Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
Featuring NSU Student Concerto Winners: Parrel Appolis, flute
Walker Libbe, marimba
Lhareen C. Lazo, soprano
Douglas Flores, tenor
Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, trumpet
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 7:30 pm | Magale Recital Hall
2025-2026 Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Season
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30pm, Magale Recital Hall: “Concerto Winners”
This concert will feature NSU’s most talented student musicians. Also on the program, Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and a new work by Colombian composer Victoriano Valencia “San Pelayo Fandango.”
“She Loves Me” by Bock/Harnick, with NSU Music Theater, A.A. Fredericks Auditorium
Thurs., April 23, 2026, 7:30pm | Fri., April 24, 2026, 7:30pm | Sat., April 25, 2:00pm and 7:30pm
This will be a collaboration with the NSU Music Theater troop and their director, Dr. Sloane Artis, performing “She Loves Me.” This story from a book by Joe Masteroff inspired a play, 2 films; The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and You’ve Got Mail (1998) and 2 musicals, In the Good Old Summertime (1949) and She Loves Me (premiered on Broadway in 1963 with a revival in 2016). The plot revolves around shop employees Georg and Amalia, who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other’s secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads. Take a pick for which show you would like to attend and reserve your seat by contacting the CAPA office 318-352-4822.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7:30pm Magale Recital Hall: “Handel’s Messiah, Parts 2 and 3”
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony will be joined by the NSU “Cane River Singers” to perform parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s timeless masterpiece “Messiah.”
Concerto Winners Concert
Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
Andrej Kurti, Assistant Conductor
Featuring NSU Student Concerto Winners:
Parrel Appolis, flute
Walker Libbe, marimba
Lhareen C. Lazo, soprano
Douglas Flores, tenor
Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, trumpet
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • 7:30pm • Magale Recital Hall
Festive Overture, Op. 96
Concerto for Trumpet in Eb major
ProgramDmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Johann Baptist Neruda Allegro (1707-1780)
Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, trumpet
“Senza mamma” from Suor Angelica
Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1943)
Lhareen C. Lazo, soprano
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
Aram Khachaturian
III. Allegro vivace (1903-1978)
Parrel Appolis, flute (10-minute pause)
Concerto for Marimba and Strings
Walker Libbe, marimba (10-minute pause)
Emmanuel Séjourné (b. 1961)
“E lucevan le Stelle” from Tosca Giacomo Puccini
Douglas Flores, tenor
Mother Goose Suite
Maurice Ravel
I. Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty (1875-1937)
II. Little Tom Thumb
III. Empress of the Pagodas
IV. Beauty and the Beast
V. Enchanted Garden
San Pelayo
Victoriano Valencia Rincón (b. 1970)
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.
Internationally acclaimed violinist Andrej Kurti-Ðurović was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory before earning a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from the University of Georgia. A prizewinner in numerous international competitions, he was also a finalist in the MTNA National Competition.
A recording artist for the Blue Griffin label since 2000, Kurti-Durovic has released critically acclaimed recordings of Ysaÿe’s Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Paganini’s 24 Caprices, and Bach’s Six Sonatas and Partitas, completing one of the most significant trilogies in the solo violin repertoire.
His performances have been praised by American Record Guide, Classics Today, and Fanfare Magazine.
He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2015 and performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond. Since 2004, Kurti-Durović has served as Professor of Violin at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, while maintaining an active international concert career.
is a flute performer from Knoxville, Tennessee. He is currently a grad assistant in the flute studio of Dr. Stephen Clark at Northwestern State University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in flute performance from the University of Tennessee, where he studied under Maria Fernanda Castillo. His other major teachers include Jill Bartine of the Knoxville Symphony.
As a flute instructor, his students have achieved success across all levels of primary and secondary education and have placed in regional and state ensembles. As a performer, he has played with many ensembles, including the Knoxville Opera, Knoxville Symphony, and the inaugural International Pride Orchestra in San Francisco. His musical endeavors have taken him to all corners of the country, performing in locations on the east coast, west coast, and in the Midwest. He has been a competition winner and finalist for many organizations such as the Florida Flute Association, Texas Flute Society, UT Symphony Orchestra, MTNA, and more. He has performed in masterclasses for many outstanding artists including Brian Luce, Eva Amsler, and Grammy-nominated composer/flutist Valerie Coleman. In 2022, he was named as a member of the NFA’s Young Artist Mentorship Program, under the mentorship of Brandon Patrick George of Imani Winds. Parrel is a recipient of the John Philip Sousa Band Award and the Gerald W. Barnes Woodwind Award. He is an active member of Sphinx, an organization dedicated to providing resources to Black and Latin-American musicians. Following his master’s study, he will be working on building a large private studio of flute students while preparing for job auditions.
