BANGOR – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is hopes to expand its Concert Coach service to communities throughout western and central Maine. The Concert Coach is a way to experience live music performed by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra without having to drive the distance to the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono.

People who live in the Farmington, Waterville, Skowhegan or Newport areas that are interested in riding on the Concert Coach may contact the Bangor Symphony Orchestra at 942-5555 or (800) 639-3221 or e-mail symphony@bangorsymphony.com. The cost of the Concert Coach is $12 per concert or $50 for the entire season. Based on response, the symphony will begin setting up boarding times and locations for the 2001-2002 season, which begins Sept. 23.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is the oldest community orchestra in the United States providing continuous service. A Maine tradition since 1896, this year will mark the symphony’s 106th season. The BSO has been offering the Concert Coach service since 1991. What originally began with one route has expanded several times to include three routes that service 11 communities throughout central, northern and coastal Maine.