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Northwestern State Bands proudly host a variety of events for students in middle school and high school, as well as their directors. With a history of providing a high-quality music education, we maintain our core values through the events we provide for these students and directors to continue growing as musicians and as leaders.
For Students
For Band Directors
Young Performers Day
September 26, 2026
Held annually during the fall semester, Young Performers Day is an opportunity for middle school and high school students to experience a performance with the members of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band in a setting that will expand their curiosity. Fall 2026, the Spirit of Northwestern will invite students to return to Turpin Stadium in a collaborative performance that will produce high quality experiences for all performers.
Fall Honor Band
November 13-14, 2026
Northwestern State will host the Second Annual Fall Honor Band in mid-November. This director-nominated honor band will bring together students from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi for a fun-filled two-day clinic. Students will have the opportunity to work with the NSU Instrumental Faculty, attend a concert by the Wind Symphony, and experience a collegiate atmosphere on one of Louisiana’s most beautiful college campuses.
Summer Band Camps
For nearly a half century, Northwestern State has offered summer camps for students ascending to grades 7-12 for the next academic year. These summer camps allow students the opportunity to develop as performers and leaders for the band program.
- Drum Major & Leadership
- Marching Percussion
- Color Guard
For directors, we offer the following to help enhance your student’s experiences:
Kickoff on the Cane – Early-Season Marching Percussion and Drum Major Competition/ Clinic
September 12, 2026
After two seasons of Drums on the Cane, the event will take on a different identity during the Fall 2026 marching season. Designed to be a clinic session with NSU faculty and athletic band leadership, drum lines from around the region will have an opportunity to gain insight and instruction to better prepare for the upcoming marching contest season. In addition, programs who utilize their drum major team during the percussion performance can receive excellent feedback from the Spirit of Northwestern Drum Major team and faculty who specialize in this position’s development.
Classic on the Cane Marching Festival
October 31, 2026
The 37th-annual Classic on the Cane marching band festival offers an opportunity for bands of all sizes and abilities to come together in Natchitoches at Turpin Stadium, to participate in a competition/festival format simulating state marching contests throughout the Southeastern United States. Each band’s participation is free.
Spectators are welcome at Turpin Stadium to watch the competition and cheer on all the hardworking students as they perform throughout the day. A variety of concessions and souvenirs are available for purchase. Click the link below for current information and ticket pricing.
DIRECTORS, a Guidebook is available with more details. To obtain the official guidebook for directors, please email BAND@NSULA.EDU
Conducting & Rehearsal Workshop
Coming Spring 2027
Invitational Band Festival
2027 Date = TBS
The Fifth-Annual Invitational Band Festival is a multiple-day event, where bands from around the region are invited to a very special event that showcases exceptional talent and unique experiences for students, their directors, and audiences with a renowned guest composer visiting. Each invited ensemble is asked to present a 15-25 minute public performance with one selection by the visiting composer. After the ensemble’s performance, the composer will visit with the students and director for a very memorable experience. Invitational composers have included:
2023 – Julie Giroux
2024 – Katahj Copley
2025 – Randall Standridge
2026 – Kevin Day
Our guest composer for 2027 will be announced in September, 2026.
