NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

7/28/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Douglas Bakenhus has been named conductor of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra. He will also be an assistant professor of music at Northwestern State University, teaching orchestral studies.

"We are fortunate to have Douglas Bakenhus join our music faculty at NSU," said Bill Brent, director of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern. "There were more than 50 applicants for the conductor's position and, after a thorough international search, the selection committee made an absolutely superb choice.

"I feel certain that Professor Bakenhus will continue the tradition of 'excellence in performance' for the Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony and I urge community members to attend as many performances as possible. In addition, I highly recommend that everyone consider joining the Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony Society. This is a wonderful way to support Northwestern, Natchitoches and our music students at NSU."

Bakenhus has extensive experience as a conductor, orchestra director, and instructor. He has been music director/conductor of the Austin Philharmonic for two years and music director/conductor of the Northeast Texas Symphony and orchestra director at Crockett High School for the past year.

His past experience also includes serving as band director and an assistant professor at Texas Lutheran University and assistant band director at the University of Mississippi.

Bakenhus has been an active performer, playing bassoon with orchestras and ensembles throughout Texas and in the Midwest.

A graduate of the University of Texas, Bakenhus earned a master's degree at Texas A&M-Commerce and did graduate work toward a doctorate in bassoon performance at the University of Michigan. He plans to finish his doctorate at the University of Texas.

"Being a conductor of a university/community orchestra appeals to me along with being in a smaller town at a mid-size university," said Bakenhus. "My dream job is to conduct an orchestra, teach bassoon and play bassoon."

Bakenhus is working to plan the orchestra's 2004-2005 program.

"I want to find music that is challenging, but not too challenging," he said. "Getting the players to constantly achieve at a higher level is an objective. The better they get, the better music they can play.

"I love the literature and working with composers who are geniuses and who created profound music that can be shared with the students and the public."

According to Bakenhus, the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony will perform both familiar works by well-known composers along with modern compositions.

"It is important to expose student members of the orchestra to the standard repertoire and expand that exposure to living conductors and unique modern works," he said. "We have to find a way to provide both kinds of works."

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society is now selling 2004-2005 season memberships. The orchestra will present five concerts including the annual Pops Concert and will be part of the Christmas Gala. For more information, contact Loren Ford at (318) 352-5828, Markay Cunningham at (318) 352-6314 or Peggy Williams at (318) 356-9009.

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