For our new membe special welcome to members, welcome b all being part of the NSU Bands family.
pursella@nsula.edu
In the past, this newsletter has served the Best Soundin’ Band in the Land, the Spirit of Northwestern (SON), but now we are incorporating both sides of our program with the inclusion of information about concert auditions. This newsletter provides important information to prepare you for a successful fall semester, including our season performance dates. Please review this information and dates with your family so they can visit and see you perform.
We are also excited about the opportunity for the SON and our concert ensembles to visit and perform in Dublin, Ireland, in March 2027. While that date is a ways away, we will have an opportunity for students to begin raising funds for the trip when we return this August. More information will be given at camp and the beginning of the Fall semester.
or want to dive into a high-performing concert ensemble, we have you covered! Information about these two outstanding ensembles is included in this newsletter.
I am very excited about our new and returning band faculty and student leadership, and the return of the Fall semester. Having the opportunity to work with some of the hardestworking and most dedicated students on campus, along with a faculty and staff committed to providing you the best college band experience possible, will undoubtedly deliver a positive and unforgettable experience for everyone.
Be on the lookout for communications from your section leaders, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Fork ‘em! AP
Know a prospective Demon when you see one? Help us get the word out.
NSU Bands has plenty of scholarships to help students achieve their dreams and develop life-long memories
Welcome to the Time of Your Life!
When I first got to Northwestern, I wanted to quit.
I regretted my decision to come to a smaller school. I regretted my decision to stay in Louisiana.
When I moved into the dorm, those regrets were multiplied. When I went to class, the older buildings challenged me further.
I contemplated quitting and leaving it all after just a few weeks.
I explored other universities with nicer buildings. I planned my exit more than I planned my success.
But then something happened.
I noticed that my roommate was homesick, but he enjoyed talking to me...usually about nothing.
I noticed that my professors genuinely appeared to care about their students.
I noticed that my friends in the band were always there, even at my lowest. When I was at my lowest, I noticed the grass. It was green; just as green as the other places I thought I would rather be.
I nearly lost an opportunity to have the time of my life!
Author:
Anonymous
Fall Winds Wind Symphony & fallconcertbands
Fall Winds
Fall Winds is a non-auditioned concert band that employs the full band staff and student conductors. The ensemble meets one day each week beginning in September and provides one concert in November.
There is no audition. Simply complete a short form indicating your interest, and you will be placed in the ensemble. An announcement will be made shortly after the SON Band Camp week to solicit interest.
Meetings auditions
Fall Winds meets on Fridays from 12:30-1:45. The first meeting will be Friday, September 12, 2025.
Concert
Fall Winds will perform with the NSU Wind Symphony on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.
What class do I register For?
Fall Winds is listed as BAND: MUS 1310 02N, CRN 10289. Students interested should sign up during their Freshman Connection/Registration Days so they have the time open in their schedule. (Note: your schedule will have the class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:301:45. If you cannot sign up for it due to a class conflict, you can easily get a permit (see Page 25 in this newsletter). The Fall Winds will only meet on Fridays.
I want to lead the ensemble
Student conductor applications will be solicited at the same time as the call for ensemble membership. Selection is competitive with priority given to those students who have completed the conducting sequence and are near their residency requirement.
Wind Symphony
The Northwestern State Wind Symphony is made up of 50 of the finest wind and percussion performers at the university. Literature selected is from a diverse field of music from the 19 century to the present day, representing composers from diverse backgrounds. The group tours regionally and has enjoyed performances abroad. Membership is based on audition.
Auditions
Auditions will be held Monday-Wednesday, August 18-20, 2025. Audition music and the audition schedule can be accessed using the QR code below
All music majors are encouraged to audition.
What class do I register For?
Wind Symphony is listed as BAND: MUS 1310 02N, CRN 10289. All students auditioning should register for the course. If your audition does not result in a spot in the Wind Symphony, then your registration will count for Fall Winds.
