Submitted Photo Minot’s brass band performs in a concert a year and half ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a hiatus of a year and half, the Brass Band of Minot and the Nodakords are resuming rehearsals, with plans for their first performances Oct. 17.

Gordon Troxel, who has directed the Nodakords for 21 years and is entering his 11th year as brass band director, said the groups never expected to be gone so long when they ceased activity due to the COVID-pandemic in 2020. It’s a welcome feeling to be able to come together once again, he said.

Brass band rehearsals start this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Jim Hill Middle School.

The first concert on Sunday, Oct. 17, will be a tribute to first responders and military members and their families. The concert begins at 4 p.m. in the Ann Nicole Nelson auditorium at Minot State University.

Future concerts are set for Nov. 14, Feb. 13 and April 10. The band will take a break from rehearsals following the November concert, picking up again in January.

Troxel said the band follows in the Salvation Army and British brass band traditions. Started in 1994, it is the only community brass band in North Dakota, he said. The band includes 30 to 35 members.

“It’s a really great group. Some of them have been there for 25 years,” Troxel said. “Some of the best brass players in the area have played.”

The Nodakords will begin rehearsing next Monday at 7:30 p.m. in First Lutheran Church. Men interested in joining the group are welcome to attend.

The group will bring its style of barbershop music to the Oct. 17 concert, providing a vocal piece as part of the band’s tribute.

The Nodakords has been around since the 1950s and performs at churches and senior living homes as well as making occasional concert appearances.