Our 59th Year
March 18, 2025
2024-2025
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Season
A Fusion of Musical Brilliance
Tuesday, March 18, 7:30pm, Magale Recital Hall: “Concerto Winners”
This concert will feature NSU’s most talented student musicians playing selections by Paganini, Sarasate, Lalo, and Mozart. In addition, we have Mendelssohn’s Overture for Winds (Op. 24), Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmila Overture, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of Nobles. * * * * * *
Tuesday, April 29, 7:30pm Magale Recital Hall: “Bach Magnificat”
For our final concert, we will open with Beethoven’s dramatic overture to his opera “Fidelio” followed by Mozart’s bassoon concerto played by our music director Douglas Bakenhus. Then, we will be joined by the NSU Cane River Singers performing J.S. Bach’s awe-inspiring Magnificat. Like us on Facebook /Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society Visit our website: www.NNSSLA.org
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
Concerto Winners Concert
Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
Syll-Young Olson, Assistant Director
Andrej Kurti, Guest Conductor
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, Instructor
Featuring NSU Student Winners: Erick Cabrera, piano
Carlos Díaz del Valle, violin
Josias Ramos Alvarado, violin
Ronald Zaldaña Sanchez, viola
Program
Nocturno für Harmonie-Musik, Op. 24
La Sonata per la Grand Viola, Op. 35
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Niccolò Paganini
Introduzione: Larghetto-Recitativo a piacere (1782-1840)
Cantabile: Andante sostenuto
Tema con Variazioni
Ronald Zaldaña Sanchez, viola
Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20 Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Carlos Díaz del Valle, violin
Symphonie Espagnole in D minor, Op. 21
Édouard Lalo Allegro non troppo (1823-1892)
Josias Ramos Alvarado, violin (Intermission)
Ruslan and Ludmila Overture
Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466
Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857)
W.A. Mozart Allegro (1756-1791)
Erick Cabrera, piano
Procession of Nobles from “Mlada” Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
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.
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.
Guest Conductor
Andrej Kurti, Internationally acclaimed violinist, was born in Belgrade, Serbia, where he began his violin studies in the studio of professor Djula Tešenji. He continued his education at the Moscow “Tchaikovsky” Conservatory under professors Levon Ambartsumian and Zorya Schikmurzaeva. Kurti finished his graduate studies at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, where he received a doctorate degree in violin performance. He received five first prizes in competitions in Yugoslavia, four first prizes in competitions in Georgia and Florida, and was a finalist of the MTNA (Music Teacher National Association) Competition in 1998.
In 2000, Kurti became a recording artist for classical label Blue Griffin, for which he later recorded Eugene Ysaye‘s Six Sonatas for Violin Solo, Op. 27. American Record Guide wrote: “Kurti is an excellent violinist and musician, very musical and stylish, and these are some of the better performances of these sonatas that I have heard... you couldn’t go wrong if you had this disc as your only recording of these works,” and Classics Today praised his “near-perfect intonation, assured technique (check out the Third Sonata’s climactic double stops), and intelligent shaping of polyphony.”
In 2015 Kurti took Ysaye’s Opus 27 on the “Road to Carnegie” nation-wide concert tour, culminating with his Carnegie Hall debut.
Kurti’s recording of Paganini’s 24 Caprices was released by Blue Griffin in the fall of 2021 to critical acclaim. Fanfare Magazine wrote: “The famously difficult Paganini Caprices seem to hold few terrors for Kurti. His intonation is impeccable, his double stops are secure, and he has a strong internal rhythmic pulse. Kurti masters all of the challenges brilliantly, and it is the brilliance that impresses throughout.”
In addition to Ysaye and Paganini albums, Kurti’s 2024 release of Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin completes the trilogy of the most demanding, important and seminal works in the solo violin repertoire, placing him in a select circle of elite violinists who can boast the achievement of recording all three cycles.
In a non-classical music world Kurti appears as performer and arranger on more than fifty albums of popular and modern music released on many different labels in the United States. In November 2019 Kurti participated in a live concert in Nashville, TN where he shared the stage with such Rock & Roll legends as James Burton (Elvis Presley), Dr. Brian May (Queen), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Joe Walsh (Eagles), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), and many others.
Since 2004 Dr. Kurti has been professor of violin at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Parallel to his passionate dedication to teaching and education he remains an active concert violinist, appearing as a soloist with many symphony orchestras as well as in solo and chamber recitals in the United States, Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Italy, Greece, Russia, France, Colombia, Spain, Latvia, Canada and South Korea.
Concerto Winners
Erick Cabrera began his musical training at seven years old under Professor Clever Guaman, but didn’t start his classical formation until the age of seventeen with Henry Álvarez and Darío Bueno. In 2022 Cabrera earned second place in the prestigious “Concurso Internacional de Música: Segundo Luis Moreno”. Erick has also developed teaching skills, having taught at Arco Music in Ecuador and the NSU Music Academy in the United States. In 2024, he was invited to perform at the “Sergio Suazo Lang” Music Festival in Honduras.
