Pep in their steps

Musicians from five area high schools performed with the Allen Community College pep band Wednesday with a special night of music.

Local News

February 26, 2026 - 2:09 PM

Allen Community College music instructor Patrick Patrick Matarazzo leads an ensemble pep band of ACC and Iola, Humboldt, Marmaton Valley, Yates Center and Independence high schools through a musical number during Wednesday's basketball games against Johnson County. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

Allen Community College was alive with sound Wednesday evening as scores of students from Iola, Humboldt, Marmaton Valley, Yates Center and Independence high schools joined the ACC pep band for a musical tour de force. 

The students played a medley of songs through the evening, with a special rendition of the national anthem by Marmaton Valley’s jazz trio of Chris and Mason Ferguson and Brendon Newman, alongside members of the American Legion Color Guard

The Independence High School Winter Drumline offered a special halftime performance during the men’s game as well.

The production was under the direction of Allen music instructor Patrick Matarazzo.

Patrick Matarazzo leads the pep band at Allen Community College’s home basketball games Wednesday. The band included musicians from five area high schools.
Marmaton Valley High School’s’s Chris Ferguson, from left, Mason Ferguson and Brendon Newman play the national anthem as a brass trio prior to Allen Community College’s men’s basketball game against Johnson County Wednesday. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register
Allen Community College pep band musician Cecille Ngunjiri plays a tune Wednesday. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register
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