Most often when someone plays in a high school or college band or orchestra, the musicianship stops with the delivery of the diploma. A new job, perhaps a family, and other responsibilities take over. In addition, there is usually not a venue to play.

The Wasatch Winds are changing that in Utah County.

Directed by John Miller, the adult band is in its third season and has about 85 members.

"They are from all walks of life," Miller said. "There are lawyers, music educators, homemakers."

Wasatch Winds practices twice a month and puts on a concert after about six rehearsals.

The only requirement is the desire to play. There are no auditions -- yet.

"I think eventually it could get to an audition kind of thing," Miller said.

More than half the players come from north Utah County, but there are some who travel farther.

"There is a lady who drives from Logan every time," Miller said. "People are dying to play their instruments. They are dying to perform. We run the gamut, from professional players to those who haven't touched their instruments for 20 years."

Not only do they brush up on their musicianship, they have had other benefits.

"It builds camaraderie among the band members," Miller said.

Trombonist Bob Lee agreed.

"That camaraderie is important," he said. He and his wife Penny lived in the San Diego area until a few years ago. While there, they played in an adult band for 20 years. The band members became close and have even gone on a "playing" cruise to the Mediterranean together, on which they performed.

Lee said there have been occasions when the members of Wasatch Winds end up playing together in other venues.

"It is fun to just go play," he said. "It is a lot of fun to read the music. We don't have to go back and rehearse over and over again. We can play quite a few pieces quickly."

Clarinetist Shazelle Terry is a charter member of the group.

"It has been really fun to be able to play again and enjoy making music," she said. "The level is high, but we are not a professional group. I enjoy the diversion from work and kids. There is a social aspect and opportunity to meet new people who have a shared interest in music. For a lot of us music is a big part of our lives."

She is president of the nine-member board of the group.

"We do the back end stuff, like programs, advertising, financing, setting up equipment -- everything that goes on behind the scenes," she said. She offered an invitation.

"I encourage people to check out our concerts or join the group," she said.