If the population of Orcas is approximately 4,000 people, then the Orcas Island Community Band says it’s proud to have one percent of the island population in the band.

Averaging forty musicians strong each season, the Orcas Island Community Band is concluding its 19th year of music next month. he band’s annual holiday concert is Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m at Orcas Center. Admission by donation.

The December concert is a special gift from the musicians to all island neighbors and friends as the musicians have prepared songs of the season and other standard march favorites. In addition, after the concert, the band offers a dessert and hors d’oeuvres party for the audience free of charge. It is the band’s gift to the island community in the spirit of the season.

Under the direction of Joe Babcock, the band prepares musical selections with wide appeal. In the summer the group can be heard and seen at the annual Fourth of July Festivities in a casual outdoor setting.

Band members say to come in out of the rain, wind or snow and grab an auditorium seat where it’s warm and comfy and enjoy a joyous musical concert free of charge. An annual favorite event is when the group invites the audience to sing along to holiday carols at the end of the concert.