The Polka Mass, a fast-paced worship experience first performed in 2015 by the Heidelberg Brass Band in New Holland, will return to Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 E. Main St., New Holland, on Sunday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. Community members are invited to attend.

The Polka Mass, first written by a Roman Catholic priest, the Rev. Frank Perkovich, was developed into a full worship service with upbeat hymns with lyrics written by Lisa Beard. The first Polka Mass performance, the culmination of hundreds of hours of work by a small group of musicians, was held in honor of the band's current director, the Rev. Glenn Beard Jr., on his 25th ordination anniversary.

The 2024 anniversary year is particularly special for the band's drummer, Glenn Beard, who is Glenn's Jr.'s father. He has performed consistently with the band for 70 years.

In 1954, Glenn Sr. and brothers Jim and Bob, plus George Kock and other musicians from Lancaster and Berks counties, formed the small band now known as the Heidelberg Brass Band. The ensemble's original purpose was to perform at local church picnics, Pennsylvania Dutch dialect plays, and Memorial Day parades. The band continues to participate in Memorial Day parades, give concerts, and play for church and service organizations' functions throughout the year.

The band will officially celebrate its 70th anniversary with a concert at the Eicher Arts Center, 409 Cocalico Road, Ephrata, on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m. Members of the public are invited to join in the celebration, which will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. A special feature of the concert will be a jam session, to which all former band members are invited.

Tickets to the August concert may be reserved by contacting Glenn Jr. at gbeardjr@ptd.net or calling 717-471-1067.