NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
5/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band was named one of the top eight marching bands in the country by a blog focusing on college life.
Northwestern’s band was chosen by Collegeontherecord.com along with the bands at Texas Tech, Baylor, Texas A&M, Jacksonville State, the University of Georgia, the University of Michigan and James Madison University.
“It is quite flattering to get this kind of recognition,” said Associate Director of Bands Kevin Richardson. “Our band works extremely hard to do quality shows and it is nice to be noticed by people around the country.”
This year’s band will feature more than 300 members including approximately 80 freshmen.
“One thing that attracts students is our music education program,” said Richardson. “Students in that major know they will be well prepared to become music educators. However, most of the members of the band are not music majors. They are attracted to the outstanding academic programs at Northwestern and the opportunity to be part of a band that puts on outstanding shows and plays a variety of music. Students also find out that we are a fun, family-oriented organization.”
Members of the Spirit of Northwestern are known for their outstanding pregame and halftime shows along with in game performances that add to Demon football games.
“I have personally had Demon football players tell me more than once that they miss the Demon band when they travel to out-of-town games and that the band helps get them fired up,” said Director of Bands and Director of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Bill Brent. “If we are helping motivate the team, I can’t help but believe the fans like the exciting sounds of the Spirit of Northwestern as well.”
The band should have an enhanced sound this fall with new brass instruments including 25 saxophones, 25 baritones and 25 melophones and a marching French horn obtained through student technology fees. They replace instruments that were up to 60 years old.
By next season, the band should have a new look as well. A fundraising campaign has brought in more than $10,000 for new uniforms, but approximately $100,000 is needed.
The blog is at http://www.collegeotr.com/quinnipiac_university/eight_great_college_marching_bands_8637
-30-