NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
http://www.nsula.edu/news
5/23/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES – The Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band has named its drum majors for the 2007-2008 school year.
This year’s drum majors are Jessica Fain of Bossier City, Ty Lege of Erath and Allison Neely of Longview, Texas. Each are music education majors and in their fourth year as a band member at Northwestern.
Drum majors are the highest position of student leadership in the marching band. Drum majors conduct the band during pre-game shows, half-time performances, in the stands during football games and lead the band in parades. They also assist in the teaching of marching fundamentals, show music and teaching drill.
“Basically, they are assistant band directors, and since band directing is what they want to do, this is the perfect training ground for them, “ said Kevin G. Richardson, director of the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band. “They must be the definitive example of leadership, scholastic aptitude, musical achievement and marching ability.”
Drum major candidates audition for the directors. The auditions are open to the public and all Spirit of Northwestern members are encouraged to attend. Band members complete a written evaluation of each candidate and the band directors make the final decision on the drum majors.
“I thought this would be a good leadership opportunity for me since I am going into music education,” said Neely, who was mellophone section leader last year. “I know it’s important as a drum major to learn to be flexible and patient with people. I want to help keep the band unified and have them maintain a positive attitude.”
Lege said drum majors work closely with Richardson and Director of Bands Bill Brent.
“You have a lot of experience to draw from with Mr. Brent and Mr. Richardson,” said Lege, who was assistant drum major last year. “I have ideas on what things we need to work on for the band to improve. We are going to do some things that are different. Our second show is going be something that hasn’t been done here before. It will be a twist on what we have done.”
Fain hopes to lead a collegiate marching band someday and plans to gain valuable experience this year.
“Being a drum major gives you an idea of what it would be like to lead your own band. It gives me an opportunity to learn how to handle things,” she said. “It can be a tough position because you are the same age as everyone else and sometimes it is hard for your peers to listen to you.”
Fain hopes to play a role in drawing attention to the band and generating crowd support for Northwestern’s football team this fall.
“I hope to incorporate some of my personality into the position. I’m outgoing and that works well when you are out there trying to promote spirit,” said Fain. “We want to help keep the crowd in the game and supporting the team.”
Lege was the only one of the trio who came to Northwestern as a music education major.
“I have a love of music,” he said. “I knew this is what I wanted to go into, and it would give me an edge in my career.”
Neely was originally a pre-med major.
“I changed because I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” she said. “I love music. I am always challenged and am constantly learning something new.”
Fain also found music to be her career calling.
“I was in nursing, but I was in it for the wrong reason. I had to do something where I was following my heart,” said Fain.
The 300-member Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band will have its first own field performance on Sept. 1 when the Demons host Henderson State.