Cane River Singers performing J.S. Bach’s Magnificat
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
7:30 p.m. | Magale Recital Hall
Our 59th Year
Northwestern State University presents
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony and the Cane River Singers April 29, 2025
Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
Syll-Young Olson, Assistant Director
Shane Thomas, Director of Choral Activities
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, Instructor
Fidelio Overture, Op. 72
Program
Concerto in Bb for Bassoon and Orchestra, K. 191
L.v Beethoven (1770-1827)
W.A. Mozart
Allegro (1756-1791)
Andante ma Adagio
Rondo: Tempo di Menuetto
Douglas Bakenhus, bassoon (15-minute Intermission)
Magnificat, BWV 243.2 in D Major
J.S. Bach
1. Magnificat anima mea Dominum. (1685-1750)
2. Et Exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo.
Dr. Terrie Sanders, soprano
3. Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent
4. Omnes generationes.
Dr. Terrie Sanders, soprano
5. Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est et sanctum nomen eius.
Mr. Adam Philley, bass
6. Et misericordia eius a progenie in progenie timentibus eum.
Dr. Marcy McKee, mezzo soprano
Dr. Shane Thomas, tenor
7. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
8. Deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles.
Dr. Shane Thomas, tenor
9. Esurientes implevit bonis, et divites dimisitianes
Kat Wilkinson, mezzo soprano
10. Suscepit Israel puerum suum recordatus misericordiae suae.
Malaina Aultman, soprano
Lhareen Lazo, soprano
Kat Wilkinson, mezzo soprano
11. Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros Abraham et semini eius in saecula
12. Gloria Patri, et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Music Director
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus has been music director and conductor of the NatchitochesNorthwestern Symphony at Northwestern State University of Louisiana since 2004, where he also teaches bassoon, aural skills, and advanced conducting. In addition, Bakenhus also serves as music director of the Northeast Texas Symphony since 2003 and was the director of the Austin Philharmonic from 2001-2004. His music degrees are from the University of Texas at Austin (D.M.A., B.M.Ed), Texas A&M University-Commerce (M.M.), and has completed additional graduate courses in conducting and bassoon-performance at the University of Michigan. His conducting teachers include Larry Rachleff, Gustav Meier, Carl St. Clair, Gary W. Hill, and Elizabeth Green. In addition, Dr. Bakenhus studied conducting and baroque/classical performance practice with Ivars Taurin at the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute (2010 and 2015). Throughout his teaching career, Dr. Bakenhus has remained active as a guest conductor and clinician with honor orchestras throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, Furthermore, he has made international conducting appearances with the Comfenalco School Orchestra in Cartegna, Colombia, the Sinfonietta Bratislava in Slovakia, and the San Pedro Sula City Chamber Orchestra in Honduras. He also performed abroad as a bassoonist with the NSU Faculty Woodwind Trio in Canada, Slovakia, England, and the Czech Republic. He remains active on the bassoon, playing in several local orchestras including the Shreveport Symphony, The Baroque Artist of Shreveport, Marshall Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, and Texarkana Symphony. In addition, on his baroque and classical instruments, he regularly performs with period instrument ensembles including, the Austin Baroque Orchestra, Sonido Barroco in San Antonio, and has made appearances in Houston with Ars Lyrica, the Houston Bach Society, and the Mercury Baroque Ensemble.
Visit our website: www.NNSSLA.org
Email: NSUsymphony@gmail.com
Assistant Director
Syll-Young Lee Olson was born in Seoul, Korea. She earned her bachelor’s degree in composition from the Seoul National University, then the Final Diploma from the “Hochschule der Kuenste” in Berlin (University of Arts in Berlin), Germany.
Since 1992, she has been on the faculty of Natchitoches Central High School, teaching Instrumental Talented students and conducting the Orchestra. Throughout her teaching career, Olson remained active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician of numerous honor orchestras and festivals.