Meetings
Wind Symphony meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. The first reading rehearsal will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025
ConcertS
The Northwestern State Wind Symphony will have several performances during the Fall semester:
Concert #1 - October 7, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Concert #2 - November 6, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Northwestern State Honor Band - Nov. 14, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Literature
Literature selected for the ensemble varies to satisfy our audiences, music performance majors, music education majors planning to teach in the public schools, and those students majoring in fields outside of music who enjoy a challenging and meaningful experience. Composers recently performed include:
Gustav Holst
Percy Grainger
David Maslanka
Julie Giroux
Katahj Copley
Randall Standridge
Alfred Reed
Phillip Sparke
Mason Bates
Steven Danyew
Johann Sebastian Bach
Malcolm Arnold
Frequently Asked Questions fallconcertbands
I am not a music major; can I audition for the wind symphony
Absolutely! The Wind Symphony consists of many different majors from the Northwestern State campus. In addition, students from all stages (freshmen to graduate students) are members on the ensemble.
Are there any extra costs with participating in the concert bands
There are no additional costs for students participating in the concert bands.
I only want to participate in the Fall winds; do Ineed to audition for Wind Symphony
Students who audition for Wind Symphony and are not placed in that ensemble will automatically be considered for the Fall Winds Concert Band and no additional steps are necessary. Those students who do not audition for Wind Symphony but want to participate in Fall Winds will sign up during Freshman Connection/Registration Days.
spirit of northwestern Marching
Director of Bands
Dr. Anthony Pursell
Director of Athletic Bands/ Associate
Director of Bands
Mr. Trevor Bailey
SON Staff
Assistant Director of Bands/ Percussion
Dr. Andrew Blair
Demon Heat Color Guard Coordinator
Ms. Jena Elfer
Demon Heat Assistant Color Guard Coordinator
Mr. Ryne Bates
Demon Dazzler Danceline Coordinator
Mrs. Brandi Chasteen
BandMarching Band Visual Coordinator/ Woodwind Specialist
Mr. David Steele
Woodwind Specialist
Dr. Molly Blair
Staff Arranger
Dr. Adam Hudlow
Visual Designer
Mr. Jayme Thompson
Graduate Assistants
Mr. Taylor Carrell
Mr. Jack Stanley
Student Staff Coordinators
Ariyonna Sarpy
Turner Sugg
I am incredibly excited for the 2025–26 marching season. This year, our edition of SON will be entertaining, innovative, and inspirational. Every day, through your passionate pursuit of excellence, you will help create performances that thrill and captivate.
Our halftime show, Winner Takes All, is all about daring to live on the edge. How can we truly live without taking risks? How do we rise after a setback? And how do we come together to celebrate overcoming adversity? This show promises an exhilarating ride, and I can’t wait to see how far you will take it.
To our new members: my door is always open to you. Your success is our success. This organization has the power to change your life for the better. Embrace every moment, pour your heart into your craft, and you’ll have no regrets. To our returning members: thank you for continually opening your hearts and minds to fresh ideas. Your leadership is vital to our ongoing pursuit of excellence.
We are also thrilled to welcome several new faces this season: baileyt@nsula.edu
Mr. David Steele joins us as our new Visual Instructor and Woodwind Specialist. He has previously excelled as a performer and instructor, and his transition into a leadership role fills me with great confidence in his ability to uphold our tradition of excellence.
Mr. Jamey Thompson will serve as the SON Visual Designer and Drill Writer. With a wealth of experience and having designed drill for renowned groups like the Phantom Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps I know his creative vision will leave a lasting impact.
Dr. Andrew Blair becomes our new Assistant Director of Bands. He will oversee the battery and front ensemble sections. As an outstanding educator, I am excited for everyone to learn from his expertise.
Dr. Molly Blair is our newly appointed Music Education professor here at NSU. A gifted educator and an accomplished flute player, she will be working alongside Mr. Steele as a woodwind instructor this season.
Let’s roll the dice, show our cards, and go all in. When we do things our way, nothing can stop the Spirit of Northwestern in 2025. My best...Mr. Bailey
The 2025 Drum Major team hopes you have had a great summer so far, and we can’t wait to see you at the end of it! Your leadership team is working to be the best we can be for this organization, and the SON staff is hard at work setting up the band for a great semester!
The Spirit of Northwestern (SON) marching band here at Northwestern State University is a band of excellence, tradition, and culture. There is a deep history of astounding sounds, routines, and productions throughout this organization, and you are soon to be part of the next chapter. The SON is one of the largest organizations on campus and boasts members from Missouri to Texas to Honduras, and of course, from Louisiana. The marching band also consists of many different majors, from music to elementary education to forensic sciences to nursing. Despite the diversity in our members’ past origins and future professions, the SON marching band is a home and family to all. So, as you twirl, drum, dance, blow, sing, bow, or chant, understand that you represent a legacy, a community, and a family.
