Spirit of Northwestern - Northwestern State University Band

“Spirit of Northwestern”
Best Soundin’ Band in the Land!
FA L L 2 0 1 2
From the Director
Bill Brent
Director, School of Creative and Performing Arts
Dear Demon Band Members:
As I write to you, it is less than ten weeks until the return of the “Best Soundin’ Band
in the Land” to Natchitoches. The anticipation for the upcoming marching season is
growing each day and I can assure you that Dr. Mathews, Mr. Green, Dr. Handel, Ms.
Gravois-Murr and I are all excited about the return of the “Spirit of Northwestern” to
campus.
School of Creative &
Performing Arts
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone: 318-357-4522
Fax: 318-357-5906
Email: [email protected]
Inside this Issue
From the Tower 2
From the Pit 3
From the Ladder 4
From the Guard
5
Mellophone,
Baritone and Tuba
players6
Frequently Asked
Questions 7
Band Week
Checklist8
TBΣ Price List 8
Performance
Schedule 9
It is a pleasure to welcome Mr. Steve McKeithen to the Demon Band family and I know
each of you are looking forward to meeting him and making him feel “at home.” Mr.
McKeithen is joining the band staff from the University of South Carolina where he was
responsible for the USC Marching Band, Basketball Band and taught several courses in
music education. He is currently completing his DMA in conducting at Arizona State
University and will be “Dr. McKeithen” at the end of the summer. Prior to his working
at USC, Mr. McKeithen enjoyed a successful high school teaching career in the Seguin
Independent School District in Seguin, TX. Welcome Mr. McKeithen!
Dr. Mathews has worked closely with all members of the band staff as well as with many
of the Demon Band members to help select an exciting program of music for the marching season. Please refer to his letter in SON NEWSLETTER to find a list of the titles of
music the band will perform this fall. Several of our student staff members have worked
hard to begin preparing music folders and to prepare the instrument inventory. It’s going to be a GREAT marching season, Demon Band!!
With all of the above said, I must remind you of the real reason you are coming to
Northwestern…..to earn a college degree. This is the most important reminder I can
give you. If you do not “make your grades” and “make academic progress,” you will lose
your scholarships and be placed on either academic probation or academic suspension.
Effective this fall, fully 25% of Northwestern’s funding will be determined by a group of
factors and one of those is the academic progress demonstrated by students each year. If
you do not make academic progress, not only are you hurting yourself, but you will now
also be hurting Northwestern.
I’m sure many of you have heard about Ms. Ladell and that she suffered a heart attack
Memorial Day evening. She is recovering nicely but it would be so helpful and speed
along her recovery if you would please turn in your band uniform as requested! Seriously, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she is a vital member of our band
family.
In closing, let me wish you the best for the remainder of the summer. Please do check
the Demon Band website nsula.edu/demonband frequently for possible updates to our
schedule for August rehearsals and the opening of the semester. In the mean time, prepare yourself for the most exciting year ever of the “Spirit of Northwestern.”
Fork ‘em!
BB
From the Tower
Dear Demon Band Members,
Dr. Jeff Mathews
Associate Director of Bands
I hope this letter finds you doing well and enjoying your summer. Summer
band camp is nearly upon us!! This year’s edition of the SON is shaping up to be
both large and talented. We have several performances on tap for this fall. We
are working with an arranger to develop a “Funk Show” to open the season. We
are also looking at a “Classic James Bond Show” made up of the music from the
early Bond movies like Goldfinger and Live and Let Die. “The Music of Duke
Ellington” will close the season for us. The SON did this show in 2002 and you
can check it out on YouTube if you are interested. The has really great music
with a LOT of power. I will be out of the office for most of July so you may want
to contact Dr. Handel if you have any question before the fall. If you are in town
this summer I am sure Mr. McKeithen will enjoy meeting you. Please take the
opportunity to drop by his office and say hello. I look forward to working with
all of you again soon.
Dr. Mathews
Demon Band!
It is truly an honor to have been selected as the newest member of the faculty
at Northwestern State. I am most appreciative of the support Mr. Brent, Dr.
