NATCHITOCHES – Student members of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band recognized two of its own and two former directors as the first recipients of a newly created award, the Ring of Honor. The award was presented at the first Spirit of Northwestern awards banquet. The event was supported by the band service fraternity and sorority, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. The event celebrates the hard work and achievement of all members of the Spirit of Northwestern and its supporters.  

The first two students inducted into the Ring of Honor were McKenzie Ryer, a senior music business major from Waxahachie, Texas, and Konnor Thibodeaux, a senior music education major from Lafayette. They were selected by fellow band members. During the inaugural year, the band faculty recognized two individuals as honorary members because of their contributions to the SON and the lasting effect of their contributions to the band program. They were Bill Brent, director of bands from 1983-2013, and Dr. Jeff Mathews, director of bands from 2013-2021. 

Established during the Fall 2023 season, members of the Ring of Honor completed three or more years of service to the SON who are in their final season and are chosen by their peers and the band faculty. It is one of the highest recognitions a member of the SON may achieve, as it symbolizes the lasting effects of their character, work ethic and leadership paired with superior service to the organization and loyalty to Northwestern State.  

After embarking on an aggressive recruiting campaign supported by the university’s administration, Brent increased membership from 48 members to 110 in just one year. After an additional year, and more recruiting, the band jumped to 160 members then 200 in 1986.  

“It is that can-do attitude and work ethic that affords us the opportunities we have today and the reason Mr. Brent was selected as the first recipient of this honor. He embodies the traits this honor represents,” said Dr. Anthony Pursell, NSU’s Director of Bands mentioned during the announcement. 

Mathews succeeded Brent as director in 2013. After being recruited by Brent and completing his studies at Northwestern in 1990 with an impressive military career that followed, Mathews returned to NSU as an assistant in 1998. In 2013, he became director of bands. Under his leadership, the SON had its largest band of over 340 marching members in 2019. Also under his leadership, the Wind Symphony was invited to perform at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Spain and hosted the Southern Division of the College Band Directors National Association a few days before the pandemic.  

“Dr. Mathew’s contributions to the SON, just like Mr. Brent’s, continues to this day with his continued engagement with the program. As director, I am very thankful for both their hard work and their continued dedication to the success of the program and university. Our students and faculty greatly benefit from their talent, efforts, and loyalty,” said Pursell. 

Ryer was a four-year member of the Demon Heat Color Guard and served as one of the captains for the team. She is also the president of the band sorority, Tau Beta Sigma. Thibodeaux served the marching band as trumpet section leader.  

“Both of these students demonstrated exceptional leadership, tremendous work ethic, outstanding character and service to the program. In many ways, their contributions to the SON and band program are in alignment with Mr. Brent and Dr. Mathews, and we know that their best is still yet to come,” said Pursell. 

Caption 

The first inductees into the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band Ring of Honor were, from left, McKenzie Ryer, a senior music business major from Waxahachie, Texas, Konnor Thibodeaux, a senior music education major from Lafayette, and former directors of bands Dr. Jeff Mathews and Bill Brent.