She was named 2002/2003 Teacher of the Year by the Natchitoches Parish School Board, also 2002/2003 Teacher of the Year from the Louisiana, Mississippi, West Tennessee District Kiwanis International, was a recipient of the Mayor’s Award in Natchitoches. In November, 2022, she will be inducted into the Louisiana Music Educators Association Hall of Fame.
Instructor
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, where she began her violin career in the studio of professor Alla Laperashvili. She continued her studies in Tbilisi State Conservatory in the studio of professor Ernst Arakelov, before completing her graduate studies in the studio of professor Rodam Jandieri.
In 2014, Ms. Tchetchelashvili accepted graduate assistantship at Baylor University, and two years later she completed another graduate degree in violin performance in the studio of Dr. Eka Gogichashvili.
Ms. Tchetchelashvili was a winner of four Georgian national violin competitions, as well as a recipient of two consecutive President’s Awards.
Since 2016, Ms. Tchetchelashvili serves as an Adjunct professor of violin/viola at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where, beside her teaching duties, she remains very active concert violinist and violist.
Choral Director
Dr. Shane Thomas is the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he conducts the Chamber Choir, Cane River Singers, and the Northwestern Choral Artists. He teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate vocal music education, choral methods, choral literature, and administrates the choral activities within the department. Thomas serves as the founder and artistic director of the Louisiana Vocal Arts Ensemble. He serves as the Louisiana ACDA College and Universities R&R Chair.
Dr. Thomas received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting with distinction from Westminster Choir College, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University. He holds professional memberships in ACDA, NCCO, NAfME, Chorus America, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Program Notes
Fidelio Overture, Op. 72, L.v Beethoven (1770-1827)
Beethoven’s powerful overture is a dramatic piece that sets the tone for the opera’s themes of love, freedom, and justice. It doesn’t directly quote any melodies from the opera itself, but it uses musical language to evoke these central ideas. The overture, like the opera, is often interpreted as a celebration of human resilience and the triumph of good over evil.
Concerto in Bb for Bassoon and Orchestra, K. 191, W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Douglas Bakenhus, bassoon
Mozart’s first documented concerto for a wind instrument, the Bassoon Concerto in B-flat, is the only surviving bassoon concerto of the five that he wrote. It is a sad truth that many works from well-known composers simply did not survive, for various reasons. We should be eternally grateful that this beautiful work, featuring the often-overlooked member of the wind section, did survive. Not only does the piece showcase the technical and artistic expressive capabilities of the bassoon, but it is also the most frequently performed work for the instrument.
The bassoon was a well-established solo instrument in the Baroque period, having inspired Antonio Vivaldi (16781741) to write over 30 concertos for bassoon. Nevertheless, its prominence as a solo instrument waned by the start of the Classical period and it is possible that Mozart wanted to revitalize the bassoon as a solo instrument.
The thematic material of the concerto is carefully designed expressly for the bassoon, showcasing its unique qualities, with wide leaps and beautiful melodies in the tenor register. Additionally, it possesses the Mozart youthful wit and charm. Although the original score is lost, we do know that Mozart completed the work on June 4, 1774. Furthermore,
Program Notes
it is believed that aristocratic amateur bassoonist Baron Thaddäus von Dürnitz (1756-1807) commissioned the concerto (Baron von Dürnitz commissioned as many as 70 works from Mozart, including the lost bassoon concertos).
Following the traditional Classical period standard, the first movement, Allegro, is in “sonata form” and highlights the bassoon’s many virtues. Including its extraordinary agility, fast trills, large leaps (nearly two octaves), repeated fast tonguing, lyrically sings, and sits comfortably on prominent low notes. The interaction with the orchestra is lively and conversational. The second movement, Andante ma Adagio, is a dreamy aria, with an elaborately embroidered melody over muted strings, showcasing the bassoon’s lyrical quality. In contrast, the finale, Rondo: tempo di menuetto, is a lively dance, with the lilting rhythms of the traditional courtly minuet. The Rondo form has 7 parts with contrasting sections in between the minuet theme (A, B, A, C, A, B, A Coda). Each time the minuet returns, the bassoon adds virtuosic variations.
