NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Demon Heat Winter Guard members are raising money to buy performance costumes for the 2023 winter competition season.

“Our production is called ‘Illuminate’ and it’s about growth in our program and finding the light through the tough,” said Jena Elfer, who along with David Steele, directs the 24-member team of performers from Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.  “We are both alumni of the Demon Heat and happy to help the program stay alive.  These students are recruited by current members and staff throughout the winter season. This season is our biggest chance to recruit new members for our upcoming Fall 2023 team.”

The costumes run about $165 per student on top of other fees incurred with competition. Team members are recruited by current members and staff throughout the season.

“This season is our biggest chance to recruit new members for our upcoming Fall 2023 team,” Elfer said. “We’ve already raised about 45 percent of the total cost, so we are just looking for an extra boost in spreading the word. Having these costumes would change the overall appeal of the production. We would be grateful for any donations available.”

Upcoming competitions will be at Pine Tree High School in Longview, Texas, on Feb. 25, Dutchtown High School in Prairieville on March 18, Thibodaux Civic Center in Thibodaux on March 25 and championships at the Thibodaux Civic Center on April 1.

For more information, contact Elfer at Elferj@nsula.edu or (504)559-8526.  Donations can be made through Venmo (@Jena-Elfer) or Cashapp ($JenaElfer) or by visiting https://northwesternstatealumni.com/color-guard/.