Signups for Beginning or Advanced Elementary Band in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District takes place tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6p.m. to 8p.m. at Sierra View Elementary School, 1323 East J St., Oakdale. The signups are for fifth and sixth graders throughout the entire school district.

Students will have the opportunity to try out instruments, receive a mini-lesson to get their first sound, and sign up to join elementary band.

The district reinstated its elementary band teacher position this year which was filled by Rich Merrick, who most recently taught music in Southern California. Previously, he taught band in Illinois public schools for four years, has led bands for Carnival Cruise Lines, and toured Europe extensively as a professional saxophonist.

Merrick said a strong turnout is expected for the band signup event.