For 19 years, experienced musicians and greenhorns have gathered together in the fall at North Idaho College.

This year again, soon after the leaves turned, eighth-grade students attending 12 different schools from across North Idaho stood next to seasoned professionals Wednesday night at NIC's Schuler Performing Arts Center for the annual "Gathering of the Bands" concert.

"I don't think you can find another event where you can bring an 80-year-old together with an eighth-grader like this," said Terry Jones, NIC band director. "Everyone has to commit to the greater good for it to come off. The musicians realize if they don't help make the musician next to them play to the best of their ability, the ship is going to sink."

The schools, like Kellogg Middle School, Bonners Ferry Middle School, Sandpoint Middle School and others throughout Kootenai County, receive the music ahead of time so they can practice. After weeks of practicing on their own, they make their annual pilgrimage to NIC's campus at noon to participate in workshops led by special guest conductors Dave Weatherred and Lee Shook.

At night, after a full day of musical clinics, they join together on stage with 80 musicians from the NIC Wind Symphony. Combined, more than 300 musicians play a medley of songs, culminating in a rousing "Stars and Stripes Forever March" written by John Philip Sousa.

"Everyone walks out humming that," said Larry Strobel, 75, a few hours before the concert.

Born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Strobel and his wife, Sharon, have been married 51 years.

They have each played music more than 60 years and have been in the NIC Wind Symphony since they were original founding members 40 years ago.

"That sounds like a long time and, I tell you, it is," said Larry with a chuckle. "We associate with a lot of young people. That helps keep me young."

Sharon's sister, Sally MacKenzie, and Linda Barnette are also original symphony members who still regularly play. Sharon said they all enjoy playing with students several generations younger than them and being able to watch them develop. Playing music together brings people together in a special way, she said, transcending age.

"It's part of the community college program. It's good for everybody - for the people who participate and for the people who come to listen," Larry said. "I just want them to leave with a happy feeling in their heart."

Tom Greene is marketing and communications specialist for North Idaho College.