In the three years that Joseph Alme has been instructing the Minot State University concert band, the group has grown from 26 to 44 musicians.

"Most of them transitioned from the marching band this fall," he said. "There hasn't been a marching band program at MSU for 25 years and now there is one. In fact, we had 60 members in that this year."

The "Pride of MSU" Concert Band is playing its Fall Concert Monday in the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the MSU campus.

"There's no theme, just good, challenging music," Alme said. "We're really very well-balanced among our musicians, but we could stand some more clarinets and French horns."

Among the musicians are many music majors, but any university student is welcome, Alme said. There are participants from Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas and British Columbia as well as throughout North Dakota.

"They come here especially for the music program," Alme said. "MSU has quite a good reputation."

Angela Orluck of Minot will be featured as trumpet soloist on Leroy Anderson's "Trumpeter's Lullaby." Other pieces being performed include "Orion's Sword" by Alan Lee Silva, "The Lion's Gate" by Ralph Ford and "Scenes from the Louvre" by Norman Dello Joio.

The concert is free and open to the public, and begins at 7:30 p.m.