The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary seeks skilled amateur and professional musicians to join a new concert band for the Pacific Northwest.

The band will serve primarily as a resource for Coast Guard ceremonial needs including change of command, facility commissioning, memorial services, visiting dignitaries and foreign vessel port calls.

The band will also offer public concerts and participate in community events as much as possible.

Leo Leonard, vice commander of the Sequim-Port Angeles Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla, said the group has three goals: “We want to establish the first band of its kind in the region; serve the U.S. Coast Guard, other military branches and the public; and have fun making great music.”

An initial orientation and organizational meeting will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 17, at First United Methodist Church, 110 E. Seventh St., Port Angeles. For information, contact 907-942-7334 or foobidy@hotmail.com.

Initial time commitment is one weekend rehearsal per month, plus a minimum attendance at qualifying performances (to be determined). Performances may be anywhere in Coast Guard District 13, but will likely concentrate around Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

There is no specific residency requirement.

Membership is open by audition to all instruments for symphonic band setting: brass, woodwind, percussion, piano, string base, harp, etc., plus ensemble managers and librarians.

Band members will be required to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary, must be U.S. citizens older than 17, pass a background check, pay dues and buy uniforms (tax deductible).

Those interested in joining but who cannot attend the meeting are asked to contact the bandmaster with instrument, general location and a little about their experience and availability.

The auxiliary is the Coast Guard’s civilian volunteer branch, with more than 34,000 members nationwide. Its missions include public education, recreational boating safety, vessel examinations and support of active duty units.