Magnificat, BWV 243.2 in D Major, J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
The Gospel of Luke, starting in chapter 1 verse 39, tells the story of Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visiting her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth blesses Mary upon hearing the news of her pregnancy, and Mary’s response is known as “The Magnificat”, or the Song of Mary (verses 46 – 55).
The Magnificat is one of the most ancient Christian hymns, and it has been set to music innumerable times. Several of those compositions may have been known by Bach, including the one composed by Kuhnau, his predecessor in Leipzig, and by Graupner, who competed with him for the post of Cantor and used his own setting of the Magnificat as an audition piece.
The Magnificat is often sung at Christmas, and going into his first one in Leipzig, in 1723, Bach composed the Magnificat in E flat major, BWV 243a, which is the first version of the work. In it, the Latin text is augmented with four interpolations (or “Laudes”) from German hymns that refer to different aspects of the Christmas feast.
In later revisions, Bach made some changes – he transposed the piece from E flat to D, possibly to accommodate the trumpets, replaced the recorders with traverse flutes, and removed the “Laudes”, leaving only the original Latin text of Luke’s gospel. This made the work suitable not just for Christmas but also for the feast of Visitation, which commemorates Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and was celebrated in early July in Bach’s time. Scholars believe that this adaptation was made for a first performance in 1733.
In its final form, the scoring includes 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes/oboes d’amore, strings and continuo (including cello, violone and bassoon). From a vocal perspective, 5 solo voices are required (two sopranos, alto, tenor and bass) as well as a 5-part choir (SSATB).
Bach’s Magnificat has 12 movements. The first 11 deliver the full text of Mary’s song, and the last one is set to the “Gloria Patri” doxology. There are no recitatives, and none of the arias are “da capo”. The first, 7th and last movements are for “tutti” forces – full orchestra and choir. Between them, there are 5 solo arias (one for each soloist) with different instrumentations, one duet, and one trio, plus two additional choral movements.
The opening movement begins with an instrumental ritornello, which lasts for 30 bars, before the choir enters in pairs (SS, then AT, then B) with the motif over the word “Magnificat”. The voices interplay with the short text of the first verse, before converging on the final utterance of the word “Dominum”, after which the orchestra closes with a postlude.
Soprano II takes the next line, “Et exsultavit”, illustrating the joyful text accompanied by the strings and continuo. Soprano I is in charge of the next verse, “Quia respexit”, with a beautiful adagio accompanied by oboe d’amore and continuo. In a remarkable example of text interpretation, the aria leads straight into a massive and virtuosic chorus, “Omnes generationes”, to deliver the last two words of the verse as a way to impart the dimension of the concept.
The fifth movement is “Quia fecit mihi magna”, a bass aria with just a continuo line, imitating each other on an assertive, strong motif of repeated notes and big leaps, symbolizing the “great things” done by God in his might. In contrast, “Et misericordia” is a delicate duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by flutes and muted strings – a very effective change of color and mood to illustrate the concept of mercy.
Program Notes
This brings us to the second “tutti” movement, “Fecit potentiam” – a masterful illustration of “the power of God’s arm scattering the arrogant”. Remarkable word painting on “dispersit” (“scattering”) where each voice sings individually before converging on the word “superbos” (“arrogant”) and delivering homophonically the last words, “mente cordis sui” (“their minds and hearts”).
The tenor delivers the next aria, “Deposuit potentes”, a virtuoso piece with violins I and II in unison accompanying. You can hear the falling down of the powerful and the humble being exalted in the rapid runs and long sustained notes. It’s the turn of the alto, with the beautiful “Esurientes” accompanied by the two flutes and continuo. Long melismas on “implevit” to signify the bounty given to the poor, and a masterful ending with just a single note on the continuo to represent the rich sent away empty-handed.
“Suscepit Israel” is another delicate trio for the upper solo voices (SSA), in some versions sung by the soloists, in others by the choir. The oboes in unison deliver the magic touch by carrying a soaring chorale tune above the voices, the “German Magnificat”, which the audience would have immediately recognized. Bach also used this tune in three movements of Cantata 10, “Meine Seel erhebt den Herren”, also composed for the Feast of Visitation.
