Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
“A Celebration of
250 YEARS of the USA”
A patriotic tribute celebrating the ideals, courage, and history that shaped our nation. Tuesday, September 22, 2026 7:30 p.m. Magale Recital Hall Northwestern State University
2026-2027 Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Season
AMERICAN MOSAIC Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall A Celebration of 250 Years of the United States of America
Join us for this patriotic program of great American music featuring works from our very own “Friend of the Symphony” Richard Rose with his “Celebration Overture” and NSU alumnus Nettie Chenevert’s “Dear Enemy Overture” an American Revolution story. In addition, there will be a salute to our Armed Forces, and the Cane River Singers will join us for “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall American Reflections
This program will feature NSU professor of percussion, Dr. Oliver Molina performing American Composer Kevin Puts’“Concerto for Marimba.” Also, on the program Copland’s “John Henry,” Gershwin’s “An American in Paris Suite,” and Charles Ives’“The Camp Meeting” that contains several familiar early American hymns. We will end the program with Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture.” A story of sacrifice, liberty and triumph over tyranny.
December 2,3,4 • NSU Christmas Gala - A.A. Fredericks Auditorium
The NSU School of Creative and Performing Arts’ 38th annual Christmas GALA is a must-see! Take a pick for which show you would like to attend but reserve your seat early. These performances are in high demand and often sell out.
Thursday, February 4, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall Requiem, Optimism, and A Gift to Be Simple
NSU Alumnus, Maestro Mario Torres returns to campus to conduct Haydn’s spirited and optimistic Symphony No. 88. The program also features NSU Professor of Cello Paul Christopher, along with two of his former students and Natchitoches residents, Milovan Paz, and Jorge Rodriguez, in a performance of David Popper’s “Requiem for Three Cellos.” Opening the concert is the original chamber orchestra version of Aaron Copland’s beloved “Appalachian Spring,” featuring the timeless American folk song “Simple Gifts.”
Saturday, February 6, 2027, 5:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall - String Day
High school and middle school students from the region will join the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony for a day of lessons and rehearsals, culminating with a concert at 5:30pm.
Tuesday, March 23, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall - Concerto Winners
This concert will feature NSU’s most talented student musicians. In addition, we will have music by American composers Florence Price and Brian Balmages.
Tuesday, April 27, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall Angels of Light, with Courage, and Hope
Our final concert of the season culminates with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire: Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” Composed in New York, in 1893, while he served as director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. Deeply inspired by the spirituals sung by his African American student, Harry T. Burleigh, Dvořák blends European symphonic tradition with the sounds and spirit of America. The program also features Frank Ticheli’s “Angels in the Architecture.” Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Ticheli is one of America’s most celebrated contemporary composers. This powerful and moving work explores the struggle between darkness and light, ultimately affirming the enduring human ideals of peace, hope, and love. Opening the concert will be Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Presents:
“A Celebration of 250 Years of The United States of America” Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director Andrej Kurti, Assistant Director Karla Gonzalez Bueno, Instructor Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, Instructor TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 7:30PM MAGALE RECITAL
Program The Star-Spangled Banner
John Stafford Smith/Francis Scott Key
National Emblem March
E.E. Bagley
Celebration Overture
Richard Rose
Sing-Along, America! Jim Stephenson Yankee Doodle - Over There - My Country, ‘tis of Thee - You’re a Grand Old Flag Dear Enemy
Nettie Chenevert
Washington Post
John Philip Sousa
Ashokan Farewell
Jay Unger/ arr. Cerulli
The Thunderer
John Philip Sousa
(Ten-Minute Intermission) Highlights from Sophisticated Ladies An American Celebration I. Fanfare and Songfest II. We’re Proud To Serve III. Anthem and Final Hymn
Duke Ellington/arr. Lowden Randol Bass
God Bless America Irving Berlin/ arr. Healey Adam Philley, Narrator NSU Choirs Directed by Shane Thomas and Adam Philley Stars and Stripes Forever
John Philip Sousa
Music Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus has been music director and conductor of the Natchitoches-Northwestern 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.