Mathews, Dr. Handel and Mr. Green have demonstrated and cannot wait to
learn about the rich history of the Demon Band.
Steve McKeithen
Assistant Director of Bands
A little bit about myself; I grew up in Florida, attending the University
of Florida where I earned a BM in Music Education with a Performer’s
Certificate on Clarinet. Later, I attended the University of Illinois where I
earned my MM in Music Education with an emphasis in conducting, and was
heavily involved with all of the bands, including the Marching Illini. Upon
completion, I accepted an assistant position in Texas at Seguin High School
(5A) and later became the Director of Bands. After a 10-year career at Seguin,
I attended Arizona State University, completing coursework for the DMA
in wind conducting and was heavily involved with all aspects of the band
program, including the revitalization of the Sun Devil Band. Other teaching
experiences include: the Madison Scouts, Glassmen, Spirit of Atlanta and
serving as the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina.
Please make a point to say “hello” during camp and I look forward to working
closely with you all!
Fork ’em!
Steve McKeithen
PAGE 2
From the Pit
Dear Spirit of Northwestern Demon Band Members,
I hope you are having a great summer, and catching up on some much needed rest. I
also hope you are as excited as we are about the 2012 marching season. It is going to be
a great year for the “SON!” The spring Drum-Line camps were very successful, and after
coming off of an amazing 2011 season the large group of returning “Old Men” are being
joined by a truly exceptional class of incoming freshman. The 2012 NSU Drum-Line
will be headed by Mikey Nation, and he has already made great strides toward bringing the program to the next level. With such a great group of students I can’t wait to get
started.
We are also very excited about the completion of the new percussion practice rooms.
The facility looks great, and the new enlarged doorways will allow us to move equipment
easily from the practice rooms to the band room and recital hall.
We’re also busy making final preparations for the new music, getting equipment ready,
and making sure that this fall will be amazing. So, don’t forget that you can do your
part to help us hit the ground running. The first rehearsals in August are always hot, so
start getting into shape early. Find some time each day to break out the sticks and run
through the materials you have, preferably on a drum, but definitely “on the nome.” Be
sure that you are working your playing with the feet so your marching is strong from the
start.
We will make final placements in the first two days of camp, so be ready!
So get ready for another amazing season with the “Spirit of Northwestern.”
I can’t wait to see everyone back in the fall. Have a safe, restful, and productive summer,
and if you’re in Natchitoches, please stop by the office for a visit.
Fork ‘em Demons!
Ken Green
PAGE 3
Ken Green
Associate Director of Bands
Professor of Percussion
The Demon Band website
(demonband.nsula.edu)
will have frequent updates
of important information
concerning the beginning of
the fall semester.
Demon Band members are
urged to bookmark the page
so that they can easily visit
on a regular basis. What will
you find at the web page?
LeAndre Benton
Jody Maynard
* NSU Demon Band Handbook
From the Ladder
* Rehearsal and performance schedules for the
entire academic year
Greetings Spirit of Northwestern family!
* Recording of the Demon
Band
* Marching Contest information
* Daily announcements and
much more
Michael Breaux
For those of you who don’t know us, our names are Jody, LeAndre, and Mike. We would
like to express how honored and excited we are to be your Drum Majors this year! We
have a few thoughts for y’all to start the season.
First is our band camp. We’ve thought of a theme for this year’s camp — “Strive for Perfection.” We have very high expectations for this season. Starting with Old Men (OM),
you play a huge role in band camp by helping the New Men (NM) get acclimated to how
a great college marching band works, also we will also have a new assistant band director
on board with us this fall—Dr. Steven McKeithen. When he arrives, let’s make him feel
welcomed to the Northwestern family!
Next are our shows for this marching season. The shows are as follows, starting off the
season we will have a Funk Show that features songs from the 70’s and 80’s era such as
Earth, Wind and Fire. Our mid-season show will be the music of Duke Ellington, with
tunes such as “It Don’t Mean a Thing If You Ain’t Got That Swing.” If y’all wish to see
this show you can look up “Spirit of Northwestern Duke Ellington” on YouTube. We
hope everyone is ready to work hard to put some great shows and music on the field this
semester!
