NEWS RELEASE

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

9/26/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-The Web site for the "Spirit of Northwestern" Marching Band has been rated as one of the top band sites in the country.

NSU's site has been rated by users as one of the top 20 band sites, according to www.marchingarts.com. Ratings are determined by visitors to the marchingarts.com, who can rate each site they visit on a scale of "1" to "10."

The "Spirit of Northwestern" site is located at http://www.nsula.edu/demonband. It was designed by Deran Schilling, a senior computer information systems/business administration major from Dayton, Texas.

Those who visit the site can also get information on the NSU Alumni Band, other performing ensembles such as the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band. Visitors can also find out about the twirlers and the Demon Dazzlers Danceline. Information on sponsored events including band camps, the annual Marching Band Contest, the Conductor Symposium, All-Honors Band and Drum/Color Guard Day can also be accessed. Music and video clips are also available.

Schilling said he was approached by Director of Bands Bill Brent and Director of Athletic Bands Jeff Mathews about designing a Web site that would stand out.

"They told me what they wanted and I tried to make it as entertaining as possible," said Schilling, who plays trumpet in the band. "The site will be used for recruiting. We have already seen a number of requests for information that have come from the site."

Schilling has also done sites for the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts, the Department of Journalism, the Office of Recreational Sports, Louisiana Creole Heritage Center and Students in Free Enterprise.

"This is what I want to do. I want to design Web sites," said Schilling. "I love doing it and it's fun."

Marchingarts.com also has information on Drum Corps International and links to college and high school bands around the United States.

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