David West
Natchitoches
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Articles by David West
Pick Up Your Brush Painting classes to be held on Nov. 12 and 19
NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes on Nov. 12 and 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45. In these classes, students will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece of your own. No special or prior skills are required. Just relax and enjoy each class.
Classic on the Cane Marching Contest to be held Saturday, Oct. 31
The 37th Annual Classic on the Cane Marching Contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 31 at Turpin Stadium beginning at 9:30 a.m. Twenty-two high school bands from around the region will compete. Advance tickets are $15 and $10 for senior citizens, military personnel and NSU faculty and staff and children age 5-10.
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra to perform concert titled "American Reflections" Nov. 3
NATCHITOCHES – The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present a concert on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Tickets are $16.50 each and are available at https://nnssla.org/ticket-sales/p/one-1-ticket-102924-american-liberty-concert-9ke5n-5ka96-at9za-2ec6n-8ta35-hkpwd-mdmla.
Campus events and activities for Oct. 25-31
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Oct. 25-31 at Northwestern State University. Oct. 25 – Soccer vs. Nicholls, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 1 p.m. Oct. 25 – NSU Lyrica & Orpheus, Magale Recital Hall, 3 p.m. # Oct. 26 – Concert, Les Goûts Réunis, the mixed styles of Italy, France, Prussia, and Bohemia, Varnado Hall Ballroom, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28 – Creole Heritage Center Open House, Kyser Hall, Room 118, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 29 – Volleyball vs. Houston Christian, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. Oct.
Lawson, Hanson to hold senior art exhibit Oct. 26-30
NATCHITOCHES – Artists Cindy Lawson and Debbie Hanson will hold their senior exhibition at Northwestern State University on Oct. 26-30 in Hanchey Gallery 2. The exhibit, “Recycle, Repurpose, Reimagine,” is free and open to the public. A reception will be held in Gallery 2 on Friday, Oct. 30 from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Lawson and Hanson will display a collaboration of two sisters where creativity meets sustainability. For more information, contact Lawsson at clawson556@aol.com
Baroque concert to be performed in Varnado Hall
NATCHITOCHES – A concert, Les Goûts Réunis, the mixed styles of Italy, France, Prussia, and Bohemia, will be held on Monday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Varnado Hall Ballroom. The concert is free and the public is invited. Featured musicians will be Dennette McDermott on baroque flute, Douglas Bakenhus on baroque bassoon and Brian King on theorbo, a plucked string instrument of the lute family, with an extended neck that houses the second pegbox.
Drums Along the River Concert to be held Oct. 30
NATCHITOCHES – The seventh Annual Drums Along the River concert will be on Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. on the Downtown Riverbank in Natchitoches. The concert will feature the Spirit of Northwestern Percussion Section under the direction of Dr. Steven Wimberley and the NSU Steel PanDEMONium Band under Dr. Oliver Molina. The drumline will perform stand cadences, traditional school songs and show music. The steel band is comprised of instruments from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Becky Thomas-Meziere Recognized as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer
NATCHITOCHES – Clifton Choctaw cultural authority Becky Thomas-Meziere was named a Louisiana Tradition Bearer by the Louisiana Folklife Commission and honored at a ceremony this past weekend at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
Becky Thomas-Meziere Recognized as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer
NATCHITOCHES – Clifton Choctaw cultural authority Becky Thomas-Meziere was named a Louisiana Tradition Bearer by the Louisiana Folklife Commission and honored at a ceremony this past weekend at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
NSU Theatre and Dance to present “A New Brain”
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance will present “A New Brain” by William Finn on Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 in Theatre West. Performance times are Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. NSU, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts and NSU@BPCC students are admitted free with a current student I.D. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-new-brain-tickets-2001058417594?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.
Campus events and activities for Oct. 18-24
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Oct. 18-24 at Northwestern State University. Oct. 20 – Brass Ensemble Concert, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 – Quarterback Club luncheon, Flying Heart Brewery, 108 Mill St., 11:30 a.m. Oct. 21 – Volleyball vs. Lamar, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 – NSU Food Pantry drive through donations, Trisler Power Plant, Central Ave. Oct. 23—Long Purple Line Induction Luncheon, Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street, 11:30 a.m. Oct.
