“It actually feels more lively, it doesn’t feel as powerful as our marching music does, it feels light and pretty,” said senior Anthony Luevano.

Every year the band gets bigger and bigger, and this year was no exception, they once again broke the record for the most students performing in concert.

There growing numbers excite everyone at Searcy, from band members, to other students, even to teachers.

“I feel that it’s great, I’d like to see the band growing more.  Showing that more people are interested in music and love just hearing us. I guess we’re making a name for ourselves so more people want to be a part of this great organization that we are,” stated Luevano.

“The upcoming eighth grade class, that are going to be freshman, are so much bigger than the seniors that are going to be leaving, so I don’t even know if we will have enough band uniforms for that,” said junior Jorden Berberian.

Because of the growth of the band program, the school district was able to hire James Best as the third conductor, who has been a great help to the whole band, but especially the percussionist section, in which he is an expert.

“I think they needed it, I really think he is adorable. I see him at all the football games because I’m a lionstepper, and I think our drums have gotten so much better because of him. Just our percussion, in general, has improved; they do this thing called the vortex where they go down the line. It is awesome, I love it,” said Berberian.

“I know that he may just work with percussion, but he’s a great guy to do it so that we don’t have to hire another percussion specialist to come in and help us.  The work that he’s done has allowed us to try new things and he’s just been a great addition because we have needed so much more help instead of just having Mr. Luzzi and Mrs. Burrow,” stated Luevano.

Since the bands have been able to expand so well, and have top-notch performances every time they get on stage, they have been requested for many things and are always involved in anything you see around Searcy.

“I love it, I feel like band is a huge part of Searcy high school. I mean, our football games and the student section wouldn’t be the same without the band; the cheerleaders and lionsteppers couldn’t do anything without the band. It’s just an important part of Searcy,” said Berberian.

“I think its great that we are a part of all this, if we weren’t then we wouldn’t be making ourselves known. I like it that we are a part of each parade that we have and we have the Yarnell’s commercial, that was awesome.  Yet it does take time away from us, but it is something that we are willing to do because we love what we do,” says Luevano.

With the Christmas concert out of the way, the band is now putting all their focus on All-Region tryouts in January.