Currently, Cabrera is pursuing his higher studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he studies under Dr. Francis Yang. He is an active performer within the university’s music program, contributing to the NSU Jazz Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, and University Choir.
Carlos Diaz del Valle, born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, began his musical journey at the Victoriano López Music School in 2016. During his time there, he was actively involved in the school’s orchestra, chamber music program, choir, and various music festivals. After graduating, he received a scholarship to pursue his undergraduate degree at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he is majoring in Music Business under the guidance of Dr. Andrej Kurti. Throughout his studies, he has performed with several orchestras in the region, including the Rapides Symphony, Monroe Symphony, and Marshall Symphony. He has also participated in music festivals across the country. In 2023, Carlos and his friends founded the Armonía String Quartet, in which he plays violin. The quartet has performed recitals throughout the state and remains active. In 2024, he won the prestigious McCutcheon Honors Recital, and Concerto Competition.
Concerto Winners
Josias Ramos is a talented violinist from San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
He began his musical journey at the age of 14 at the Escuela de Música Victoriano López, where he developed a deep passion for the violin.
During his studies at the Escuela de Música Victoriano López, Josias achieved first place in the “Las Medallas” competition. He also had the honor of performing as a soloist the Mozart’s 4th Violin Concerto with the former Sinfónica de San Pedro Sula.
Currently, Josias is completing his undergraduate studies in music under the mentorship of Dr. Andrej Kurti, an esteemed violin professor at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Josias has served as concertmaster, assistant concertmaster, and principal second violin with the Northwestern State University orchestra, he also sings with the Northwestern State University Chamber Choir, showcasing diverse musical talents.
In addition to his academic pursuits, he performs with various regional orchestras, including the Shreveport Symphony, Rapides Symphony, Texarkana Symphony, and Longview Symphony, among others.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Josias also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Natchitoches Fire District 6, demonstrating his commitment to both the arts and his community.
Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez, originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, he started his musical career at the age of 12 at the National School of Music in Honduras.
He has played in many orchestras, including the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tegucigalpa, Orquesta Filarmónica de Honduras, Orquesta Sinfónica de la Victoria, Shreveport Symphony, Texarkana Symphony, Rapides Symphony, Marshall Symphony, Longview Symphony, Monroe Symphony, among others.
He has performed with renowned soloists such as Plácido Domingo, Ava Pakiam, The Temptations, and Michael Feinstein.
He has participated in music festivals such as YOA Honduras, EFCA, and Renova Music Festival.
He is currently a junior at NSU, studying music performance under Ms. Sofia Tchetchelashvili.
Violin 1
Emilio Castro, concertmaster +
Carlos Diaz del Valle, assistant concertmaster
Oscar Andres Carballo Torres
Meredith Corrales +
Abigail Morales Ramos
Juliana Miller
Perla Hipp
June Yao #
Violin 2
Josias Daniel Ramos, principal
Jose Mario Villeda
JaNia Wallace
Abigail Williams
Jessyca Ludwig
Na’Riaya Sowell
Jessica Aylin Mata Hernandez #
Natalie Hyde #
Ms. Sofiko Tchetchelashvili ^
Viola
Ronald Zaldana Sanchez, principal
Norman Martinez
Emma Felton
Salome Uribe
Gabrielle Meziere
Cello
Jesus Calderon, principal
Santiago Rovira
Brad Christian Powell
Aill Harris
Maira Avellaneda +
Ian Anselmo Mata Hernandez #
Roster
Bass
William Shupak, principal
Jonathan Chaparro
Rafael Melgar Caceres
Zavion Sowell *
Ms. Karla Gonzalez ^
Flute/Piccolo
Parrel K. Appolis, principal +
Tucker Uebersax +
Cecilia Linares +
Oboe
Yesenia Zapata, principal
Joel Ramos
Clarinet
Santiago Sanchez, principal
Rikki Landry
Bassoon/Contra bassoon
Kristoff Hairr, principal
Turner Sugg
Alexis Ortega
Victoria Gomez Borjas
Trumpet/Cornet
W. Alejandro Otero, principal
Fredy de Zubiria Hernandez
Evelyn Gardner
Leonardo Donato
Horns
Jelsson Flores, coprincipal
Angie Mejia, coprincipal +
Phillip Coleman
Noah Castaneda
Trombone
Evan Bryant, principal
Jorge Bravo Chavez
Bass Trombone
Francisco Riego
Tuba
Taylor Carrell +
Percussion
Walker Libbe, principal +
Mars Heard
Caden Hooter
Payton Johnson
Caedmon Larson
+ Graduate student
# Natchitoches Central High School student
* LSMSA student ^Faculty
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)
Mailing Address ___________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ____________________________________________________ Phone
**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.
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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/.