The Drum Majors’ goals for this upcoming fall are to use change as a new perspective while using tradition as a backbone for our excellence. We hope that this program can take leaps forward in our success and progress. It is important to us that this band inspires pride in NSU alumni and excitement in high school students.
So, what are the first steps to achieving these goals, and how can we start off on the right (or should we say left) foot? Well, let’s hear from the drum major team themselves!
“First and foremost HYDRATE! It is so important that each member drinks water before, during, and after every rehearsal and performance. Take the heat of the summer as an opportunity to really start drinking water and getting accustomed to that sunny weather. My biggest advice for the SoN itself is to find your own motivation and use it every day. My motivation is to make my bandmates proud to be in the Spirit of Northwestern!”
- Mason Windham
“Always BE KIND! One thing about working with SON is that the way you act is the way that everyone will act. You never know what kind of day someone has had, you never know what that person could be going through. At first, it is definitely scary to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know, but once you do it, you could have changed their whole day. A compliment or introduction can go a very long way. Once you have met one new person, start meeting other people, who knows, one of them could become your best friend! Always be kind, it will get you very far, not just on the field but out in the world!”
- Rhyan Bowen
“PRACTICE! It is the best thing you can do for yourself, your section, and the entire ensemble. Spend 30 minutes before or after rehearsals looking over your music, memorizing a couple of measures at a time. This will put you ahead in the ensemble and show that you ’ re someone the ensemble can rely on. This is HIGHLY important if you are playing on a secondary instrument! Believe me, I definitely needed it, switching from saxophone to baritone. Don’t be the person who doesn’t practice, put in the effort!”
- Tim Pursell
“SLEEP! It is important that every one of our SON marchers gets a full night’s rest. Sleep helps you recover faster and keeps your energy primed and ready to go for our next performance in Turpin Stadium! Equally, you must maintain a proper diet. It is easy for college students to focus more on studying or practicing than eating, but I encourage everyone to get three meals each day. Believe me, with these two pieces of advice, rehearsals will be a breeze! ”
- Jarrett Thomisee
Armed with this knowledge from the ladder, the SON leadership team is excited to see you this fall! Let’s work together to push this program to new highs together to showcase the 2025
Instructional Leadership Team 2025
Woodwind Coordinator
Brass Coordinator
Turner Sugg Philip Coleman
Piccolo
Jasper Foster
Jacobi Coe
Clarinet
Hope Smith
Blake Fontenot
Valerie Galliano
Saxophone
Joshua Bourique
Ronald Andrés Turizo
Trumpet
Layton Zeringue
Hannah Hughes
Alyssa Toney
Mellophone
Noah Castaneda
Trombone
Brendan Donaghy
Niel Higginbotham
Jorge Bravo-Chavez
Baritone
Hank Castilaw
Joseph DuBoice
Reon Bell
Tuba
Matthew Fussell
Brodie Rozema
Featured Twirler
Daynie Edwards
Instructional Team Fees
please use the QR code on your section page to pay fees; there are no additional fees with your leadership role
Snare Drum Tenor Drum
Johnson
Amilee Parks
Avary Stutzman
Breanne Martell
Devonna Taylor
Jordan Barnes
Rebekah Edmonds
Demon Dazzlers
Makenzie Scroggs - Captain
Jesse Foshee - Co-Captain
Cameron Bruno - Co-Captain
Support Team 2025
Staff Coordinators
Turner Sugg Ariyonna Sarpy
Operations
Team
Garrett Carrell
Kelly Carter
Niel Higginbotham
Candace Paul
Media Team
Head of Media
Madelyn Murphy
Photography
Zoey Fitts
Noah Hubbard
Alyson Marmaduke
Devin Pollard
Dakota Thomas
Videographer
Bryson Lewis (& Social Asst)
Santiago Sanchez
Video Editor & Production
Dana Bareto Arellano
Graphic Design & Social Media Manager
Miles Evans
Uniform Team
Ariana Lee
Chloe Dettrey
Kristy Law
Carter Mitchell
Medical Team
Head of Medical
Noah Castaneda
Medical Assistants
Logan Hunter
Jordan Pursell
Noah Saunders
Medical Interns
Chloe Cloessner
Gabrielle Essex
Jordan Guillory
Anna Reynolds
Amireyon Wesley
Woodwinds & Brass
Items Needed for Rehearsals
White Rehearsal Gloves
(required for all brass players using school-owned instruments)
Instrument
Instrument Supplies
Water Bottle
(water will be provided; please fill with ice and water prior)
Charged Smartphone