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Program Notes Richard Rose’s Celebration Overture Celebration Overture was composed in 2013 to mark the 45th anniversary of my joining the Music Faculty of the School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University. Thus began a rewarding teaching career that ended in 2005. I studied composition for two years at the University of Louisville. My teacher basically said that I should not pursue a career writing music. So, I didn’t write again until 1980, while I studied at The University of North Texas. After a brief introduction, the music introduces the main happy melody of the piece. I had previously used an unhappy version of this melody. As a celebration the melody became happy. I describe a career where I was allowed to expand my abilities and enjoy the faculty and students with whom I had the privilege to work. The final section of the piece is taken from a song that the audience should recognize. Thank you, Northwestern, for a wonderful journey. NSU alumna Nettie Chenevert’s Dear Enemy Overture In the fall of 1780, towards the end of the American Revolution, when General Benedict Arnold infamously defected to the British cause, his English “contact” in the negotiations was Major John André, an exceptionally able and talented young officer (also reportedly extremely handsome). Fortunately for America, the plot (which also included the planned turnover of the vital fortress of West Point) failed at the last minute. Arnold made his escape to the British side, but André was captured, tried by a military court, and condemned to death as a spy. He was, of course, guilty of nothing but serving his own country’s cause (much like our own Nathan Hale), but he was taken out of uniform behind American lines, so the sentence was inevitable. His honorable conduct during his captivity and his unfailing courage in meeting his untimely fate won him the admiration and respect of his American “enemies” as well as of his own compatriots. Adding poignancy to the situation is the fact that he had become great friends with several of the young American officers – Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Tallmadge (head of Washington’s Secret Service, and our French ally the Marquis de Lafayette), who then had to witness his execution, not by the “honorable” firing squad he had earnestly requested, but by hanging as a spy. The overture to the musical play “Dear Enemy,” which tells André’s story, contains militaristic elements as well as romantic and celebratory music from flashbacks of his earlier life. Though the story is a sad one, it has a lot to say about the values of honor, patriotism, and the power of friendship which transcends opposing political loyalties. It opens with a trumpet call which is a sort of leitmotif for André. This leads into a march-like tune entitled “Friends Inside,” sung by André and the young American officers to express their solidarity in spite of their opposing political loyalties. The tender melody which follows (“Anna”) is
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Program Notes sung, in a “flashback” scene, by a youthful André to the somewhat older woman who was (though platonically) his dearest friend and mentor (he addresses her affectionately as his “guardian angel”). The lilting melody heard next (“City of Brotherly Love”) is a toast to the “fair ladies” of Philadelphia, whose society André so much enjoyed during the British occupation of that city. It leads into the song “Honor” (accompanied by those characteristic trumpet calls), André’s credo of the high ideals which have guided him throughout his life and continue to sustain him in this difficult situation. As it builds to a climax, there is a brief reiteration of the “Friends Inside” melody, followed by the final trumpet call which summons him to his execution. The above description is not intended to make John André seem like some kind of plaster hero; he was a thoroughly normal (though unusually gifted), fun-loving young man who happened to find himself unexpectedly trapped in unthinkably challenging circumstances and somehow found the strength to deal with them with remarkable grace and courage. The entire piece, like the play it precedes, is intended not merely as a memorial to a historical tragedy, but as an expression of the values of honor, loyalty, and patriotism and the transcendent power of friendship.
