NATCHITOCHES – Kaci Waguespack of Destrehan, Piper Dearing of Jennings and Ethan Maynard of Bossier City have been named as the 2022-23 drum majors for the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band.

The drum majors hold the highest-ranking student leadership position in the band. The drum majors are a liaison between the band members and the directors. They offer support to any student that needs it and they help guide members on all things band, academics and college life.

Waguespack, a senior double majoring in psychology and liberal arts with a concentration in humanities and social thought and minors in Spanish and social science in the Louisiana Scholars’ College, is in her second year as a drum major.

“It has been an honor to stand in front of the band for one year and to get to do it again is so rewarding,” said Waguespack. “I feel super privileged that the directors trust me with such a huge responsibility. I love the SON and getting to be a representative for them on and off the field. This will be my last year of marching band and probably my last year regularly performing, so I’m just cherishing every moment with the band.”

Waguespack said she learned a great deal last year that will help her work with fellow band members.

“Open and efficient communication is so important when working with any group but especially one as large as the Spirit of Northwestern,” she said. “Sometimes the responsibility can be a lot, but it’s important to stay grounded and have fun.”

Dearing, a sophomore theatre production and design major, is in her second year as a member of the Spirit of Northwestern. She was a drum major and section leader in high school.

“Being a drum major is very important to me because I have the responsibility alongside the two other drum majors to lead the band in a positive and productive way,” said Dearing. “We are being look at in all different angles and perspective but you also have to remember that we’re human so that come with imperfections. Although we won’t achieve perfection 100 percent of the time, the Spirit of Northwestern always strives to be the best possible version of ourselves that we can be.”

Maynard, a junior music education major, plays saxophone and tuba.

“I’m incredibly honored to hold a role as important as drum major,” said Maynard. “I take the responsibility of the job very seriously. I have been entrusted with not only leading the band, but for preserving the proud culture of Northwestern State and Natchitoches. Many great leaders have been on the podium before me, and I hope to meet the standard they set and help the band always perform at its highest level.”

Maynard said he felt the best way to see the Spirit of Northwestern perform at its highest level was to take on a leadership role.

“I’ve loved being a part of the SON and I want to see it grow to even new heights,” said Maynard. “I’m excited to personally learn and grow through this season and to perform with the best sounding band in the land.”

Dearing and Waguespack plan to perform in one of NSU’s concert bands in the spring semester. Maynard is a member of the NSU Wind Symphony, NSU Jazz Orchestra, NSU Saxophone Studio Quartet and NSU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.

For more information on the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, go to https://capa.nsula.edu/music/bands/.

Caption

Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band drum majors, front left, Piper Dearing of Jennings, Kaci Waguespack of Destrehan, and back row Ethan Maynard of Bossier City.