DIXON – The Sauk Valley Community College concert band has grown by leaps and bounds – er, flutes and trombones – and taken up residence in a larger, more magnificent space.

The band over the last few years has had about 25 members, mostly college students earning credit for their participation, but this year boasts nearly 50 musicians. Many of the new participants are high school students and community members looking for more opportunities to hone their skills and perform in an ensemble.

Band director Mark Bressler plugs the band with his peers in the Dixon and Sterling municipal bands, with local high school band directors and with students at Illinois Music Educators Association events in the area. Bressler, who also directs the cash-strapped Dixon Municipal Band, this year threw himself completely into the college band.