Kennebec Performing Arts Company is launching its 2024-25 season under its new director, John Neal of Greene.

John Neal Submitted photo

Neal was selected to lead the wind ensemble and chorus following the retirement of longtime director Charles T. Milazzo. Neal has had a long career in Maine as a music director, pianist and composer. John Reeves will continue as interim director of the jazz band as the search for a permanent conductor continues.

With more than 100 musicians, the company provides one of few opportunities in the central Maine area for amateur and professional musicians and talented high school students to perform with a large group. A nonprofit organization supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation, KPAC presents five free performances over the course of its concert season.

Chorus rehearsals are set to begin Monday, Aug. 26, and rehearsals for the jazz band and wind ensemble start on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Throughout the season, the chorus meets at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Hope Baptist Church, 726 Western Ave. in Manchester.

The jazz band and wind ensemble rehearse at 5:45 p.m., followed by the wind ensemble at 7 p.m., Tuesday evenings at at Cony High School, 60 Pierce Drive in Augusta.

New members are welcome. For more information, call Neal at 207-946-7789.

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