The Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall will hold a Halloween dance this Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Band Hall.

Refreshments will be served. Entertainment will be provided by local band Boomerang."Boomerang actually has ties to the Band Hall," said Jacquelin DePue, the director of the Boys and Girls Band Hall. She noted that several of the band's members were students at the Band Hall in middle school and high school."It's neat that they can come back to the Band Hall, that they are willing to share their talent, a talent that they started to develop right here. We are so grateful that they will be here."The Lehighton Boys and Girls Band is a nonprofit organization and was founded in 1910. They currently offer individual and small group lessons in most concert band instruments, including brass, woodwinds and percussion. Lessons are taught by DePue, a certified music instructor with a degree in music education, and are open to students in fourth through 12th grade in the Lehighton and surrounding areas.All proceeds from the dance will benefit current and future members of the Band Hall. A portion of the funds will be used to keep lesson costs affordable and to purchase and repair the instruments available for students' use."It's part of our mission statement, to provide low-cost, quality music lessons," she said. "We want to provide a place to nurture students' music abilities.Funds raised through the dance will also be added to the building's maintenance fund. The building needs a new roof, and DePue's wish list also includes updated bathrooms and windows."We need to update the hall. It's been here since the 1950s, and everything is original," she added.DePue noted that while the Band Hall is a good chance for local students to get individual or small group lessons, it is also one of the only opportunities for home schooled students to receive a music education and participate in group ensembles locally. Students are able to showcase their talents during semiannual concerts; the next concert will be the hall's annual Christmas concert on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m."To me, music is something that you can enjoy your entire life. We offer lessons starting in fourth grade, and you can take the music ability that you learn here as a young student and carry it with you for life. A lot of student activities, like sports, aren't like that," she said.A graduate of Lehighton Area High School, DePue was active in music throughout middle school and high school. She began piano lessons at the age of 9 and clarinet lessons in middle school. DePue was a member and leader in the district's marching, concert and jazz bands, and is quick to point out that music had a powerful impact on her life."I don't know where I would be without music," she said. "I made the best friends of my life through music."For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call (610) 377-4182. Tickets will also be available at the door.The Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall is located at 197 North Sixth St. in Lehighton.