Northwestern State Bands

Upcoming Events

Saturday, November 1, 2025

The 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, whether to compete or just for feedback. Participation is free and open to all bands in the region.

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. General admission tickets are $15, while $10 tickets are available for senior citizens, military personnel, and current NSU students (Ticket sales are cash only, however an ATM will be provided on site). Children under 5 years old are free.

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Join the Northwestern State Wind Symphony & Fall Winds on Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall as they present a joint concert. Fall Winds, led by Dr. Andrew Blair (Assistant Director of Bands/Percussion) and Dr. Molly Blair (Assistant Professor of Music Education) will showcase four student conductors: Reon Bell, Josue Bustillo, Dylan Dunn-Peacock, and Timothy Pursell. Following their performance, the Wind Symphony will premiere a new work by senior music education major, Turner Sugg, which will be performed at the Louisiana Music Educators Association convention in New Orleans in January 2026. The concert is free and open to the public, however, donations for the 2027 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland will be solicited.

Friday & Saturday, November 14-15, 2025

Northwestern State will host its First Annual Fall Honor Band with composer Rossano Galante 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.

Prospective Members

If you are a high school or junior college band student looking for a truly outstanding college band to continue performing, regardless of major, now is the time to consider joining the Northwestern State Band Program! To learn more, text ‘music’ to 318-309-1048 or email band@nsula.edu

AUDITIONS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Band scholarship auditions may consist of two contrasting selections (lyrical and technical) chosen by the student. Typically, all-state/honor band audition materials work very well. Audition days for the 2025-2026 academic year will be held on the following dates:

January 31, 2026
February 21, 2026
March 7, 2026

Students may offer additional dates for consideration when they apply for a band scholarship.

Band Scholarship Application

EXPLORE CONCERT ENSEMBLES

The Northwestern State Band Program offers a comprehensive concert band program with five large ensembles:

Wind Symphony – fall & spring semester
Wind Ensemble – spring semester
Magale Concert Band – spring semester
Fredericks Concert Bands – spring semester
Fall Winds Community Concert Band – fall semester
The concert bands are led by the band directors, music education faculty,
graduate assistants, and senior-level students majoring in music education.

Auditions for the Fall semester concert ensembles occurs at the conclusion of the Spirit of Northwestern Band Camp (usually the Saturday & Sunday prior to the first week of classes). Spring concert band auditions will be announced in the Summer Band Newsletter (sent to all students in the month of May), but usually occur in November each year.

To learn more about the concert band program at Northwestern State, visit the site using the link below:

Concert Bands at Northwestern State

EXPLORE ATHLETIC BANDS

Northwestern State offers two opportunities for students to participate in NCAA, Division I athletic events:

The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Purple Haze Basketball Pep Band

The athletic bands are the heartbeat of Demon Nation. The Spirit of Northwestern (SON) Marching Band is known for precision, power, and pride. The band unites students across majors to deliver unforgettable game-day performances and represent Northwestern State University at parades, competitions, and community events. The Purple Haze Basketball Pep Band is also revered as an entity by providing entertainment and home-court advantage for men and women’s basketball games.

With a tradition of excellence and a legacy of school spirit, the SON and Purple Haze Basketball Band creates music, memories, and Demon pride that last a lifetime.

To learn more about the athletic band program at Northwestern State, visit the site using the link below:

Athletic Bands

CAMPS, FESTIVALS & CLINICS

Prospective students and band directors are treated to a wide variety of activities designed to foster musical and personal growth throughout the academic year and summer months. Explore our many camps, festivals, and activities by using the link below:

Camps, Festivals, and Clinics for Students & Directors

ALUMNI CONNECTION

Northwestern State band alumni are some of the most prominent members in their chosen profession. From music educators in the classroom to presidents and CEOs in the boardroom, the Northwestern State Band Program values the contribution of each of its members, past and present.

Three times a year (in October, March, and June), the band faculty publishes an Alumni Newsletter, which is digitally distributed on social media and via email to those who request this service. Please use the links below to view our current issue of the Alumni Band Family Newsletter and/or to sign up for email delivery of the Newsletter.

Current Alumni Newsletter

Request Email Delivery

SUPPORT THE BANDS

The Northwestern State Band is more than halftime performances and rehearsals — it’s a vibrant community dedicated to excellence, pride, and tradition. From high-energy game days with the Spirit of Northwestern to unforgettable performance tours, student scholarships, and service to the community, Northwestern State band members are making a difference year-round…and we can’t do it without YOU.

All gifts, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated and will be put to use to enhance our students’ experiences. You can make a one-time donation or setup a giving schedule that is best for your budget and lifestyle.

Make a Gift to the Band