UDB Pro App
(login information will be given to you during camp orientation)
Beam Music App
(login information will be given to you during camp orientation)
Tonal Energy Tuner App
USB Battery Pack
Woodwind & Brass Rehearsals
during the Fall semester: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
3:30-5:20 p.m. SON Practice Field
Items Needed for Performances
White Performance Gloves
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
Black Athletic Crew-Length Socks
Woodwind & Brass
must sign up for both:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
Black Marching Shoes
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
SON Summer Uniform Shirt
(provided by NSU Bands)
SON Summer Uniform Shorts
(provided by NSU Bands)
Woodwind & Brass Fees
may be paid via credit card using the QR to the right
All Members: $75.00
Marching Percussion &Front Ensemble
Hello, Northwestern State University community! I’m excited to join NSU as the new Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor, excited to contribute to the NSU Bands’ vibrant legacy. I’m thrilled to join my family to yours, as my wife, Molly, joins NSU’s faculty as Assistant Professor of Music Education, and our son, Ben, will start kindergarten at the NSU Elementary Lab School this August.
I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion with a minor in Music Composition and a dual Master of Music in Conducting and Percussion from the University of Georgia, as well as a B.S. Ed in Music Education from Western Carolina University. Outside of higher education, I spent over a decade teaching at the middle and high school levels in NC, SC, and GA.
Most recently, I served as Associate Director of Bands, Percussion Director, and Jazz Director at Wando High School, leading ensembles to two Bands of America Regional Championships, a BOA Super Regional Finalist performance, South Carolina 5A and 6A marching band Championships and a 2025 SCMEA conference performance with the second concert band.
As a performer, I’ve held chairs as a percussionist, timpanist, and/or drumset specialist with a long list of ensembles across the mid-Atlantic. Most recently, I’ve been playing with the Charleston Symphony, Charleston Opera Theatre, Augusta Symphony, Hilton Head Symphony, and Holy City Lyric Opera.
Percussion Battery & Front Ensemble
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
MUS 1400 45N #11091
Percussion Rehearsals
during the Fall semester: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5:20 p.m. SON Practice Field Tuesday & Thursday 5:15-6:30 p.m. Bill Brent Rehearsal Hall (CAPA 120)
Percussion Fees
may be paid via credit card using the QR to the left All Members: $75.00
Marching Percussion
Items Needed for Performances &Front Ensemble
As a composer and arranger, my works have been played on four continents, at major conferences such as the Midwest Clinic, WASBE International Conference, multiple CBDNA Regional conferences, Bands of America Regional Championships, and halftime of two College Football National Championships.
As Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor, I’ll work across the band and percussion programs to foster creativity, teamwork, and excellence in everything that we do. I love mentoring students and hope I can help you along your academic and life path, whatever you ’ re looking to do.
I’m so looking forward to getting to know all of you and to making amazing memories. Fork ‘Em!
Black Athletic Crew-Length Socks
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
Black Marching Shoes
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
SON Summer Uniform Shirt
(provided by NSU Bands)
SON Summer Uniform Shorts
(provided by NSU Bands)
Items Needed for Rehearsals
Instrument
Instrument Supplies
Water Bottle
(water will be provided; please fill with ice and water prior)
Charged Smartphone
UDB Pro App
(login information will be given to you during camp orientation)
Tonal Energy Tuner App
USB Battery Pack
Binder
(to keep all music organized)
Sheet Protectors
Stick Tape
(white electrical tape for battery members)
Demon Heat Color guard
Color Guard Rehearsals
during the Fall semester:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
3:30-5:20 p.m.
SON Practice Field
Tuesday & Thursday
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Health & Human Performance Gym
Color Guard Courses
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
MUS 1300 01N #10282
We are so excited that you will be joining us for another fun and exciting season!