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Roster Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director Andrej Kurti, Assistant Conductor Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, Instructor Karla González Bueno, Instructor
Violins 1 Andrej Balaž, concertmaster* Ana Katrina Garcia Borjas Perla Hipp Leonardo Lagos Natalie Hyde Johan Reyes JaNia Wallace Ana Cano Campos #
Bass Jose Ramon Morel Guerrero, principal William Shupak Zavion Sowell + Jairo Cabrera Rafael Melgar
Horns Anibal Moises Aguilar Diaz, principal Hannah Bell Josias Revolledo Jacob Arceneaux
Keyboard José Luzuriaga Herrera
Violin 2 Oscar Andres Carballo Torres, principal Jose Mario Villeda Chloe Hanchett Katelyn Carr Ana Baltazar-Lorenzo Skyla Davis Alisha Anderson
Flute/Piccolo Shengzhi Gao, principal * Allison Currie Ahl * Keeley Falgout
Trumpets Fredy Hernandez, principal Hefsiba Rivera Lara Evelyn Gardner Hannah Hughes
Viola Cesar Gomez Ponce, principal Emma Felton Salome Uribe-Cardona Lawson Kirsch Kaniya Strong Evan Korn Cello Jesus Calderon, co-principal Santiago Rovira, co-principal Ail Harris Alejandro Restrepo Cardozo * Maira Avellaneda * Andy Garcia
Oboe/English Horn Valentina Restrepo Joel Ramos Alvarado Ethan Bolyer Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Richard Carrillo Ozuna, principal Rikki Landry * Xavier Hobson Bassoons Victoria Gomez Borjas, principal Khairiq Frost Saxophones Jarrett Thomisee, principal Collin Skinner Jacobo Florez Aguilar Ryleigh Riggs
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Trombone Jorge Bravo, principal Mateo Vela Francisco Riego Tuba JR Jackson, principal Brodie Rozema Guitar Layton Zeringue Percussion Sam Wyant, principal + Noelle Cabrera Caden Hooter Cademon Larson Tyler James * Graduate Assistant + LSMSA # NCHS
Applied Music Faculty Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, bassoon Mr. Luke Brouillette, guitar Dr. Robert Cardwell, voice Mr. Paul Christopher, cello Dr. Stephen Clark, flute Dr. Mary DeVille, organ Ms. Leah Forsyth, oboe Dr. Paul Forsyth, saxophone Ms. Karla Gonzalez, bass Dr. Chialing Hsieh, piano Dr. Masahito Kuroda, euphonium/low brass Dr. Andrej Kurti, violin/viola Dr. Marcy McKee, voice Dr. Malena McLaren, clarinet Dr. Oliver Molina, percussion 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
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2026- 2027 Natchitoches- Northwestern Symphony Society Board of Directors
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. Henry 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 2024-25 Marion Johnston 2025-26 Mary Lou Brown
Samantha Thomas, President Marty Sanders, President-Elect Gina McCorkle, Secretary Gayle Howell, Treasurer Mary Lou Brown Mandy Cathey Linnye Daily Walter Delphin Desiree Dyess Chris Guillet Link Hall Marion Johnston Bonnie Pace Carolyn Roy Jacob Ruppert Cecilia Smith Mickey Stroud Diane Temple Jeff Thomas Michele Waskom David Young David Zolzer
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
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Friends of the Symphony Platinum Underwriters $1,000 or more
Billy Joe & Donna Harrington Ed & Sharon Huey Drs. Steven & Kathleen Kautz Angela & Jim Lake John & Sarah Luster William Luster, MD Mr. & Mrs. Warren Massia Jack & Shirley McCain Marilyn & Alan McMurtry Larry Morgan Murchison & Murchison LLC Natchitoches Family Eye Care Gina Puls K. Jacob Ruppert Nancy & Bill Rutledge Dr. Terrie & Mr. Steve Sanders Janine Storrs Diane & Austin Temple, Jr. Becky & Mike Wolff Young Estate-In Memory of Martha Glass Young Dr. William & Trish Zeichner
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. Maurice & Rose Morelock Dr. Kenneth & Mrs. Syll-Young Olson Martin Smith Sanders, III Jeff & Samantha Thomas
Gold Underwriters—$500-$999
BOM Nolton & Lanell Causey City Bank & Trust Company Dean Dermatology & Wellness Mary M. Deville, PhD Dixie Plaza Dan & Desiree Dyess Exchange Bank Mr. & Mrs. Henry Cole Gahagan, Jr. Richard & Lynnel Gill Don & Pat Kelly Vicki D. Murchison Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Rev. Dr. Kristina Peterson Sabine State Bank & Trust Company Southern Scripts Ryan & Robyn Stronghouse Toni & Mickey Stroud Brenda W. Webb Bruce & Laura Wiggs John & Catherine Wingo David Zolzer & Bonnie Pace