The next movement, “Sicut locutus est”, is the last line of Mary’s song set for the choir with continuo, as a 5-part fugato, with interesting text illustrations via short notes in “locutus” (“said”) and long descending notes on the Soprano I for “secula” (“centuries”, or “forever”).
The Magnificat concludes with the “Gloria Patri” doxology, for the full forces. After an initial homophonic “Gloria”, three truly impressive buildups on the word “Gloria”, first from deep down going up for “Patris” (“Father”), then also in raising motifs but starting with the sopranos for “Filio” (“Son”), and a third one for the “Spiritui Sancto” (“Holy Ghost”) which resembles the dove flying from above.
For the last verse, “Sicut erat in principio” (“As it was in the beginning”), Bach brings back an abbreviated version of the opening music for a triumphant finale. Text with translation:
1. Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
2. Et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo Salutari meo, and my spirit has exulted in God my savior
3. Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae; ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent, because he has regarded the lowly state of his handmaiden; for look, from now on [they] will say that I am blessed
4. Omnes generationes, every generation.
5. Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen eius, because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
6. Et misericordia a progenie in progenies timentibus eum, and his mercy [continues] from generation to generation for those who fear him.
7. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, dispersit superbos mente cordis sui, He has made known the power of his arm, scattered those who are arrogant in the thoughts of their heart.
8. Deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humles, He has put down the mighty from their seats [of power] and raised up those who are lowly.
9. Esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes, The hungry he has filled with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
10. Suscepit Israel puerum suum recordatus misericordieae suae, He has taken under his protection Israel his boy and remembered his mercy.
11. Sicut locutus est ad Patres nostros, Abraham et semini eius in saecula, In accordance with what he said to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
12. Gloria Patri, gloria Filio, gloria et Spiritui Sancto! Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum Amen. Glory to the Father, glory to the Son, glory also to the Holy Spirit! And throughout ages of ages. Amen
Program Note by Miguel Rode
Roster
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
Douglas Bakenhus, music director
Syll-Young Olson, assistant director
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, instructor
Violin 1
Emilio Castro, concertmaster + Josias Daniel Ramos, assistant concertmaster
Nathan Gay, graduate assistant conductor Dan Ley, collaborative artist
Moly Amezquita
Eileen Ashley
Maira Avellaneda
Amy Bamburg
J. Cole Becton
Lily Bedenbaugh
Rayven Benton
Remi Blanchard
Josué Bustillo Aguero
Erick Cabrera
Jesus Calderon
Juan Campos
Oscar Carballo Torres
Cadence Carpio
Abbygail Casnave
Meredith Corrales
Catherine Davis
Carlos Diaz del Valle
Leonardo Donado
John Dunn
Allison Flores Reyes
Jelsson Flores Reyes
Blake Fontenot
Ever Naun Galeas Antunez
Nathan Gay
Dorcia Gillam
Astrid Gomez Bravo
Mario Gomez Orellana
