Emma Wierenga came to The Cadets from Eureka, Ill. as a drum major in 2021. She received a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education, a Bachelor’s of Music in Saxophone Performance, and a Spanish minor from Olivet Nazarene University. Emma is now the Director of Bands at El Paso-Gridley High School and Junior High School. Her roles will include teaching marching band, jazz band, concert band, and pep band in 5th-12th grade.

Emma’s marching arts career began in high school, where she marched saxophone for one year before serving as drum major for the following three years (2013-2017). In college, she was a member and section leader of the Olivet Nazarene University Tiger Marching Band (2018-2021). Over the last few years, she has taught at the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, worked as a private instrumental lesson instructor, has been a substitute teacher in local school districts, and is active in music ministry at her church.

This is Emma’s first year on the admin team for The Cadets. As an alumni of the corps, she is very excited for the opportunity to give back to the organization that gave so much to her during her time as a member.