First, I'd like to introduce Ryne Bates as our new Assistant Director of Demon Heat! Ryne is a Demon Heat alumnus and is the current Director of Natchitoches Central High School. He has been a huge asset to our program, and I look forward to working with him on the professional level.
To Our New Members: Welcome to a color guard program where members can collaborate, learn, and work with like-minded individuals towards common goals. We understand that stepping into a new program can be overwhelming and daunting. Understand that we are incredibly enthusiastic and excited to welcome you to NSU, to the Spirit of Northwestern, and to the legacy of the Demon Heat Colorguard. Your first-year experience is important to all of us. We encourage you to arrive at camp with an open mind, a willingness to learn new skills, and to perfect old skills. The knowledge and confidence gained in your first year have the potential to set you up for a bright future, not only in our program but in all your color guard ambitions and goals. We ask that you seize every opportunity, work hard, and be ready to learn when you arrive in August! Until then, I’d like you to continue working on the fundamental skills you learned at your audition. We look forward to seeing you at camp in August!
To Our Veterans: Welcome back! We hope that you have had an opportunity to slow down, reset, and recover from the winter season. We hope that you arrive at band camp in August with lots of positive energy, good vibes, and enthusiasm for new experiences and new faces. We have three main goals for the program this next year. First, we want to continue achieving and maintaining the goals and expectations that we set for you in the past at a continued level of excellence Second, we want to strive for a better sense of unity, understanding, and diversity/inclusion within the program It’s incredibly important to us that everyone feels welcome, included, and respected as individuals Diversity in all aspects is the strength and pride of this program. Third, we want to help you develop a better understanding of the balance between your color guard responsibilities and your academic responsibilities. Your education should be your TOP priority while you are here. While your color guard activities can sometimes be intense, your academics deserve just as much of your attention and energy. Remember that the retention of your color guard scholarship depends on your academic success and not just your color guard success. Academic goals and achievements are incredibly important to your future, and we want to see all our members (new and returning) strive for better academic excellence this season.
Color Guard Fees
may be paid via credit card using the QR to the left New Members: $275.00 Returning Members: $175.00
Demon Dazzlers
Hey all you Demon fans! It’s Bran Bran, or Brandisha, or B, or any of the other fun names y’all come up with! I cannot wait to start the 2025-2026 season with all of the amazing people that make up this one-of-a-kind organization. If you’re new to the SoN, here is some advice from a fellow SoN Dazzler alumnus:
Take in every moment you can, be active within your group, take advantage of the social opportunities Son and NSU provide.
Cherish every minute (yes, even the HOT ones), they go by too fast.
Tell yourself “you can do this!” If you commit to striving for excellence in and out of this organization, you will not only be making yourself into a productive member of society, but also elevating your group while you are here. Recognize and continue to build on the legacy of The Spirit of Northwestern.
Positive energy is contagious! Let’s leave the negative energy elsewhere!
GO TO CLASS! You are here as a student first.
This year, we’ve got a small, yet mighty team of Dazzlers that will continue to raise the bar and push the boundaries of technical ability to perform their absolute best at Turpin Stadium. One of our goals has been to bring back competing at College Nationals to the Dazzler organization. This opportunity would aid in program and University recognition and recruitment. We are striving to receive a partially paid bid at NDA Camp this July. Wish us luck! We’re goin in- all or nothing!
Dazzlers Fees
may be paid via credit card using the QR to the right All Members: $75.00
Demon Dazzler must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 48N #10287 DAN 01N #10098
Dazzlers Rehearsals during the Fall semester: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5:20 p.m. SON Practice Field Tuesday & Thursday 7:00-9:15 a.m. CAPA Dance Studio, Room 132
Twirlers
Hey SON family!
I’m beyond excited to kick off another incredible season with all of you! It’s truly an honor to serve as the Feature Twirler for the Spirit of Northwestern and to represent the return of baton twirling at NSU in such a meaningful way. Being part of this band means the world to me, and I can’t wait to add to the energy, tradition, and spirit that make the SON so special.
Rehearsals are hands-down my favorite part of band life, but this season, I’m especially pumped for the new layout of the show- especially with our Vegas theme! I already have so many ideas for fun, dynamic choreography to bring that showbiz sparkle to our routines. My goal is to push myself creatively as a performer, connect with members across all sections, and help create halftime shows that truly wow our audiences.