Douglas Flores began his studies at Northwestern State University in 2021, pursuing degrees in French Horn and Vocal Performance. He studied horn with Dr. Alexis Sczepanik and voice with Dr. Robert Cardwell, and also worked with former NSU faculty members Dr. Kristine Coreil and Mr. Michael Rorex. During his time at Northwestern State, Douglas has been an active and versatile performer, serving as principal horn in the Wind Symphony, tenor section leader in the NSU Chamber Choir, and a longtime member of the NSU Opera Theater with rols like Ferrando (cosi fan tutte), Frederick (Pirates of Penzance), Leopold (Im Weißen Rössl).
As a horn player, Douglas participated in the Midsouth Horn Workshop, where he received Honorable Mention as a soloist, and he regularly performs with regional orchestras across the southern United States. As a tenor, he is a two-time recipient of the Guillory Scholarship Award and earned 2nd Place in the Graduate TBB Division at the 2022 Southern Regional NATS Conference. In 2023, he attended the International Performing Arts Institute (IPAI) in Kiefersfelden, Germany, where he was awarded Second Place in the institute’s vocal competition. In Fall 2025, Douglas began his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Cardwell. He is the winner of the Concerto–Aria Competition and will appear as a featured soloist with the Natchitoches–Northwestern Symphony Orchestra on March 24. Additional recent engagements include performing in the chorus for a production of La bohème with Shreveport Opera and working as Stage Manager for an NSU Opera Theater production.
Filipino soprano Lhareen Lazo , from Las Piñas City, Philippines, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where she studies with Dr. Terrie Sanders, CVMT. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of the Philippines in 2024 and was previously mentored by Dr. Katherine Molina, CVMT.
Passionate about classical singing and opera, her operatic roles include Mother in Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck, Suor Angelica in Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini, Laetitia in The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti, Cunegonde in Candide by Leonard Bernstein, and Maria in A Feast in Time of Plague by César Cui. Her recent recognitions include prizes from the NSU Concerto Competition (2025), National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions (2025), the Guillory Scholarship Competition (2025), and the Ninth International JSFest Competition (2021).
At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, she is an active member of several vocal ensembles, including the NSU Opera Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Lyrica, Cane River Singers, and the NSU Choral Artists.
In her free time, she enjoys journaling, cooking, and experimenting with creative drinks—creative practices that continue to nurture her artistry and personal growth.
Walker Libbe is a performer and educator currently residing in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He is a Graduate Assistant at Northwestern State University of Louisiana studying under Dr. Oliver Molina and Dr. Andrew Blair. At NSU, he has taught both the front ensemble and the drumline for The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band as well as applied percussion lessons. He helps Dr. Molina instruct the percussion ensemble and percussion method courses.
Walker Libbe earned a bachelor’s in music studies at Texas A&M University studying under Dr. Matthew McClung, Dr. Ksenija Komljenovic, and Dr. Caleb Pickering.
As an active percussion performer, educator, and clinician, Walker Libbe has performed at conventions such as PASIC, LMEA, and various state Day of Percussion events. Walker Libbe is also experienced in session recording and has been a part of many different recording projects ranging from percussion ensembles, solo pieces, metal and rock bands, as well as various local projects.
Ever Naun Galeas, originally from Honduras, began his musical studies at the age of 14 at the Victoriano López Music School, where he had the opportunity to develop musically under the guidance of Maestro Roberto Irene Montes.
In 2018, he was invited to perform with the Nicaraguan Youth Symphony Orchestra and also participated in the International Festival of Oaxaca, Mexico.
In the spring of 2023, he began his trumpet studies with Maestro Galindo Rodríguez at Northwestern State University, where he has been a member of the Wind Symphony, Jazz Combo, and Jazz Orchestra.
In 2025, he was selected as one of the winners of the MacCutcheon Honor Recital, and in 2026 he was also named one of the winners of the Concerto Competition.
In the upcoming fall, Ever Galeas plans to continue his studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Performance.
