NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
1/25/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Allen Wiltz isn’t a professional musician, but he thinks there are a lot of people like him who enjoy playing music.
Wiltz is working to form a Natchitoches Community Band. The band would consist of area adults who would play for senior citizens and at other community events.
“A community band would add so much to Natchitoches,” said Wiltz. “There are a number of events that would be enhanced by a band. It would also be wonderful to play concerts for those in the nursing home or for the entire community.”
Wiltz said there would be no cost to participate, but band members would have to provide their own instrument. He feels there is a great deal “hidden musical talent” in the Natchitoches area, including retired professional musicians or individuals who once enjoyed playing in a high school or college band and would like to get back to it as a hobby.
“This would be for people who enjoy playing music,” said Wiltz, a retired gas engineer who moved from Metairie to Natchitoches last year to be closer to his son and grandchildren. “I know there are a lot of people who aren’t professional musicians, but like to play an instrument. The band would just play for enjoyment.”
Wiltz has played oboe for more than 40 years. He played with the New Orleans Symphony, with local American Legion and police bands in the New Orleans area and most recently with the Jefferson Community Band.
“The one thing I miss since moving to Natchitoches is going to rehearsal on Monday evening,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get something going here soon.”
Northwestern State University is assisting the effort by offering rehearsal and performance space, access to music and help in publicizing the band, according to Coordinator of Music Tony Smith.
The Natchitoches Community Band would play popular music including Big Band, songs from Broadway and movies as well as patriotic music. The selections would be similar to the repertoire of the Boston Pops Orchestra.
For more information, contact Wiltz at (318) 332-7964 or Smith at (318) 357-5807.
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