The Spirit of Northwestern continues to inspire me every single day. I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible organization, and I’m looking forward to all the growth, memories, and unforgettable moments we’ll share this season, on and off the field.
Let’s give it everything we’ve got, make every performance count, and create a season we’ll always be proud of!
Fork ’em Demons!
Daynie Edwards
Twirlers
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
MUS 1300 01N #10282
Twirler Rehearsals
during the Fall semester: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5:20 p.m.
SON Practice Field
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Health & Human Performance Gym
Twirler Fees
may be paid via credit card using the QR to the left
All Members: $75.00
Five Organizations Serving CAPA &
Northwestern Spirit of The
Kappa Kappa Psi - Theta Nu
A national honorary service fraternity for college band members that operates exclusively in the field of college and university band programs. The fraternity is built on brotherhood through service, while striving to present themselves as role models through excelling in musicianship, leadership, and service.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Gamma Rho
We are the world’s oldest and largest national social fraternity for musicians. We seek to develop a community of all male-identifying NSU students who love music. We aim to build long-lasting relationships among music students by serving CAPA and the SON to advance music in America.
Tau Beta Sigma - Eta Pi
The national honorary service co-ed soroity that proudly serves the NSU band program on and off the field. Through service activities, Eta Pi is able to strengthen its bond through sisterhood.
Sigma Alpha Iota Beta Iota
We promote interaction among those who share a commitment to music. We aim to develop a community of female-identifying NSU students who love music.
National Association for Music Education
NAfME works to promote the importance of music education, foster the best possible school music programs across the nation, and advance music education as a profession.
What marching band Classes Do I Need to registeR For
my scholarship & what if I have a conflict
Students must sign up for each section in their category for the band scholarship to distribute. For those attending Freshman Connection, please share this list with your advisor!
Woodwind, Brass, Drum Majors & Support Staff
must sign up for both:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
Color
Guard & Twirlers
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
MUS 1300 01N #10282
Percussion
Battery & Front Ensemble
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 45N #10284
MUS 1400 45N #11091
Demon Dazzler
must sign up for all three:
MUS 1310 01N #10288
MUS 1300 48N #10287
DAN 01N #10098
Have a conflict with another class? Complete the Permit Request Form: (scan the QR code to the right)
When Do I move Into My Dorm
Students living in University Place I or II, The Columns, or Varnado will automatically have their names forwarded to the director of housing with the appropriate move in date. Because dorm staff is limited, move-in times and dates cannot be adjusted. We thank you for your understanding.
Section Leaders, All Color Guard Members, Percussion, Media, Medical, & Uniform Team Members
August 7, 2025 Begins: 10 a.m. & Ends: 1 p.m.
New Woodwind & Brass Members
August 9, 2025 Begins: 10 a.m. & Ends: 1 p.m.
Returning Woodwind & Brass Members
August 10, 2025 Begins: 10 a.m. & Ends: 1 p.m.
Are you on the housing list? Scan the QR code to the left. If your name is not on this list and you are living in the dorms (or listed as not needing housing), you will need to contact band@nsula.edu
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HOUSING DIRECTLY ABOUT BAND CAMP EARLY MOVE-IN
When & Where do I register for Band Camp
Camp registration will take place at the Dear School of Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA). Registration begins at 1 p.m. on the same day as your assigned move-in to the dorms. A map below shows the route as you approach NSU from the west (I-49).
When & Where do I register for Band Camp
From I-49, travel east on University Parkway until you reach the NSU campus. Turn right on to Central Avenue and continue to proceed south. About ¼ mile, CAPA is on your right hand side, however, parking will be in the lot on the left (see street-level map below.)
Once parked, registration will begin in the Hanchey Lobby of CAPA (see yellow star above) beginning at 1 p.m. You will conclude your registration at the Bill Brent Band Hall.
The dining plan will not start until August 14, 2025. Students on the university dining plan should prepare to purchase meals if they plan to eat at Iberville Dining Hall. A representative from Sodexo will be available during band camp registration.
