The Mars Area High School Rock Band, Fourth from the Sun, received a special invitation to perform at the 2026 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) In-Service Conference, to be held April 23-25 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center (Pocono Manor, Pa.).

The band, made up of senior Naeema Dheen (keyboard/piano); juniors Nathan Deemer (guitar), Alayna Renton (guitar/singer) and Bobby Yeager (drums); and sophomore Bailey Remler, will perform at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24, during the annual conference as part of the 2026 PMEA Annual In-Service Conference.

The band’s set list for the state event includes the songs, “Hold the Line” by Toto; “The Sky is Crying” by Stevie Ray Vaughn; “Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crew; “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour; “Black” by Pearl Jam; “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas; and “25 or 6 or 4” by Chicago.

In order to be considered for the state conference, Fourth from the Sun submitted an audition video last summer and was notified in October that they were selected. Since then, the band has been holding weekly rehearsals to prepare for their performance.

Simon Neubert, orchestra director, founded the band when the students were at Mars Area Middle School and Renton’s father came up with the name, Fourth from the Sun, with a nod to the red planet and the District. Each of the band’s member came up through the District’s music program.

Fourth from the Sun typically plays a mix of rock standards from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s and is delving into other genres, says Deemer. The students’ influences include everything from Pink Floyd and Alice in Chains to Jeff Buckley and Greta Van Fleet.

In addition to performing at school events including concerts and Mars Area High School’s “Night of Jazz and Cabaret Night,” the band also plays together outside of school, picking up gigs where they can.

For more information, visit PMEA All-State Information.