On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Moore County Concert Band, under the direction of David Seiberling, will kick off its 30th season of providing free concerts for the Sandhills community. The concert will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel at 2 p.m.

The band was originally organized by Allen F. West who, after its first concert, had to step aside because of ill health. David Seiberling, then director of the Union High School bands, stepped in and has been the band's music director ever since.

Beginning with 48 amateur musicians, the band has grown to its present number of more than 70 players and is considered to be one of the finest community bands in the United States.

During the past 30 years, hundreds of musicians have passed though the band, many of whom have gone on to become professional musicians. The band is also noted for hosting scores of local and regional soloists at their concerts.

This concert has "Sea Songs" as its theme, playing music drawn from a variety of musical venues: marches, movies, period pieces and show tunes.

Attendees will recognize the music of K.L. King, Richard Rodgers, Leonard Gautier, Philip Sparke, Edward Gregson, Vaughan Williams, Nick Glennie-Smith, David Seiberling and F.S. van Boskerk.

"The band is also pleased to present Dr. Joanna Hersey as tuba soloist," says a spokesman.

Hersey is a member of the music faculty of UNC Pembroke, where she teaches low-brass-music students. Prior to joining the Pembroke faculty she was, for a number of years, a member and featured solo tubist in the United States Coast Guard Band.

The Moore County band is an all-volunteer organization of more than 70 local and regional musicians of varying ages and ability. The band welcomes anyone who plays, or has played, a band instrument to join.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings (September through June) in Weldon Hall at the Sandhills Community College.

For information, visit www.moorecountyband.com or call (910) 295-2303.