The School of Creative and Performing Arts’ Department of Music at Northwestern State University includes graduate and undergraduate music and music education majors. Many students participate in the Spirit of Northwestern marching band; however, each instrument has its own studio and there are numerous ensembles within the department.
With CAPA, students prepare for a variety of concerts each semester, including the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Chamber Choir, Lyrica (Treble Choir), Jazz Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble. Students also have the opportunity to compete at state and regional competitions as solo performers.
Department Head Terrie Sanders loves team-building and wants CAPA to create a positive environment while providing students with an up-to-date education taught by excellent staff. “We want to make sure students have the absolute best education,” Sanders said.
Sanders looks forward to many events throughout the year, including the faculty showcase performed at the beginning of the year. “I love still being able to perform for the students,” Sanders said.
Miguel Garcia, a freshman music major, plays trombone for Spirit of Northwestern and the Fall Winds Symphony. Garcia enjoys how rehearsals have encouraged him to be more involved and helped him adjust to campus life. “It makes it really easy to get to know people, especially people within your section, because you spend a lot of time with them,” Garcia said.
Garcia commends the CAPA staff for their involvement with students. “Mr. Paul Christopher makes learning music theory very enjoyable, and Mr. Bailey is very encouraging and hardworking. He does everything to make sure that we’re improving daily,” Garcia said.
Keegan Faulkner is a freshman psychology major with a minor in music who also notes the professors’ roles in academic success. “They put everything together for us to produce and make things happen,” Faulkner said.
Faulkner has loved playing trumpet for nine years and enjoys marching with the Spirit of Northwestern. “I like putting together a visual music production that other people can experience,” Faulkner said. “It really pushes you and makes you feel appreciated.”
NSU’s Department of Music is filled with staff who care for their students and work to provide an engaging experience in and out of the classroom. Through the dedication of students and staff, music majors and minors have the opportunity to play at concerts, conferences and on the field at Turpin Stadium to entertain their fellow NSU peers while furthering their music education.