Aliya Green
Felipe Guerrero Morales
Sachiri Henderson
Perla Hipp
Madeline Horton
Joy Jackson
Darrick Jasmine
Kevin Juarez Lopez
Lhareen Lazo
José Luzuriaga Herrera
Angel Maradiaga
Steven Mendoza
Torin Merchant
Isabella Michler
Haleigh Miller
Julian Miller
Fernanda Morales
Luke Niedens
Juliana Nobles Pacheco
Joshua Noyola
Sebastian Oviedo
Juan Padilla
Clairie Parent
Candace Paul
Jaime Perdue
Susana Polo
Gabriel Polo Gomez
Hope Powell
Sara Puryear-Dunn
Joel Ramos Alvarado
Josias Ramos Alvarado
Allyce Richards
Annie Rivera Contreras
Santiago Rovira Ortiz
Angela Saldivar
Dominick Saldivar
Richie Salzer
Santiago Sanchez
Tyla Stewart
Anunye Thomas
Khuyen Tran
Ronald Turizo Bueno
Salome Uribe-Cardona
José Villeda
Phillip Voorhees
Aaliyah Williams
Hal Williams III
Tre’Von Williams
Jewett Winston
Alex Wohllaib
Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez
Applied Music Faculty
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, bassoon
Mr. Luke Brouillette, guitar
Dr. Robert Cardwell, voice
Mr. Paul Christopher, cello
Dr. Mary DeVille, organ
Ms. Leah Forsyth, oboe
Dr. Paul Forsyth, saxophone
Ms. Karla Gonzalez, bass
Ms. Juliana Handy, voice
Dr. Chialing Hsieh, piano
Dr. Masahito Kuroda, euphonium/low brass
Dr. Andrej Kurti, violin
Dr. Marcy McKee, voice
Dr. Malena McLaren, clarinet
Dr. Oliver Molina, percussion
Dr. Stephen Clark, flute
Mr. Adam Philley, voice
Dr. John Price, piano
Mr. Galindo Rodriguez, trumpet
Dr. Terrie Sanders, voice
Dr. Alexis Sczepanik, horn
Mr. David Steele, clarinet
Dr. J. Mark Thompson, trombone/low brass
Ms. Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, violin/viola
Dr. Francis Yang, piano
2024- 2025
Natchitoches-Northwestern
Symphony Society
Board of Directors
Marion Johnston, President
Mary Lou Brown, President Elect
Cecilia Smith, Secretary
Gayle Howell, Treasurer
Tom Caldwell
Vicki Caldwell
Linnye Daily
Desiree Dyess
Loren Ford
Lynnel Gill
Rick Hudson
Vicki Murchison
Carolyn Roy
Jacob Ruppert
Marty Sanders
Diane Temple
Jeff Thomas
Samantha Thomas
David Young
Honorary Board
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, Conductor
Alma Alost
Martha Janes Genovese
Jennifer Maggio
Brenda Webb
Past Presidents
1966-68 Martha Roberson
1968-69 Jim Bob Key
1969-70 Frank S. Roberson
1970-71 Cecile Murphy
1971-72 James A. Ford
1972-73 Lovan Thomas
1973-74 Rosie McCoy
1974-75 Frank Roberson
1975-76 Tom Paul Southerland
1976-77 Kerlin Sutton
1977-79 Curt Kinard
1979-80 Robert Lucky, Jr.
1980-81 Cynthia Brown
1981-82 Albin Johnson and L. J. Melder, Jr.
1982-83 Maxine Southerland
1983-84 Bobbie Archibald
1984-85 Mary Jean Thomas
1985-86 Sharon Gahagan
1986-87 William H. Cross
1987-88 Margaret A. Adkins
1988-90 Patricia W. Thomas
1990-91 Raymond Gilbert
1991-92 Ryan Horton, Jr.
1992-93 Saidee Watson Newell
1993-94 Michael Wolff
1994-95 Gene Newman
1995-96 Ada Jarred
1996-97 Bill Mathis
1997-98 Joseph M. Henr y III
1998-99 Margaret Sutton
1999-2001 Jane Hall
2001-03 David Graham
2003-04 Ron McBride 2004-05 Loren Ford 2005-06 Markay Cunningham 2006-07 Steve Horton 2007-08 Jeff Thomas 2008-09 Anne Stevens 2009-10 Desiree Dyess 2010-11 Linnye Daily 2011-12 Marilyn McMurtry 2012-13 Linnye Daily 2013-14 Robert Scott 2014-15 Richard Rose 2015-17 Marty Sanders 2017-19 Rick Hudson
2019-20 Pat Thomas
2020-21 Tony Smith
2021-22 Loren Ford 2022-24 Gayle Howell
Friends of the Symphony
Platinum Underwriters
$1,000 or more
Phil & Mary Lou Brown
Linnye & Shawn Daily
Sonny & Evelyn Evans, Jr.