Dmitri Shostakovich, Festival Overture, Op. 96
The creation and inspiration of Shostakovich’s Festival Overture has been subject to several different theories. Some believe that the celebratory quality of the overture displays Shostakovich’s relief at the death of Josef Stalin (in 1953), whose regime had twice censored the composer and his music leading to fear of dire consequences and causing Shostakovich to suppress many of his works that were composed during this time. Most likely, the Festival Overture was commissioned for a gathering at the Bolshoi Theater in November of 1954, celebrating the 37th Anniversary of the October Revolution of 1917. The conductor, Vasili Nebolsin, realized that he had no appropriate piece to open the high-profile concert. He approached Shostakovich, who was at the time a musical consultant at the Bolshoi. The composer soon began working on the overture and completed it in three days, with the individual pages of the score being taken by courier before the ink had dried to copyists waiting at the theater to create the orchestra parts. Although written in haste, the Festival Overture has proved to be one of Shostakovich’s most frequently performed works. He completely grasped the sense of the occasion and requirements implicit in the commission. The brilliant orchestration, the exuberant mood, and the infectious high spirits of the overture have guaranteed its place as an effective concert opener and audience pleaser. At the 1980 Moscow Olympics the opening fanfares of the overture were used to announce the start of each day’s events.
Johann Baptist Neruda, Trumpet Concerto in Eb Neruda’s dates of birth and death are only approximations (1707 or 1708 to 1780 according to the Grove Dictionary). He was born in Rosice, Bohemia (today the Czech Republic), to a well-respected musical family. After spending his earlier years gaining a good reputation as a violinist and conductor in Prague, Neruda became Konzertmeister of the Dresden court orchestra. He died in Dresden around 1780. His compositional output includes eighteen symphonies, fourteen instrumental concertos, sonatas, sacred works and an opera Les Troqueurs. The Concerto in E-flat for Trumpet and Strings written for Johann Georg Knechtel, is his most significant work. Originally written for the “corno da caccia” or “post horn” using only the high register, it is now usually performed on E-flat or B-flat trumpet.The manuscript for this piece is in the National Library in Prague, along with several other unusual works for brass instruments.
Giacomo Puccini, Senza Ma from Suor Angelica
“Senza mamma” (Without Mother) is a heartbreaking aria from Puccini’s Suor Angelica where the title character learns her son has died. She laments dying alone without her care, imagining him as an angel in heaven. The emotional song focuses on her regret, final goodbye, and hope to reunite in the afterlife.
Aram Khachaturian Flute Concerto
The Khachaturian Flute Concerto is a 1968 transcription of his 1940 Violin Concerto in D Minor, authorized by the composer for French flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. Known for its demanding technical passages and expressive melodies, it is a staple of modern flute repertoire. The third movement, Allegro vivace, is a fiery, virtuosic finale, often compared to a “Saber Dance” style with fast, scalar, and arpeggiated passages.
Emmanuel Séjourné, Concerto for Marimba and Strings
Commissioned for Bogdan Bocánu, this 21st century piece highlights the marimba’s capacity for expressiveness. It blends romanticism with jazz and rock harmonies that showcases the resonant, warm tone of the marimba.
Giacomo Puccini, E luceavan le stelle from Tosca
“E lucevan le stelle” (And the stars were shining) is a celebrated tenor aria from Act III of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, sung by the painter Mario Cavaradossi while awaiting execution at Castel Sant’Angelo. It is a poignant reflection
on love and past memories, featuring a famous clarinet solo and moving from nostalgic adoration to passionate despair. The lyrics recall sweet memories—the scent of the earth, the garden gate creaking, and his lover’s arrival—contrasting sharply with his imminent death.
Maurice Ravel, Mother Goose Suite
Fascinated with children’s Fairy Tales, Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite was composed in 1908 for the children of friends of his, ages 6 and 10, as a piano duet, or piano 4 hands. The Subject, Fairy Tales or Mother Goose stories; are depicted here like musical watercolors or impressionistic images. The full plots are not represented in the music, but instead, single images of the complete range of emotions in the stories.
• I-Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty – Presents a graceful 16th dance by attendants of the sleeping beauty.
• II. Little Tom Thumb-Tom’s frustrating wanderings in the woods are depicted by mixed meter string passages, while the woodwinds play a quiet “walking” melody. Twittering birds, by solo violin/piccolo/ flute, swoop down to steal the crumbs left to mark Tom’s return path.
• III. Laideronnet, Empress of the Pagodas – This oriental depiction of the Empress and her Pagodas is composed in a pentatonic scale, entirely on the black keys of the piano. The Pagodas, tiny munchkin-like people, sing and play on their miniature percussive instruments, here represented by piccolo, flute, celeste, and xylophone.
• IV. Beauty and the Beast- The clarinet represents Beauty in the tempo of a waltz, while the role of the Beast is represented by the contrabassoon. The Beast expresses his love for Beauty, but she only loves him as a friend. One day, the Beast is found lying in the garden. Beauty thinks he is dying, and so she admits that she recognizes his inner beauty after all and thus confesses her love for him. One of her tears falls on him, which breaks the spell that was cast upon him, and with a harp glissando, he transforms into a handsome prince, they are married and live happily ever after.
