it gives the players the chanec to project what they've learned back into the local community. It's a good environment."
The band practices on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm at Maitland Public School in Elgin Street.
"I'm passionate about the band. Playing in band like this builds up kids' confidence and that has to be a good thing."