First Federal Bank of Louisiana
Drs. Link & Elizabeth Hall
Gayle Howell
Marion & Donnie Johnston
Dr. Kenneth & Mrs. Syll-Young Olson
Martin Smith Sanders, III
Jeff & Samantha Thomas
Brenda W. Webb
Gold Underwriters—$500-$999
BOM
Tom & Vicki Caldwell
Nolton & Lanell Causey
City Bank & Trust Company
Dean Dematology & Wellness
Dixie Plaza
Dan & Desiree Dyess
Exchange Bank
Loren Ford
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Cole Gahagan, Jr.
President & First Lady James Genovese
Richard & Lynnel Gill
Chris & Lisa Guillet
Hancock Whitney Bank
Don & Pat Kelly
Vicki D. Murchison
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Kelli & Mark Roberts
Sabine State Bank & Trust Company
Southern Scripts
Burton & Sue Weaver
Bruce & Laura Wiggs
Benefactors—$250-$499
Clay Abington
Fay, Lisa, Julie, & David Breazeale
Dr. & Mrs. Steve M. Brown
Edwin Dunahoe
Kirt Hartman
Ed & Sharon Huey
Andy & Barbara Jackson
Drs. Steven & Kathleen Kautz
Angela & Jim Lake
John & Sarah Luster
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Massia
Marilyn & Alan McMurtry
Maurice & Rose Morelock
Larry Morgan
Lee & Evie Posey
Gina Puls
K. Jacob Ruppert
Nancy & Bill Rutledge
Janine Storrs
Diane & Austin Temple, Jr.
Mark & Melissa Ward
Mike & Becky Wolff
Young Estate-In Memory of Martha Glass
Young
Dr. & Mrs. William Zeichner
David Zolzer
Patrons—$100-$249
Lee W. Akin
Tamela C. Aldredge
Peggy Aycock
Dr. Dennette McDermott & Dr. Douglas Bakenhus
Mrs. Marion Bienvenu
Melanie Braquet
William Brent
Nettles & Glenelle Brown
Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Brown
Dr. Patricia Brown
Alice Bryant
Kathleen Byrd
Charles Churchman
David & Linda Clark
Cliff & Frances Conine
Ronald & Karen Corkern
Chad & Marne’ Deranger
Deborah Fehr
Dustin Felton
Andy & Christine Ferrell
Mrs. Gayle Fitzhugh
Rev. Dr. Frank Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Gahagan, Jr.
Ginger Gates
Mr & Mrs. Robert Gentry
Peggy Gilbert
Sharon & Dennis Gordon
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Grayson
Jane Hall
Wayne Halm
Friends of the Symphony
Greg Handel & Jeff Gary
Dale & Linda HIgginbotham
Pat Horton
Steve & Emilyn Horton
Rick & Kathy Hudson
Drs. George & Rebecca Ingrish
Pat & Kim Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Randall Steven LaCaze
Christina Lake
Barbara Leach
William Luster, MD
Dr. Chris & Jennifer Maggio
Jack & Shirley McCain
Steve & Melanie McCain
Wayne & Sandra McCullen
Rick & Cathy McCurdy
Heidy McWhorter
Brenda & Tommy Melder
Drs. Mark Melder & Sarah McFarland
Dr. & Mrs. Rand Metoyer
Murchison & Murchison LLC
Mike & Juanita Murphy
Fay & Waddy Norman
Robert & Kathy Owsley
Vicki & Dan Parrish
Dr. Terrie T. Poehl
Graham Ragland
Steve Rains
Melissa Robinson
Donna & Richard Rose
Carolyn Roy
Terrie & Steve Sanders
Sammy & Connie Scruggs
Juliana Sheffield
Shannon & Brent Shoalmire
Cecilia Smith
Tony & Kathleen Smith
Laura Solomon
Dr. & Mrs. Dwight St. Andre
David & Brenda Stamey
Toni & Mickey Stroud
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili & Dr. Andrej Kurti
Joe Thibodeaux
Patricia A. Todd
Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Wheat
Richard & Mary White
Art & Sharon Williams
Peggy Williams
Sponsors—$50-$99
Mr. & Mrs. Edward K. Ahrens
Dianne Alexander,
Alma Rabb Alost
Ruth Anderson
Glenda & Jeff Austin
Joy Bailey
Louie & Gayle Bernard
Sue Breedlove
Mr. & Mrs. Mickey Brewton, In memory of Kerlin & Margaret Sutton
Mary Brocato
Luke Brouillette
Ron & Leta Brown-In Memory of Alton Townsend Sr., Alton Townsend, Jr.,