Finally is our performance schedule. We have a total of seven, possibly eight performances this upcoming fall. We have five home games that we will have fun and show our
demon pride by pumping up the team with a fantastic halftime performance and stands
tunes. For the first home game of the season, we will have the Demon color guard,
drum line, and band day where all the little kiddos come and play halftime with the
“SON.” If you noticed we are not doing the all honors choir with the rest of the all honor
groups. We will be having the all honor choir perform half time with the “SON” at the
third home game. The next two performances are our contest exhibition performances.
Our first will come at the Parkway High School Marching Contest, the next is the NSU
Marching Contest. The possible performance will be traveling for an away game to
McNesse State University to support our Demons. As you can see we have a busy year
ahead of us. With the right attitude and leadership in the band we will have a fun and
enjoyable year.
We hope you guys enjoy the rest of your summer and we can’t wait to see everyone at
band camp on August 11 (OM) and 12 (NM). You can find specifics at demonband.
nsula.edu/.
PAGE 4
Your “SON” Drum Majors
Jody Maynard, Mike Breaux, LeAndre Benton
From the Guard
Greetings to all of the members of the
Spirit of Northwestern Demon Heat colorguard!
I am so excited about the incoming talent level after our two weekends
of auditions, and our veteran members are simply fantastic. Please be
sure to pay attention to all of the information you receive regarding the
Spirit of Northwestern, not just information specific to the colorguard.
If you have not yet joined our Demon Heat Facebook page, please
do so as soon as possible, as your captains and I post valuable
information on that page regularly.
I am so pleased to announce that we have selected Sarah Giroir
and Amy Dupuy as the captains for the 2012-2013 season, along
with section leaders Ashleigh Todd and Regine
Lyons. This team of leaders will surely
strengthen our guard and ensure
that things run smoothly.
Please stay on top of your
physical fitness goals
throughout the summer, and
begin hydrating now. I am truly
looking forward to another
banner year, and
Go Demons!
Estelle
PAGE 5
Mellophone, Baritone and Tuba players:
In an effort to keep these instruments looking and sounding their best for
the next several decades, you will be required to wear white cotton gloves
at ALL rehearsals and performances. There are three options available to
you:
1. Purchase the standard white cotton gloves that we have used for
performances. Tau Beta Sigma will be selling these for a nominal
fee – but it will take several pair of these to last the entire season.
2. Purchase a slightly more expensive glove – also available from Tau
Beta Sigma. These are a little thicker and have non-slip “beads”
on the palms and fingers. This is probably the best route to take.
3. Purchase your own glove from somewhere else, like a batter’s
glove (leather, but that’s OK)
for usually around $20 at a
local sporting goods store.
To help protect against
scratches and dents, we will
have the cases lined up on
the sidelines at all rehearsals.
Whenever the horn is not in
your hands, it’s in the case!
PAGE 6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When must I report for Band Rehearsals?
Section Leaders and Demon Dazzlers
Drum Line and Color Guard
New Men (Freshmen/Transfer students)
Old Men
August 9
August 10
August 11
August 12
1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. (A – M) and 2:00 p.m. (N – Z)
1:00 p.m. (A – M) and 2:00 p.m. (N – Z)
The above information is also posted on the SON website home page.
What are the times of the
summer band rehearsals?
A complete schedule of rehearsals
is posted on the SON website home
page. However, from the time you
report, you will be busy from approximately 7:00 a.m. each day until
8:00 p.m. Excuses from rehearsals
are granted on an individual basis
and must be related to a problem
with academic scheduling or a health
issue. Regardless, all requests for
excuses must be done by email to Dr.
Mathews at [email protected].
When will I be allowed to move
into my housing unit?
When you report for summer band
rehearsals at the time listed above,
a representative from the University Place and The Columns will
be present to check you into your
housing unit. You will have time that
afternoon prior to the beginning of
rehearsal to go to your apartment and
move your items into the space.
How much does it cost to be in
band?
