Playing music has a rejuvenating impact on many people, and members of the Gorge Winds Concert Band say their experiences have been especially rewarding.

This year’s Gorge Winds Christmas Concert will be Music Director Sam Grotte’s last.

Music director and former pilot Sam Grotte retires from concert band

THE GORGE WINDS Concert Band presents its 15th annual Christmas Concert Sunday afternoon, Dec. 21, in the ballroom of the Civic Auditorium. The 41-piece orchestra was conducted by Larry Loop and Nathan Parker, with music direction by Sam Grotte. For information on future concert dates, visit their website at www.gorgewindsband.com.

“You never know what a rehearsal is going to be or isn’t going to be, so we need to make the most of it,” said Larry Loop, co-conductor of Gorge Winds Concert Band, to musicians awaiting his direction.