Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

Page 27 text:

Despite hard work and hours of practice, band members play for ft The Fun of It Elizabeth Haworth and Lisa Guenther show their enthusiasm as they finish a perform- ance. Mike Packard, graduate assistant for the band, watch as the Demons drive toward the endzone at the Southwest Texas game in San Marcos, Texas; The Spirit of North- western leads the crowd in the Demon Fight Song. Cane River Belle Leslie Hirstias shows her style during one of the homecoming games. Jack Bedell leads the percussion line in a halftime performance.

Page 26 text:

Spirits are high this year for the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band. Everyone sees the band perform at football games, but how many really know what it is like to be a band member at Northwestern? The Northwestern Marching Band offers a great deal to its members in the way of scholarships, experience and just plain fun. However, with all the time and work involved in being a band member, one may wonder what it is that makes it worthwhile. Suprisingly enough, the main reason members enjoy the band so much and participate in it year after year is not just the money they get for it, but the friendship and joy of performing. Hank Ewing, a junior at Northwestern and band member since his freshman year of high school said, I enjoy going out on the field and performing in front of people and being a part of something that ' s good. Many of the members of the Spirit of Northwestern are music majors and have plans to become band directors, music teachers, or performers. For these people, playing in the band is part of their college education, and they tend to take it seriously. For non-music majors, fun and friendship play top roles in playing in the band. Freshman Scott McNeill said, Everyone clings together. Band is like a big family. When all the practice pays off and the band gives one great performance after another, there are rewards to be gained. The Spirit of Northwestern gets to travel with the football team and enjoy seeing new places. One junior who is a member of the NSU band said, I got to see the band mature. Each year it gets bigger and better! I ' ll miss it when I graduate next year. Members also said that they received a great amount of support from the football team this year, and . . . would love to have more crowd support. Bill Brent definitely has the respect and admiration of the members of his band. One member said, Bill Brent is a top band director and a consistent and patient recruiter. Northwestern supports the band and all its members for what they do for us. The marching band is truly th ' e Spirit of Northwestern! 22 Spirit of Northwestern

Page 28 text:

Spirit of Northwestern outgrows its uniforms in its quest to Become the Best Jennifer Lee and Stepha- nie Coriell get their act to- gether during practice. Members of the brass and percussion sections take practice seriously before a game. Cane River Belle Nichole LeBlanc takes a break dur- ing practice. Stephen Kane and Ken Stephens participate in halfiime activities during the Stephen F. Austin game. Mr. Brent keeps a watchful eye on his band at practice. He has been the band ' s fear- less leader since 1 983. Several members of the band practice flutes outside the coliseum. 3 i •qgfl L 24 Spirit of Northwestern