Karen Townsend Gordy, Past NNSS
Concertmaster
Paul & Kerri Christopher
Dr. Virginia Crossno
Pam DeBlieux
Gary & Judy Dison
Bill & Rosie Finical
Margaret Fleming
Janet Flynn
Marsha Zulick Graham
Pete & Jeanette Gregory
Brandon Hatcher
Mr & Mrs. Mickey Hennigan
Kathleen Hicks
Frank & Gail Hines
Deborah A. Howell
Bill & Linda Jenkins
Elaine Johnson
Charles H. Jones
Sue Keller
Mark Kerry
Judy and Henry Kinberger
Loran Lindsey
Linda Lytle
Ann Manger
Herman & Arleen Mayeux
Barbara & David McCoy
Heather Meadows
Gay & L.J. Melder
Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Melder, Jr.
Robert Morrow
Friends of the Symphony
Gilen Norwood & Judith Meibaum
Beatrice Owsley
Janice & Jerry Paul
Rev. Kristen Paul
Dr. Kent W. Peacock
Dr. Doug & Angela Pesnell
Curtis & Denise Phifer
Anita Mixon Pierce
Scotti & Richard Rodgers
Toni Rushing
Joseph Scott
Soni Sers
Elise Shell
Tommy & Debbie Sibley
Jerry Lane Silmon
Mary K. Smith
Dian & Fraser Snowden
Merlin & Mary Squyres
Cheryl Stoker
Carolyn Stothart
Ralph & Barb Thiergart
Gail Sawyer Thomas
Linda Ward
David West
Crystal Williams
Wilma Wingo
Betty Zeagler, in memory
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society appreciates you supporting the Symphony and our Ad Patrons.
A Fusion of Musical Brilliance
2024-25
To our Maestro, Douglas Bakenhus
Twenty years of beautiful music at NSU and hopefully, many more!
Congratulations,
Marion
and Donnie Johnston
Proud supporters of Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
President & First Lady James & Martha Genovese
Northwestern State University
A Special Thanks to our Conductor, Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, who brings us extraordinary music year after year.
Martin Sanders III
Music
Through the Years
SENATOR ALAN SEABAUGH
Court Counsel/District Hearing Officer 10th Judicial District Court of Louisiana Natchitoches Parish
Many thanks to the Friends of the Symphony whose monetary gifts provide live orchestral music for the Natchitoches community and music education at Northwestern State University.
Friends of the Symphony Form
(Please print clearly)
Name ___________________________________________________________ (as you would like it to appear on the program with your donation)
**Platinum: 2 tickets for any musicale or gala during the season; and a 1/4 page ad in the program.
*Gold: 2 tickets for any musicale or gala during the season; and a 1/8 page ad in the program.
Consult your tax accountant to verify the tax deductible portion of your donation. Your check is your receipt. Your membership provides the resources that enable the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society to provide scholarships for string instrumentalists.
Please return this response to:
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society 107 South Drive, Box 113 Natchitoches, LA 71457
Thank you! Your name will appear in the next program. All donations go to Strings’ Scholarships.
Like us on Facebook /Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society
What began 59 years ago has evolved into a strong organization providing scholarships for string instrument players attending Northwestern State University. In 1966 the symphony society was formed as a college/community collaboration to promote music and the arts in the Natchitoches community. It has grown from just a few scholarships in the early years to over 29 students receiving symphony society scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year.