NSU Combined Brass Ensembles to present fall concert Oct. 20
NATCHITOCHES – The NSU Combined Brass Ensembles will perform their fall concert on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hal. Hall. The concert is free and will be livestreamed at nsu.la/capa-live. The concert will feature performances from four brass studio ensembles, the NSU Trumpet Choir, the NSU Horn Choir, NSU Trombone, and the NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble, along with a combined 60-piece brass ensemble with all performers on stage.
NSU's Lyrica and Orpheus to present fall concert
NATCHITOCHES = Northwestern State University’s Lyrica and Orpheus choirs will present a program titled “Songs Along the Way” on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Adam Philley is the conductor. The concert is free and will be livestreamed nsu.la/capa-live. “Songs Along the Way” is a musical journey celebrating the experiences, traditions, and stories that connect us through song.
Pianist Kenneth Saxon to present a guest piano recital Wednesday
NATCHITOCHES – Pianist Kenneth Saxon will present a guest piano recital at Northwestern State University on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is free and will be livestreamed nsu.la/capa-live Saxon has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist on three continents, including recent appearances in Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, and India.
NSU Chamber Choir to present fall concert on Tuesday
NATCHITOCHES – The NSU Chamber Choir will present its fall concert titled “We Tell Each Other Stories” on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is free and will be livestreamed nsu.la/capa-live. The concert will feature a variety of repertoire from across many different cultures and ideals shaping how music remains the fabric of storytelling for humanity across the globe. The choir is conducted by Director of Choral Activities Dr. Shane Thomas.
Campus events and activities for Oct. 11-17
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Oct. 11-17 at Northwestern State University. Oct. 12 – Classes resume after Fall break. Oct. 13 – NSU Chamber Choir Fall Concert, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. # Oct. 14 – Guest artist recital, Kenneth Saxon, piano, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. # Oct. 15 – Soccer vs. Houston Christian, Lady Demon Soccer Field, 7 p.m. Oct. 16-17 – Top of the Boot Music Festival, Festival Field, 4-11 p.m. Oct. 17 – Football vs.
Becky Thomas-Meziere to be Recognized as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer
NATCHITOCHES – Pine needle basket maker Becky Thomas-Meziere will be named a Louisiana Tradition Bearer by the Louisiana Folklife Commission and honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches.
Interim, acting academic administrators named
NATCHITOCHES – Four acting and interim academic administrators have been named at Northwestern State University, according to Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel. The administrators will serve while national searches are underway for permanent successors. Dr. Steve Horton has been named acting director of the School of Education. He will serve on a volunteer basis.
Pick Up Your Brush Painting classes to be held on Oct. 15, 29
NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes on Oct. 15 and 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45. In these classes, students will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece of your own. No special or prior skills are required. Just relax and enjoy each class.
LMTA Piano Ensemble Festival to be held at NSU this weekend
NATCHITOCHES – The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will host the Louisiana Music Teachers Association (LMTA) Piano Ensemble Festival on Saturday, October 10-11 in Magale Recital Hall. The festival will feature multiple grand pianos on the Magale stage. The LMTA Piano Ensemble Festival is a multi-piano ensemble held during the LMTA State Conference.
Campus events and activities for Oct. 4-10
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Oct. 4-10 at Northwestern State University. Oct. 4 – NSU Theatre and Dance presents “As You Like It,” A.A. Fredericks Auditorium, 2 p.m. Oct. 6 – Creole Heritage Month Luncheon, President’s Room, Friedman Student Union, noon Oct. 6 – Chamber Music Concert, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. # Oct. 8-9 – Fall break, Campus administrative offices will remain open Oct.
Instant guitar class to be taught on Oct. 6. Ukulele class to be offered on Oct. 8.
NATCHITOCHES - An Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People class will be offered through Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement on Tuesday. Oct. 6. An Instant Ukulele for Hopelessly Busy People class will be taught on Thursday, Oct. 8. Both classes are for those 13 and over and will be taught via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fee for each class is $85.
