HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Greater Huntington Symphonic Band will perform its annual Christmas concert at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Renaissance Center in Huntington.

Members of the Ohio University Southern Community Band from Ironton will combine with the

symphonic band during the Christmas season.

Both groups will also perform this Christmas program at the new Ironton High School auditorium at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.

Admission to both concerts is free.

The symphonic band has existed for decades under several different names and conductors, but came together in its present form in 1964 with Homer Oschenhirt serving as director.

At that time the band was housed in the old Stella Fuller Building in Huntington and gave concerts at the Stella Fuller Playground.

The ensemble, directed by Tom Thompson since 1990, draws its membership from the greater Tri-State area, including Huntington, Charleston, Ashland, Ironton, and Russell-Flatwoods.

It is a non-profit organization funded solely by donations to purchase music.

Membership is open to anyone who has basic music reading and musicianship skills and loves to play band music.

Current members range in age from 14 to 84 and represent all walks of life including students, retirees, and working professionals.

The band is currently in need of trombones, clarinets, and percussion. After Christmas, regular rehearsals resume on Thursday, Jan. 6.