NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. Associate Professor of Music. Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.
The concert will feature the induction of the 2026-27 inductees into the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame at Northwestern State University, Karl Carpenter of Pineville and Stephanie Hodgdon and Carlos Ortiz IV of New Orleans will be the 2026-27 inductees into the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame at Northwestern State University. A reception honoring Carpenter, Hodgdon and Ortiz will follow the event.
Carpenter spent 46 years as a Louisiana educator with 42 years in the Rapides Parish School System. He was principal of Pineville High School from 2007-2025 and Carter C. Raymond Middle School from 2003-2007. Carpenter was at Tioga High School for 20 years as an award-winning band director and assistant principal.
Hodgdon built an international career as a headlining vocalist with Princess Cruises, a role she has held since 2002. Her talent has taken her around the world where she captivates audiences with her powerhouse vocals and undeniable presence. Hodgdon created and stars in the hit touring production “SHE WILL ROCK YOU!,” a tribute to rock legends including Queen, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Blondie, Led Zeppelin and Heart.
In 2013, Ortiz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was selected to serve with The Commandant’s Own, The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps in Washington, D.C. In 2018, Ortiz was selected to serve as an instructor at the Naval School of Music, where he became head of basic academics. After completing the Warrant Officer Basic Course in April, Ortiz assumed duties as the operations officer and assistant director of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans.
The program will be “Swipe Right” by Callum Au featuring Belen Bermeo on piano, Jarrett Thomise on tenor saxophone, Mateo Vela on trombone and Fredy Hernandez on trumpet, “How Deep Is the Ocean” by Irving Berlin and arranged by Mike Barone and featuring Belen Bermeo on piano, Layton Zeringue on guitar and the saxophone section and “Speak To My Heart” arranged by Dawson Lasseigne and featuring Thomise.
Carpenter, Hodgdon and Ortiz will then be introduced.
Carpenter will conduct the Jazz Orchestra on Latin Dream by Joe D’etienne, which will feature Ronald Turreo on alto saxophone, Wolfgang A. Otero on flugelhorn and Mars Heard on bass. 
Hodgdon is the featured vocalist on Tina Turner’s “Jumping Jack Flash.”
Ortiz will be the soloist on “Radiant Morning” by Dan Torosian on flugelhorn and “September in the Rain” arranged by Roy Hargrove on trumpet.