Instant guitar class to be taught on Oct. 6. Ukulele class to be offered on Oct. 8.
NATCHITOCHES – An Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People class will be offered through Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement on Tuesday. Oct. 6. An Instant Ukulele for Hopelessly Busy People class will be taught on Thursday, Oct. 8. Both classes are for those 13 and over and will be taught via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fee for each class is $85.
Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People to be taught Oct. 5
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Engagement will present Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People on Monday, Oct. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The class will be taught via Zoom. The fee is $85. In just a few hours, those in the class can learn enough secrets of the trade to provide years of musical enjoyment. Participants will learn to play piano the way professionals do using chords.
NSU faculty member Leah Forsyth to present recital Wednesday
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Assistant Professor of Music Leah Forsyth will present an English horn recital on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available at nsula.edu/livestream. Joining Forsyth for the recital are Chialing Hsieh on piano, Paul Forsyth on saxophone and Sofia Tchetchelashvili on viola.
Campus events and activities for Sept. 27 – Oct. 3
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Sept. 27 – Oct. 3 at Northwestern State University. Sept. 27 – Modern in Motion XIV Gala, Alost Hall, 2 p.m. Sept. 29 – Fall Career Day, Friedman Student Union Ballroom, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sept. 29 – NSU Wind Symphony, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. # Sept. 30 – Leah Forsyth Faculty Recital, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. # Oct. 1 – Volleyball vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. Oct.
Northwestern State Wind Symphony to Present “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” Sept. 29
NATCHITOCHES — The Northwestern State University Wind Symphony will open its 2026–27 concert season with a concert titled “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available at nsula.edu/livestream. The program explores the familiar four-part phrase through four works representing different eras, influences and musical traditions.
Farmer, Rennie named to administrative positions in College of Nursing and School of Allied Health
NATCHITOCHES – Rebecca Farmer has been named head of the School of Allied Health and Dr. Melissa Rennie has been named senior director of nursing at Northwestern State University, according to Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Dr. Aimee Badeaux. The appointments are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
NSU Jazz Orchestra concert to feature CAPA Hall of Fame induction
NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. Associate Professor of Music. Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.
Campus events and activities for Sept. 20-26
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Sept. 20-26 at Northwestern State University. Sept. 22 – Modern in Motion XIV Gala, Alost Hall, 6 p.m. Sept. 22 – Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-26 – Modern in Motion XIV, Alost Hall, 6 p.m. Sept. 24 – Soccer vs. Lamar, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 – Louisiana Piano Series International presents Kristín Jónína Taylor, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 – STEM Day, Natchitoches campus.
NSU Theatre and Dance to present "As You Like It" Oct. 1-4
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance will present Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” Oct. 1-4 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-3 each with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 3-4. Tickets are $15.
Establishing Wildlife Food Plots
This time of year, many people are thinking about fall and hunting season. As hot and dry as this summer has been I know I’m ready for it! Probably the main benefit of fall food plots for deer is to lure deer in the open for an adequate deer harvest.
Winners Announced for 2026 NSU Louisiana High School Essay and Creative Visions Contests
NATCHITOCHES – Emmy Habetz of Southside High School in Youngsville has been named first-place winner of the 18th Annual Northwestern State University Louisiana High School Essay Contest.
Modern in Motion XIV set for Sept. 22 and 24-27
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Modern in Motion XIV at Alost Hall on the NSU campus on Sept. 22 and 24-27. The performances are at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 and 24-26 and Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets to the opening Gala performance on Sept. 22 are $50. A reception will follow the performance. The Gala is sponsored by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Tickets to the performances on Sept.
Pianist Kristín Jónína Taylor to present concert at Northwestern State University Sept. 24
NATCHITOCHES – Pianist Kristín Jónína Taylor will present a concert at Northwestern State University on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is part of the Louisiana Piano Series International. Tickets are $20. Northwestern, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D. A livestream will be available at www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE.
Driver education course to be offered Oct. 12-15
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer summer sessions of a 38-hour driver education course Oct. 12-15. Students must be 15 years old on or before Jan. 12, 2027, to take the course. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 2. A mandatory parents meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.
