By By Paul Keane
Publisher
The L.A. Pops is looking for a few good men and women to make beautiful music this holiday season.
Jerry Gehman, who helped establish and develop the musical group last year, says he is looking for anyone age 16 or older who has experience playing musical instruments to join the group, which will be performing a special Christmas program in December as part of the Atmore Community Christmas in front of the Lions Community Center.
"The Atmore Community Band, or L.A. – Lower Alabama – Pops, was formed in September of 2001," he said. "It is under the auspices of the Greater Escambia County Council of the Arts and it is a non-profit organization that performs at various functions."
Last year, the group fielded as many as 28 members and performed at Mayfest, the Fourth of July celebration and at Christmas time. The group even has some instruments donated and has music donated from the University of South Alabama. All Gehman needs is people to perform.
"We're not teaching," he said. "This is for people who have instruments sitting around or sitting in a closet collecting dust. We'll help you blow out the dust."
With 12 current members, the group is in need of all types of musicians, including winds, brass, percussion and even some strings. The group practices on Mondays and Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the band hall at Escambia County Middle School. "The school has been very kind in allowing us to use their facilities," Gehman said.
Anyone interested in being a part of the group can contact Gehman at 446-3707.