• V. The Fairy Garden or Enchanted Garden – is more of a place than a story. A place of perfect happiness or bliss. This beautiful place must be searched for and is represented by a C-major chord. It builds, hoping to find C-major, but instead lands on a G. Then, we add a clarinet hoping that it will help, but alas, it culminates with a sad E-minor chord. Then a solo violin and solo viola take us through a gauntlet of faraway keys, the music then softly rises to a perfect blissful pianissimo C-major, it descends, and rises again, this time to a glorious fortissimo C-major, celebrating all that is good and beautiful!
Colombian composer, Victoriano Valencia, is a prolific composer of orchestral music, symphonic bands and traditional folk ensembles. He has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the National Pedagogical University of Colombia and a master’s degree in composition from EAFIT University in Colombia. The present-day town of San Pelayo (Cordoba Region, Colombia) was a settlement of vital importance in the expansion process of rural bands (or pelayeras) of the Colombian Caribbean at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th. One of the traditional genres of the pelayera bands is the fandango, taken from the Afro-Hispanic song forms and characterized by a soloist accompanied by backing choruses. Composed in 2005, the melodic material of San Pelayo is based on the designs of improvised eight-bar phrases characteristic of fandango and passed along via oral tradition by bands. The percussion section is essential for metric stability and enhances the expressive force with rhythm patterns associated with the percussion instruments traditionally found in orchestras and concert bands (cymbals, snare drum, and bass drum) as well as in folkloric groups (guache, tambor alegre, and tambora). On an orchestration level, textural and dynamic growth is established through the distribution of the melodic role via solos at first, and by full sections later. The climax provides a strong contrast with melodic material stressing expressiveness that ascends by registers of the orchestra and sets the stage for the coda.
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
Douglas Bakenhus, Music Director
Andrej Kurti, Assistant Conductor
Sofiko Tchetchelashvili, Instructor
Karla Gonzalez Bueno, Instructor
Violin 1
Carlos Diaz del Valle, concertmaster
Perla Hipp
Abigail Morales Ramos
Juliana Miller
Jose Mario Villeda
Lawson Kirsch
Ana Campos #
Violin 2
Oscar Andres Carballo Torres, principal
Natalie Hyde
JaNia Wallace
Chloe Hanchett
Ana Baltazar
Abigail Williams
Jessica Aylin Mata Hernandez
Jessyca Ludwig
Na’Riaya Sowell
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Norman Martinez
Emma Felton
Salome Uribe
Matthew Samaha
Gabrielle Meziere
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Ail Harris
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Macyn Lacour #
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Candace Paul
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Parrel K. Appolis, principal +
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Lennon Cooke
Keeley Falgout
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Valentina Restrepo
Ethan Bolyer
Elyssa Moore
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Kristoff Hairr
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Wolfgang Otero
Anthony Foto
Evelyn Gardner
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Josias Revolledo
Kevin Juarez Lopez
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Mateo Vela
Bass Trombone
Francisco Riego
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Kadence March
Tuba
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+ Graduate student
# Natchitoches Central High School student
* LSMSA student
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Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society appreciates you supporting the Symphony and our Ad Patrons.
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
Supporting
Natchitoches-Northwestern
Supporters of the NatchitochesNorthwestern Symphony Orchestra
Thank you for 60 years of outstanding musical performances and being a part of what makes Natchitoches great.
Evie & Lee Posey
530 FRONT STREET, SUITE A NATCHITOCHES LA 71457 (318) 352-1579
Celebrating 60 Years of Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony’s wonderful music. Compliments of a Symphony Friend
Have a Great Season!
Don & Pat Kelly
Supporters of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra
Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318)
Compliments of K. Jacob Ruppert
Court Counsel/District
Hearing Officer
10th Judicial District Court of Louisiana Natchitoches Parish
Serving the Louisiana Judiciary since 2005
A Supporter of the Symphony
In honor and celebration of the life of Mrs. Reva Campbell (1929-2020), music teacher, pianist and vocalist who generously shared her musicality with all who sought to ‘make a joyful noise’.
311 South Drive
Natchitoches
Louisiana
In Memory of my Dad,
John & Catherine Wingo
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Mailing Address ___________________________________________________
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Circle preferred method of contact: Text Email
NOTE: Paper tickets will not be issued. Please give your name at the Concert Gate.
**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.
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What began 60 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 22 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.
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.
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
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.
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/.