Patrons—$100-$249
Tamela C. Aldredge Peggy & Richard Aycock Dr. Dennette McDermott & Dr. Douglas Bakenhus Louie & Gayle Bernard Mrs. Marion Bienvenu Melanie Braquet Sue Breedlove William Brent Nettles & Glenelle Brown Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Brown Mrs. Bill Bryant Amanda Cathey David & Linda Clark Cliff & Frances Conine Chad & Marne’ Deranger Deborah Fehr Dustin Felton Andy & Christine Ferrell Loren Ford Kenneth Freeman Rev. Dr. Frank Fuller Mr & Mrs Russell E. Gahagan President & First Lady James Genovese
Benefactors—$250-$499
Mrs. Archie Breazeale & David Breazeale Dr. & Mrs. Steve M. Brown Mary Byles Kathleen Byrd Edward & Jennifer Colbert Wilford Delphin Edwin Dunahoe Dr. Ginger Gates & Dr. Gail Cheramie Chris & Lisa Guillet
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Friends of the Symphony James F. Gianforte Sharon & Dennis Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Paul Grayson Jane Hall Wayne & Sally Halm Greg Handel & Jeff Gary Harrington Law Office Kirt Hartman Dale & Linda Higginbotham Pat Horton Steve & Emilyn Horton Drs. George & Rebecca Ingrish Pat & Kim Johnson Betty Smith Kirkendoll Mr. & Mrs. Randall LaCaze Christina Lake Linda Lytle Dr. Chris & Jennifer Maggio Steve & Melanie McCain Gina & Blaine McCorkle Wayne & Sandra McCullen Rick & Cathy McCurdy Dr. Sarah McFarland & Dr. Mark Melder Patricia McKnight Spencer Melder Mike & Juanita Murphy Rivers & Elwanda Murphy John & Carolyn Norris Robert & Kathy Owsley Vicki Parrish Regina Pierce Yolanda Pinckley Dr. Terrie T. Poehl Lee & Evie Posey Steve Rains Kelli & Mark Roberts Melissa Robinson Donna & Richard Rose Carolyn Roy Juliana Sheffield Cecilia Smith Tony & Kathleen Smith Laura Solomon Dr. & Mrs. Dwight St. Andre David & Brenda Stamey Mark & Cathy Sutton Sofiko Tchetchelashvili & Dr. Andrej Kurti Joe Thibodeaux
Ralph & Barb Thiergart Patricia A. Todd Melissa & Mark Ward Drs. Stephen & Lori Wheat Art & Sharon Williams Rodney Wilson Francis Yang Betty Zeagler, in memory Marsha Zulick
Sponsors—$50-$99
Clay Abington Mr. & Mrs. Edward K. Ahrens Lee W. Akin Dianne Alexander Alma Rabb Alost Ruth Anderson Angela Anthony Garland Anthony III Duane Bailey Sandra Bradley 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 Gary & Judy Dison Carolyn Dove Bill & Rosie Finical Margaret Fleming Rita Fontenot Loura Frye Pete & Jeanette Gregory Judge & Carolyn Harrington Brandon Hatcher Mr. & Mrs. Mickey Hennigan Kathleen Hicks Susan Hilton Frank & Gail Hines Deborah A. Howell Bill & Linda Jenkins Charles H. Jones Sue Keller
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Friends of the Symphony Toni Rushing William Sawyer Joseph Scott Soni Sers Elise Shell Tommy & Debbie Sibley Mary K. Smith Dian & Fraser Snowden Nancy Spiller Merlin & Mary Squyres Cheryl Stoker Carolyn Stothart Gail Sawyer Thomas Linda Ward David West Michael West Mary White Crystal Williams Wilma Wingo
Mark Kerry Judy and Henry Kinberger Barbara Leach D. Loran Lindsey Ann Manger Herman & Arleen Mayeux Heather Meadows Gay & L.J. Melder Tommy & Brenda Melder Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Melder, Jr. Fay & Waddy Norman Janice & Jerry Paul Rev. Kristen Paul Dr. Kent W. Peacock Curtis & Denise Phifer Anita Mixon Pierce Paul & Brenda Rinehart Connor Roan Scotti & Richard Rodgers
In Memory of Mary Jean Thomas Her love of music lives on in every performance Here’s to 61 years of musical brilliance!
A Special Thanks to our Conductor, Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, who brings us extraordinary music year after year. Martin Sanders III 12
Best wishes for a great symphony season! Phil & Mary Lou Brown
Music Through the Years
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Talented string students of NCHS & LSMSA support the NSU Symphony
Locally owned and operated
367 South Drive Natchitoches, LA
318-352-8174
NCHS Symphony Orchestra Director, Mrs. Syll-Young Olson
30+ Years Service Department www.natchitochespowersports.com
LSMSA Faculty, Dr. Kenneth Olson
AMERICAN MOSAIC Our 61st Year
To Our NNSS President, Samantha Palache Thomas Best Wishes for a Fabulous 2026-27 Season!