Are Meals Provided During Summer Band What is the Attire for Summer Rehearsals
Because student safety is our top priority, our camp schedule takes the hot Louisiana weather in consideration. Outside rehearsals are typically held in the morning and in the evening. The weather during these times will require students to be mindful of the heat that exists. With this in mind, students should consider wearing shorts, a t-shirt, hat,sun glasses, and tennis shoes with socks and sunscreen is highly encouraged.
During inside rehearsals/sectionals, the rooms we utilize can be cool to cold. Students who are ‘cold-natured’ should consider having a pull-over or light sweater available.
When do we perform
The Spirit of Northwestern will perform at the following:
Thursday, August 28, vs. Alcorn State
Saturday, September 13, Drums on the Cane
Friday & Saturday, September 26-27, Exhibition @ Madisonville, TX & Surrounding Areas
Saturday, October 4, vs. East Texas A&M (Homecoming)
Saturday, October 18, Exhibition @ Parkway (LA)
Saturday, October 25, vs. Lamar
Saturday, November 1, Classic on the Cane
Saturday, November 8, vs. Incarnate Word
Thursday, November 20, vs. Stephen F. Austin (Senior Day)
Saturday, December 6, Natchitoches Christmas Parade
Are tickets available for family & friends
Tau Beta Sigma will have a limited supply of game day tickets available in the hallway of CAPA. Prices are $10 (bleachers) and $15 for chair back seats. Tickets for our exhibition performances can be inquired with the host institutions.
In addition to the attire, what should I have for each rehearsal
Rehearsal Gloves
(required for all brass players using school-owned instruments)
Instrument
Instrument Supplies
Water Bottle
(while water will be provided, please fill with ice and water prior to rehearsal)
Charged Smartphone
UDB Pro App
(login information will be given to you during camp orientation)
Beam Music App
(login information will be given to you during camp orientation)
Tonal Energy Tuner App
USB Battery Pack
What will I need for gameday performances
White Performance Gloves
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
Black Athletic Crew-Length Socks
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
Black Marching Shoes
(available for purchase from the TBS store)
SON Summer Uniform Shirt
(provided by NSU Bands)
SON Summer Uniform Shorts
(provided by NSU Bands)
Welcome to the TBs Store
SON Maintenance Items
Cork Grease: $3.00
Rotor Oil: $4.00
Valve Oil: $4.00
Tuning Slide Grease: $3.00
Chapstick: $1.00
Long Black Socks: $4.00
Practice Gloves (Beaded): $4.00
Performance Glaves (Non-Beaded): $4.00
Percussion Wristbands: $1.50
Color Guard Tape (Black or White): $3.00
Reeds:
Clarinet: Vandoren (3.0, 3.5): $4.00
Clarinet: Rue Lepic (4.0): $4.00
Bass Clarinet: Vandoren (3.0, 3.5): $4.00
Alto Sax: Rico (3.0): $3.00
Alto Sax: Vandoren (3.0, 3.5): $4.00
Tenor Sax: Rico Royal (3.0): $3.00
Tenor Sax: Vandoren (3.5): $4.00
Black Marching Shoes: $45.00
Special Combo Pack for Brass Players: 2 pairs of unbeaded & 1 pair of beaded gloves: $10.00
SON Merchandise Items
SON Sling Bag: $3.00
SON Tank Top: $12.00
SON Family T-Shirt: $12.00
SON Cler Bag: $8.00
SON Spirit Socks: $8.00
SON Keychain: $2.00
SON Button: $1.00
SON Spirit Wristband: $1.00
SONglasses: $5.00
Game Day Tickets for Family & Friends
(only available on game day in the CAPA hallway) Bleachers: $10.00
Chair-Back Seats: $15.00
To place orders in advance or throughout the marching season, scan the QR code to the left
Information will be distributed during Band Camp
Alma Mater
Oh, Alma Mater here today
We for thy lasting blessings pray, We know not where our paths may go, But, thou’ll uphold us still we know, Unchanging thou, ‘mid changes vast, Unswerved from ideals of the past, Steadfast and true, our watchword e’re shall be To thee, our Alma Mater, Loyalty!
Fight Song
Go ye Demons take the field, Northwestern Demons never yield. So, fight Demons win tonight, Victory is on our side!
Go! Fight! Win!
Purple and white shall ever reign Filling the air with battle strain. So, Demons forever stand And fight for dear old Demonland.
