Classic on the Cane
Spectator's Guidebook
WELCOME TO NSU On behalf of our entire university, thank you for joining us at the annual Classic on the Cane Marching Festival at Northwestern State University. Nestled in the historic city of Natchitoches, I hope you enjoy the beautiful setting that we get to experience each day as faculty, staff, and students. If you decide to explore the downtown area, you will be greeted with the Southern charm that makes this area special. Recognized as one of the premier marching festivals in the region, NSU's Classic on the Cane strives to provide a sound music education experience paired with the atmosphere of friendly competition. Our adjudicators are highly respected in their area of expertise and are carefully chosen to provide positive and authentic assessments for every ensemble.
Anthony Pursell Director of Bands
I hope that you will always keep Northwestern State University in mind when serving your child's music education and musical growth. As a high school band director who took his program to NSU on several occasions, I am forever grateful for the professional delivery of content and good-natured people who welcomed us to campus. I hope that you trust us to continue to deliver that same level of hospitality and musicianship. If I can ever help you or your child with their college plans, please do not hesitate to contact me. I pride myself on being honest and sincere and want to find THE RIGHT place for them. band@nsula.edu (318) 357-4522
SCHEDULE
ARRIVING ON CAMPUS
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TAKE THE CASPARI STREET ENTRANCE
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BUS, EQUIPMENT TRUCK, & SPECTATOR PARKING Lake lin
SPECTATOR PARKING - SIMPLIFIED
AWARDS The following awards will be determined by a combined score of all six judges as outlined in the “Scoring” section of this document: TOP FIVE BANDS: The top five scoring bands of the entire contest regardless of class will be awarded trophies indicating this distinction with the top scoring band receiving the “Grand Champion” designation. TOP THREE BANDS IN EACH CLASS: Provided there are at least five bands in the class, the top three bands in each class will be awarded trophies indicating that distinction with the top scoring band in each class receiving the “Best in Class” designation. BEST IN CLASS – PERCUSSION: The highest scoring percussion section in each class will receive a trophy indicating that distinction and be designated “Best in Class”. BEST IN CLASS – COLOR GUARD/AUXILIARY: The highest scoring Color Guard/Auxiliary unit in each class will receive a trophy indicating that distinction and be designated “Best in Class”. FIRST DIVISIONS: Trophies will be awarded to any Band, Color Guard or Percussion Section that scores in the “Superior” range as assessed by the judges. MOST ENTERTAINING SHOW: The competition's most entertaining show will be decided by a panel of honorary judges representing academic and administrative faculty and staff from the Northwestern Community. The band winning this award will receive a plaque. MOST SPIRITED SUPPORTERS: This award was created to honor those band boosters and parents who do so much to support their band. The MOST SPIRITED SUPPORTERS will be chosen from the support groups in the stands by the panel of honorary judges. A plaque will be presented to the selected supporters. MOST OUTSTANDING SOLOIST: One “Most Outstanding Soloist” award will be selected from each Classification by a vote of the band judges. The award in Classification IV is titled “THE THOMAS ROGERS AWARD” in memory of a Northwestern State band student who was killed in a tragic car accident several years ago. Each soloist will be presented with a Band Scholarship to attend Northwestern State University and participate in the program.
AWARD CEREMONY A ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the competition. Drum Majors, Captains of Color Guard, and Percussion will be requested to report to the North end zone near the scoreboard prior to the conclusion of the contest by the stadium announcer.
ADMISSION FEES (SPECTATORS)
Participating band students are admitted free. There will be an admission charge for all spectators: At-gate prices: $10, general admission $8, senior citizens/military/children 8 years and under Ticket sales will be cash only, however an ATM will be available at the stadium for your convenience. A reminder that Turpin Stadium has a clear bag policy. The Eta Pi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma will have bags for sale outside the stadium. Please encourage your parents and administrators to attend the event! Programs will be available for $5.00 by the Theta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
SOUVENIRS PEPWEAR of Midlothian, Texas, will again have a store located under the west concourse of Turpin Stadium. They will have a wide range of band t-shirts and novelty items as well as the “official” Northwestern State Marching “Classic on the Cane” Contest T-shirt and patch. Their contact phone number is 887-899-1919. www.pepwear.com
SHOUT OUTS Messages of encouragement to bands or individual band members may be purchased for $2.00 at the Shout Out booth located near the concession stand. Messages will be read aloud on the Public Address System before and after band performances. All proceeds will benefit the activities of the Eta Pi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.
STADIUM ETIQUETTE For the viewing pleasure of all and for the utmost consideration of the students' concentration, spectators are asked to remain seated and quiet during performances. The seating entrances will be blocked during a band's performance and will be opened only at the conclusion of the band's performance. Please avoid using noisemakers (airhorns, sirens, keys) during the event.
CONCESSIONS The concession stands will be open under stands on the West side of Turpin Stadium.
CONTACT 318-357-4522 band@nsula.edu 140 Central Ave, Natchitoches, LA 71497 demonband.nsula.edu
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