About Us
The Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony at Northwestern State University offers a comprehensive orchestral program that prepares the music major and non-music major for the rigorous performing demands of the 21st century.
Learn MoreAbout Us
For more information about concerts, program notes, biographies of directors and performers, please visit the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society website at: www.nnssla.org
Special Events
Orchestra Schedule
Fall 2024
August 19 – 22 Seating auditions
August 31 NSU All-State Day | 9am-5pm | CAPA
September 24 Performance: Symphonic Legends, Myths, and Reveries| 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall.
Choir Schedule
Fall 2024
- August 19-22 Seating auditions
- August 31 NSU All-State Day | 9am-5pm | CAPA
- September 24 Performance: Symphonic Legends, Myths, and Reveries | 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall.
- October 29 Performance: “Patriotic Pops” | 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall.
- December 4-6 NSU Christmas GALA | A.A. Fredericks Auditorium
*schedule is subject to change
String Instrument Scholarships
To schedule an audition, please contact:
Director of Orchestral Activities, Dr. Douglas Bakenhus: bakenhusd@nsula.edu or call 318-357-5792
Audition requirementsAudition requirements
Audition requirements:
- Repertoire is your choice, but we prefer that you play something fast that shows technique and dexterity, and something slow that shows lyricism and musicianship. All-State etudes, or solo/concertos are the usual choices, but it is up to you.
- It would be in your best interest to play something that shifts to higher positions.
- We may also ask you to play a scale and/or sight-read.
- 10 to 15 minutes maximum
Directors
Dr. Shane Thomas
Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music
318-357-5755
thomassh@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile
Adam Philley
Assistant Professor of Music-Voice & Associate Director of Choral Activities
318.357.5753
philleya@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile
NSU Chamber Choir
The flagship choral ensemble at Northwestern State University, Chamber Choir is an auditioned SATB chorus comprised of highly skilled vocal musicians that serve as the choral ambassadors for the university. Chamber Choir has competed across the United States and Europe and won significant awards at global competitions. They were invited to perform at state, regional, and national conventions of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, American Choral Director’s Association, and Louisiana Music Educators Association. The Chamber Choir presents the annual Lessons and Carols in the Minor Basilica in Natchitoches, LA.
Cane River Singers
Cane River Singers is an unauditioned mixed chorus comprised of all scholarship students, faculty, and community members specializing in the performance of choral masterworks. Cane River Singers has provided performances of timeless choral literature, including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Lyrica
Lyrica is the premier, unauditioned treble chorus which serves all majors across NSU. Lyrica has performed in regional and international performances and garnered coveted awards, such as Gold and the Best Treble Choir at the Laurea Mundi Budapest Competition. Lyrica has been a featured ensemble at the state conference of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, tours annually, and performs across our community. They sing a variety of repertoire and seeks to provide an uplifting community for all its singers.
Orpheus
Orpheus is an unauditioned tenor-bass chorus which serves all majors across NSU. With over 30 years of incredible music-making, Orpheus sings across our community and region and has been a featured ensemble in the Christmas Gala. Orpheus performs repertoire from all styles and genres and seeks to provide an uplifting community for all its singers.
