Players young and old from novices to virtuosos will add theirnotes to the lyrical symphony of sound at Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege’s Fine Arts Auditorium Tuesday at 7 p.m. when the Ole BrookWind Symphony presents its first free concert for the 2007season.

The Co-Lin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Stanley Stewart, willperform immediately after the all-volunteer Ole Brook WindSymphony, directed by Brookhaven native Shaw Furlow.

“We add a $0 to Furlow’s check every now and then,” jokedCharlie McCall, president of the symphony and one of its oldestmembers. “I came to the second rehearsal and I’ve been coming eversince.”

Jeff Sorey, band director at Loyd Star Attendance Center, ismaking his second appearance with the symphony after moving toLincoln County a year ago. The symphony was started in 2002 andplays two concerts a year.

“I’m actually a trombone player, but I’m filling a void in thegroup,” said Sorey, indicating his euphonium.

McCall, who plays the trombone, said the symphony draws itsmembers from across Southwest Mississippi.

“We have a lot of ex-band directors or current band directorsplaying,” said McCall, himself a former band director.

The two men estimated 10 of the symphony’s approximately 40members have been band directors at some time in their career,which brings a lot of musical experience to the ensemble.

Not all of its members have had a long career, however. Ahandful of the members have yet to graduate high school and othersare still being taught or have been instructed by Furlow atCo-Lin.

In fact, Furlow is a common denominator for many of themembers.

“Furlow was my band director in high school,” Sorey said, addingthat symphony member Mark Gione, the present Lawrence County banddirector, was a classmate of his.

McCall, 64, said he was too old to have learned from Furlow. Heplayed his first trombone in the sixth grade.

“Hang in there and you might learn to play,” Sorey jokingly toldMcCall.

McCall, laughing, countered that in the mid-50s his first banddirector was a member of the renowned John Philip Sousa Band.

He said the concerts are for the audience, but the symphony is away for the its members to enjoy playing and to keep inpractice.

“You work hard, but it’s somewhat social and you can reallyrelax,” McCall said. “Besides, you have to see if you can still cutit.”

Sorey agreed.

“It keeps your chops up,” he said.

Sorey, 45, also picked up his first trombone in the sixthgrade.

Tuesday’s concert, they said, will be different from thesymphony’s traditional offerings.

“This set leans a little more toward the popular styles,” Soreysaid.

McCall said the music Tuesday will be more familiar to audiencesnot raised on a strong leavening of classical music. It willfeature more marches, show tunes and spiritual and swingstyles.

“These are tunes you’ll whistle and sing walking out the doorafter the concert,” he said.

The two men are especially looking forward to presenting thesymphony’s version of “Bayou Breakdown.”

“It’s a whimsical fugue with a Cajun atmosphere. It’s been avery challenging piece,” Sorey said.

For more information on the concert or Ole Brook Wind Symphony,call Furlow at (601) 754-0893.