After the Emerald Regiment Marching Band wrapped up its competitive marching season with a halftime performance at the varsity football game against Blue Valley West, it put its marching instruments up, ended early morning rehearsals at  7 a.m., and began concert season.

For the first time in the band program’s history, there are two directors able to conduct any two groups. In years past, the combined band would have to rehearse solely under the direction of Director Edward Protzman until second semester allowed for two separate band periods, one for Concert Band and one for Symphonic Band. However, now that there are two directors, Assistant Director Loren Welles conducts the Concert Band in the band room, and the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Protzman, rehearses in the orchestra room.

With the school’s growing pains, the band has also expanded to over 100 members, which is up roughly 30 band members from the previous year. That