If you looking to hear some soothing classical music and haven't been to the symphony lately, you don't need to spend $60 and drive 50 miles to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Newton County Community Band is holding their spring concert Monday at Eastside High School in the auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

The band, directed by Timothy Adams, has held the annual concert since 1993.

Adams says the band plays different types of music ranging from classical to jazz and often changes parts of its shows to accommodate the changing seasons.

"We play Christmas music during December's show and now that it's spring, we'll play more jazz and march music," he said.

The NCBB typically holds four to five concerts a year, all free, and Adams says there are plans to hold a show on the square in June.

The NCCB is comprised of members from six different counties and covers all age groups.

"We encourage people of all ages to come out and join the band," Adams said. "Anyone is welcome. Our oldest member is an 80 year-old violinist.

A multi-talented musician who plays the clarinet, saxophone and flute, Adams grew up in Waycross and says he first got involved with music in the seventh grade.

"My band director at Central High School in Waycross had a positive influence on me," Adams said. "Nowadays I just conduct music. But I really enjoyed playing, especially the clarinet."

After retiring from Cousins Middle School in 1995, Adams received permission for the Newton County School Board to rehearse and hold concerts at Eastside. The band has been playing there ever since.

Adams says anyone who is at least a senior in high school can join the NCCB.

Many times people who have not played an instrument in years show up at a rehearsal and start playing again.

"We encourage new people to come out and learn an instrument," Adams said. "If they don't already no how to play, we'll teach them."