Creation of the non-profit organization was led by NSU music instructor/ conductor Joseph B. Carlucci and community leaders Mrs. Frank Roberson (Martha) and Jim Bob Key, a business owner and musician. Local attorney Arthur C. Watson drew up the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the 19 member board of directors.
Early concerts were performed in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium with the orchestra composed of students, faculty members, and professional musicians hired from other orchestras. There were fewer concerts with the first concert performed in December, a formal affair with a Symphony Ball afterward at the local country club (no longer in existence). Over the years the orchestra became all student musicians and the symphony society became focused on providing scholarships for these students. With the creation of Magale Recital Hall concerts became more welcoming to all with a less formal environment and better sound quality.
Today, under the direction of Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, the NSU world-class orchestra performs five concerts throughout the year plus participating in the NSU School of Creative and Performing Arts Christmas Gala show. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, written by attorney and board member Jeff Thomas, were adopted May 2, 2019. The Mission Statement’s primary goal is “providing scholarships for string players that attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches Louisiana.” The Board of Directors 19 voting members serve on a volunteer basis.
The orchestra is an amazing educational and cultural asset to both the college and the community. Community support is vital to helping the symphony society continue to provide scholarships for these talented musicians. The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society is grateful and thanks you, the Friends of the Symphony, for your continued support.
Pat Thomas (1939-2020) Past NNSS President
Northwestern State University is located in beautiful, historic Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest (1714) settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Northwestern State was founded in 1884 as Louisiana Normal School for the education of teachers. In 1921 the school’s name was changed to Louisiana State Normal College, then designated as Northwestern State College of Louisiana in 1944. Its current title, an indication of Northwestern State’s diversity of programs and services, became official in 1970.
Welcome to the MRS. H. D. DEAR, SR. AND ALICE E. DEAR
SCHOOL OF CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS
Northwestern’s School of Creative and Performing Arts, designated as an “Area of Excellence” by the University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and generously endowed by the H.D. Dear family of Alexandria, Louisiana, is comprised of four areas: Music; Art; Theatre/Dance; and New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts. All four disciplines confer undergraduate degrees, and Music and the Fine and Graphic Arts also offer graduate degrees.
To learn more about the School of Creative and Performing Arts, please contact: Mr. Scott Burrell, Director of CAPA ........................................(318) 357-4522 ..........nfburrellc@nsula.edu
Welcome to the
NSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
To learn more about the Department of Music, please contact: Dr. Terrie Sanders, Department Head ..................................(318) 357-5762 ............sanderst@nsula.edu
NSU music students rehearse, attend classes, take private instruction, and perform in one of the most outstanding Performing Arts facilities in the South, the A.A. Fredericks Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, named to honor one of Northwestern State’s most outstanding administrators.
The Magale Recital Hall, endowed by the Magale family of Waterproof, Louisiana, seats over 400, and is one of the finest concert halls in the U.S. It is equipped with a 40-rank Reuter organ, two nine-foot grand pianos, and an Eric Hertz harpsichord. The 1400-seat Fine Arts Auditorium is used for larger concerts, musicals and opera, dance, and numerous theatre productions.
Many performing opportunities for students include several choirs, opera theatre, orchestra, marching band, wind ensemble, jazz orchestra, percussion ensemble, and a variety of chamber music groups. Degree offerings include the Bachelor of Music in Performance, the Bachelor of Music/Sacred Music Concentration, the Bachelor of Music Education, and the Master of Music.
PLAY WITH US! MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS @ NORTHWESTERN STATE
Students are eligible to receive scholarships for participation in music ensembles, regardless of their academic major. Scholarship awards vary, and are determined by factors including a talent audition, high school achievements, academic scores and financial need. For further information, please contact CAPA Director, Scott Burrell.
NSU’s Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable experience for all students, faculty and staff. CAPA will not tolerate racism or discrimination and is committed to creating a fair, empathetic, and just environment.
Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Student Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570). For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Accessibility and Disability Support Director, Crissey Smith, at 318-357-5460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at https://www.nsula.edu/universityaffairs/police/. Full disclosure statement: https://www.nsula.edu/iehr/.