There is a $35 “Activity Fee” that
is due on the first day of summer
rehearsals. This fee covers your
polo-style band shirt, t-shirt and soft
drinks at football games.
When does the SON rehearse
during the fall semester?
The SON rehearses on MWF from
3:30 p.m. until 5:20 p.m. We will always have a rehearsal on the morning
of a home football game as well.
What are the policies of tardies
and absences from rehearsals
or performances?
Please read carefully the section on
“Attendance Requirements” in the
Handbook of Policies and Procedures
posted on the SON website. It clearly
defines attendance expectations.
Basically, don’t ever miss and always
be on time and you’ll be fine when
the grades are issued at the end of the
semester.
PAGE 7
What is the attire for Summer
Rehearsals?
It will be extremely hot outside and,
sometimes, cold in the band room.
For outside rehearsals you should
wear shorts, t-shirts a hat, sunglasses,
sunscreen and tennis shoes with
socks. Flip flops, sandals and boots,
etc., are not acceptable at marching
rehearsals. You MUST wear tennis
shoes or you will be told to leave the
field and change shoes. The temperature in the band room and Student
Union can sometimes be “cool,” so if
you are “cold-natured,” it is recommended that you bring a pull-over or
light sweater.
Are meals provided during
Summer Rehearsals?
Meals are not provided during the
week. However KKY will be planning to feed the band on a couple of
occasions. The Iberville Cafeteria
will be open and you can purchase
meals there for a nominal cost. There
are also a few eating establishments
across the street from campus.
BAND WEEK CHECKLIST
TBS Store
Price List
_____ $35 Activity Fee. This is due the first day you arrive.
Please make checks payable to the NSU Foundation.
Cash is fine, too!
_____ Medical Release Form. You submit your completed MRF
on the day you arrive. You may download the form on
the SON website. Please be sure to include a copy of your
insurance card (or your parents’ card if you are covered
by their insurance) on the back of the form. THIS IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
_____ Comfortable and cool clothing for rehearsals
_____ Tennis shoes and socks
_____Hat/sunglasses
_____Sunscreen
_____ Deodorant (please
)
_____ Instrument in good playing condition. University
owned instruments will be issued at band registration.
Please remember that, if you use a university instrument,
you are responsible for any and all repair.
_____ Instrument supplies such as reeds, valve oil, cork grease, etc.
_____ For Mellophone, Baritone and Tuba players: white
cotton hand gloves for all rehearsals. TBS will have
these for sale if you do not bring your own.
_____ Flip folder and lyre
_____ Personal water jug for rehearsals (with name inscribed)
_____ Pencil for music rehearsals
_____ White band marching shoes with white soles.
_____ White socks and gloves for uniform. TBS will have
these for sale.
_____ Money for meals during summer rehearsals.
PAGE 8
Band Socks
Gloves
Rehearsal Gloves
Flip Folders
Folder Sheets
Reeds- Clar. & Sax
Valve oil
Slide Grease
Lyres:
Piccolo Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
$8.00
$3.00
$5.00
$5.00
$0.50
$2.00
$4.50
$3.00
$9.00
$7.00
$7.00
$8.00
$8.00
$5.00
$4.00
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2012
“SPIRIT OF NORTHWESTERN”
MARCHING BAND
September 8
NSU vs Arkansas--Monticello
Turpin Stadium
6:00 P.M.
September 22
NSU vs Mississippi Valley State
Turpin Stadium
6:00 P.M.
September 29
NSU vs McNeese State
Lake Charles, La
(TBA)
October 6
NSU vs Lamar University
Turpin Stadium
6:00 P.M.
October 20
Parkway High School Marching Contest
(TBA)
October 27
NSU vs Nicholls State
Turpin Stadium
6:00 P.M.
November 3
NSU Marching Contest
Turpin Stadium
(All Day)
November 10
NSU vs Sam Houston State
Turpin Stadium
6:00 P.M.
November 17
NSU vs Stephen F. Austin
Nacogdoches
(Tentative - TBA)
December 1
Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade
(TBA)
Fall Wind Ensemble Concert
October 31
Magale Recital Hall
PAGE 9
7:30 P.M.