Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

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

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 29 text:

( NIVERSITY A college with a good band is a college with a good personality, or so it is believed. And if such is the case, then Northwestern certainly ranks at the top. Under the direction of Bill Brent, the Northwestern Marching Band has shown the world what a small university band can produce. Growing from 48 members to over 200 in the past four years, the marching band has more bodies than uniforms. They are expected to receive uniforms before next marching season by soliciting private donations. Asked about the effects of the increased number in the band, Brent said, Along with the increased number, we also have more talent to choose from. He also said that with the new members, the band is exciting for everyone involved. Those who attend events like football and bask etball games at Northwestern know the band provides entertainment and extra cheers. They scream, have fun, tease opponents and coaches, and play their hearts out all evening. They even stayed after the Stephen F. Austin football game and succeeded in outplaying the band from Nacogdoches, Texas. The Spirit of Northwestern has had an excellent reputation throughout the South for several years. Now that Dr. Alost has been recruiting higher quality students with higher ACT scores, the band has gotten good kids who are also better musicians. Brent said. The reputation of the NSU Marching Band continues to grow as the enrollment figures steadily increase. Brent said, More and more high school band directors have been referring their students to me, and I get calls every day from students who would like to join band when they get here. Goals for next year include increasing the size of the band while maintaining a high level of quality. As the Northwestern Marching Band continues on its way up the ladder of success, fans and supporters will continue to cheer for them. Spirit of Northwestern 25