One of Bedfordshire's longest established brass bands will sound a poignant note on December 16.
For that is when musical director John Farmer will lead Toddington Town Band for the final time in 16 years.
A well-known brass player in his own right with Heath and Reach Band, John Farmer took up the baton with Toddington Town Band in 1993.
Since then the band has gone from strength to strength, with 35 regular players in the senior band and a thriving learner band attracting players of all ages.
Senior band members give free lessons to learners and instrument loans are made available thanks to fundraising by both bands.
Under John Farmer's direction, Toddington Town Band has attracted players not just from Toddington but from Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Stondon.
Andrea Horsler now conducts the learner band and she has played tenor horn for Toddington throughout John's time with the band.
She believes the band, and each member of it, has a lot to thank John for.
She said: "Toddington Town Band has seen many changes over the years but, despite this, under John's musical direction I have seen individual players pull together into a fun and friendly band which has consistently improved its standard.
"John encouraged us all to pass on our skills to new players and through lessons the band's learner band also continues to move forward."
A massed band of players past and present will be joining the choir of St George of England Lower School at Toddington Village Hall on December 16 at 7.30pm for a special Christmas Concert to mark John's retirement as conductor.
Everyone is invited to attend for this last chance to hear John's jokes and enjoy the music.
He will officially hand over the baton to experienced musical director Mick Atkins, from Houghton Regis, on the eve of an exciting year for the band.
Toddington Town Band celebrates its centenary in 2010 with a packed year of events.
Already in the pipeline are the recording of a CD and a musical tour to France to which their former conductor has been invited as an honoured guest player.