NATCHITOCHES – Things will look slightly different for Shreveport native and Northwestern State alumnus Trevor Bailey since he last entered Turpin Stadium in 2011. New stadium lights, new field turf, new band uniforms, and a new title. The former baritone section leader will now return to Northwestern State University in the newly formed position of associate director of bands/director of athletic bands. Bailey began his duties on Monday. 

“I am deeply honored to become the newly appointed associate director of bands and director of athletic bands at Northwestern State,” said Bailey, who was selected after a national search. “This opportunity is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute to the rich musical tradition and vibrant culture here at NSU. Music has always been my passion, and I believe it has the power to inspire, unite, and elevate us all.” 

As an alumnus of the program, Bailey is mindful of the legacy of the Spirit of Northwestern.  

“As I step into this role, my commitment is to foster an environment of excellence, creativity, and collaboration,” said Bailey. “Together, we will strive to reach new heights, both on and off the field. I am excited to work with members of the Spirit of Northwestern, to share our talents, and to continue the legacy of outstanding performances that are expected from us. I am thankful for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to the journey ahead.” 

Director of Bands Anthony Pursell said the university is fortunate to have Bailey back home and leading the Spirit of Northwestern.  

“His passion and love for the university and band program are very contagious, and I am excited to work with him to give our students a tremendous experience,” said Pursell. 

As director of athletic bands, Bailey will lead the Spirit of Northwestern and Purple Haze Basketball Pep Band. He will also oversee operations for the annual Young Performers Day and Classic on the Cane Marching Festival. In addition, he will conduct the Wind Ensemble and assist in the daily administration of the band program.  

“In the short time since accepting the position, he has already made an impact by reimmersing himself in the Spirit of Northwestern culture. His energy has already rubbed off on our students and I know they are excited to have him on the tower this season,” said Pursell.  

Mark Poole, NSU alumnus and current director of bands at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, has first-hand experience with Bailey and his passion and potential.  

“As an alumnus of NSU, I am very excited to see Trevor Bailey return to NSU,” said Poole. “I had the privilege of teaching him at Southwood High School and have been very proud of his career which started at NSU. He will continue to instill the traditions of excellence the Demon Marching Band is known for.” 

Bailey is a 2011 graduate of Northwestern State with a Bachelor of Music Performance. After graduation, Bailey was named the assistant marching band director for the Horwang Primary School in Bangkok, Thailand, and was also a clinician and adjudicator with Yamaha Music of Asia. He returned to his native Shreveport to be the music director at the 81st Street Electronic Learning in Caddo Parish. Bailey then obtained a Master’s in Music Education degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and will complete the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Wind Conducting at the University of Alabama in the Spring of 2025. Bailey has university-level experience as the assistant director of bands and director of bands at the University of Pikeville (Kentucky) and as assistant director of athletic bands at Western Carolina University. He is also the low brass coordinator for the world-class Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps from Sacramento, California.  

“Trevor has the perfect blend of understanding the needs of a smaller school with limited resources, and the aspirational building blocks brought by leading and managing a very large marching band of 450 members at Western Carolina and his work with numerous the drum corps,” said Pursell. 

For more information on the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, go to https://www.nsula.edu/music/spirit-of-northwestern.