When the Free State High School boys basketball team played in the first round of the Class 6A tournament Wednesday night, some fans noticed the team didn’t get much of a musical boost.

Only four drummers in the school’s band could make it to the tournament – others were involved in a performance that night, said Julie Boyle, the school district’s communication director.

“Free State doesn’t have a pep band. Students volunteer to play at the games,” Boyle said.

But more student band members are expected to play at tonight’s semifinal game in Emporia against Blue Valley West. The game is scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m.

“They are working on getting volunteers,” Boyle said.

Boyle said 30 student band members volunteered to play their instruments at Thursday’s girls basketball tournament game in Emporia.