After months of undergoing changes, the Lone Star Symphonic Band is ready to get back on its feet.

When former music director Ralph G. Gutierrez decided to step down from his position in May of 2004, several members of the band followed suit. This left the band with only a handful of members, with almost little or no direction. Skeptics assumed the band would not survive, but they were eventually proven wrong, according to the president of the Lone Star Symphonic Band, Beverly Emery.

"We have survived, and we are going strong," Emery said.

When the band was in the process of rebuilding, it had to go through two phases of interviewing for appointing the head and associate conductors. The first music director appointed was Jon Fisher, who incidentally passed away within a month after taking on the role of director. The second phase of interviewing began in September of 2004, and new music and associate directors, Clancy Weeks and Stephen Levenson were hired.

Weeks has been part of the band for two months, and says he feels right at home with them.

"The Lone Star Symphonic Band is a great group of people to work with. I've had a wonderful experience so far."

In its initial stages of revamping, the band consisted of about 18 members. Presently, the number has grown to 35, with several members from the Fort Bend and Stafford areas. Members are recruited from all around town.

Over the past few months, the band has been performing in a number of areas, and will continue to do so. Emery is optimistic about the goals of the band.

"I'm really confident in the band since it's been reorganized. We have been doing really great. I'm very enthusiastic about our future plans."

The band is still in the process of expansion, and is currently seeking musicians in the Clarinet and percussion sections. Interested individuals can contact Beverly Emery at 281-460-4517.