Supporting the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra
Marion and Donnie Johnston
Link & Elizabeth Hall
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In memory of Jim Bob Key Gayle Howell
Applauding 61 Years of
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony’s Amazing Music Compliments of Friends of the Symphony
Thank you for such outstanding music. Nolton and Lanell Causey
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Best Wishes for a SUCCESSFUL SEASON from your friends at
5769 Hwy. 1 Bypass • Natchitoches • 318-352-0055 780 Front Street • Natchitoches • 318-352-9401 737 Keyser Avenue • Natchitoches • 318-356-0365
Celebrating 61 Years of Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony’s wonderful music. Richard & Lynnel Gill
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Waskom
Best Wishes for the Season to Conductor Bakenhus and the Symphony
In recognition of the outstanding contributions of all NSU student musicians, whose remarkable performances are guided by the leadership of Conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus!
Brenda Webb
In Memory of Randall J. Webb
In Memory of my Dad, John D. Wingo
Dr. Maurice & Rose Morelock
John & Catherine Wingo 16
All good wishes for a great season! Mary DeVille
Wishing the Symphony the Best Season ever Blessing us with the Joy of Music from
Lowlander Center 17
Have a Great Season!
Thank you for 61 years of outstanding musical performances and being a part of what makes Natchitoches great.
Don & Pat Kelly
Evie & Lee Posey
Supporters of the
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra 530 FRONT STREET, SUITE A NATCHITOCHES LA 71457 (318) 352-1579
Celebrating 61 Years of Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony’s wonderful music. Compliments of a Symphony Friend 18
926 Washington St. • Natchitoches, LA 71457 Office (318) 527-0071 Kathy.Richmond@Remax.net
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Groups & Buses Welcome Private Party Facilities Carry Out Available “Home of the Cajun Potato” Open Nights for groups or private parties
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AND THE ARK-LA-TEX 318-626-5599
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Proud supporters of the NatchitochesNorthwestern Symphony 600 Front Street Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-4177 #1 Bienville Square Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-5515/352-5631
Thank You for 61 Years of Symphony Music Compliments of a Symphony Friend
216 University Parkway 318-321-5245
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T. Taylor Townsend Law Firm 725 THIRD STREET NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457
615 Bienville St., Natchitoches, LA 71457 318-352-6800 24
River South COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER 311 South Drive Natchitoches Louisiana
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Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society appreciates you supporting the Symphony and our Ad Patrons.
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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 (cell) __________________________(home)______________________ Email Address ____________________________________________________ Circle preferred method of contact:
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NOTE: Paper tickets will not be issued. Please give your name at the Concert Gate.
CIRCLE ONE: Platinum Underwriters** Gold Underwriters* Benefactor Patron Sponsor (over 65) Sponsor
$1000+ $500+ $250 $100+ $50 $50
Season Tickets 6 4 4 3 2 1
**Platinum: Additionally 2 tickets for any musicale or Gala during the season; and a ¼ page ad in the program. *Gold: Additionally 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 student 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 the Instrumentalists’ Scholarships. Like us on Facebook
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Notes
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The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society What began 61 years ago has evolved into a strong organization providing scholarships for orchestral musicians 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 2025-2026 school year. Creation of the non-profit organization was led by NSU music instructor/conductor Dr. Joseph B. Carlucci, Martha Roberson and Jim Bob Key. Local attorney, Arthur C. Watson, drew up the articles of incorporation and bylaws for the 19 member Board of Directors. The first Board of Directors included President Martha Roberson, Vice President Jim Bob Key, Secretary Edwina Friedman, Treasurer Arthur Watson; also serving as board members were Margaret Adkins, Dr. Archie Breazeale Jr., Ruth Cunningham, Hertzog DeBlieux, Norman Fletcher, Senator Sylvan Friedman, Harold Kaffie, Ed Pierson, Virginia Pierson, Mayor W. Ray Scott, Dr. Paul Torgrimson, Dorothy Townsend, and, of course, Dr. Carlucci. 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 less formal environment and better sound quality. Today, after 23 years under the direction of Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, the NSU worldclass 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 . Amended in 2025, the Mission Statement’s primary goal is “providing scholarships for orchestra musicians who attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.” The NNSS Board of Directors, 21 voting members, serve on a volunteer basis. The orchestra is an amazing education and cultural asset to both the university and community. It is an essential recruiting tool for Dr. Bakenhus. 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.
Celebrating 61 Years of Music NNSS History by Pat Thomas, Past President, with revisions 2026
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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/.
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