Annual Louisiana Studies Conference remembers Louisiana
NATCHITOCHES – The 18th Annual Louisiana Studies Conference was held this past weekend at Northwestern State University. The conference featured 36 scholars, creative writers and cultural authorities participating in nine separate panels. Conference participants came from Texas and Washington as well as throughout Louisiana. Several of the presenters were NSU faculty, students and alumni.
Graduate student to serve as concertmaster for Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra
NATCHITOCHES – Andrej Balaž will find himself in a new role in a new environment when he steps on stage with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra for its season opening concert on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Balaž is the orchestra’s concertmaster this season. According to orchestra Musical Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, the concertmaster is second in command and responsible for getting the orchestra in tune. “Orchestras have a chain of command,” said Bakenhus.
Campus events and activities for Sept. 13-19
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Sept. 13-19 at Northwestern State University. Sept. 15 – Part-time Job Fair, Friedman Student Union Ballroom, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sept. 15 – Volleyball vs. La. Tech, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 – Middle School All-State Day, Magale Recital Hall, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sept.19 – All-State Day, Magale Recital Hall, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fall Career Day to be held Sept. 29
NATCHITOCHES – The Office of Career Services at Northwestern State University will host its Fall 2026 Career Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The event is open to both undergraduate and graduate students at NSU who would like to meet and connect with prospective employers. Professional attire is required to attend.
Karl Carpenter, Stephanie Hodgdon, Carlos Ortiz IV named to CAPA Hall of Fame
NATCHITOCHES – Karl Carpenter of Pineville and Stephanie Hodgdon and Carlos Ortiz IV of New Orleans will be the 2026-27 inductees into the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame at Northwestern State University. The inductees will be honored at the NSU Jazz Orchestra concert on Thursday, Oct. 1. Each of the inductees will perform during the concert. A reception honoring Carpenter, Hodgdon and Ortiz will follow the event.
Northwestern State welcomes largest freshman class in three years, posts strong retention and full campus housing
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is welcoming its largest entering freshman class in three years this fall, with 1,120 first-time freshmen choosing NSU for fall 2026. The class represents a 6 percent increase over last year and continues a trend of growth in Northwestern State’s traditional student population.
Symposium to focus on issues impacting children and families
NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will host a Louisiana Title IV-E Child Welfare Symposium on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The symposium brings together child welfare professionals, students, community partners and other stakeholders to focus on issues impacting children and families. This year's event will also offer an opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals who are making meaningful contributions to the child welfare field.
Campus events and activities for Sept. 6-12
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Sept. 6-12 at Northwestern State University. Sept. 6 – Soccer vs. Louisiana Tech, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 1 p.m. Sept. 7 – University closed for Labor Day holiday Sept. 8 – University reopens after Labor Day holiday Sept. 8 – Volleyball vs. Jackson State, Prather Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 – Soccer vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 – U.S. Air Force Band of the West, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sept.
Former theatre student Robert Larriviere completes degree more than 30 years after leaving university
NATCHITOCHES – Last year, The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University inducted Robert Larriviere into its Hall of Fame. Receiving that honor pushed Larriviere to take care of some unfinished business – completing his degree. Thirty-six years after starting Northwestern State’s theatre program, Larriviere recently finished his final courses during the summer semester to complete his degree.
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra announces schedule for 2026-27 season
NATCHITOCHES – The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present six concerts and be part of the annual Christmas Gala during its 61st season, which begins on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is the musical director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra. Andrej Kurti is assistant conductor. Sofiko Tchetchelashvili and Karla González Bueno are instructors.
Annual Part-time Job Fair seeks to match NSU looking for jobs with local employers
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Career Center will sponsor its annual Part-Time Job Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. NSU students will be able to connect with local employers offering flexible schedules and opportunities to build skills and gain added income. Employers will also have internship opportunities. All majors and classifications are invited to attend.
Campus events and activities for Aug. 30 – Sept. 5
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of Aug. 30 – Sept. 5 at Northwestern State University. Aug. 14 – Sept. 4 – Art Exhibit, “Faculty in Practice: Explorations in Material, Process, and Form,” Orville J. Hanchey Art Gallery Sept. 1 – Music Faculty Showcase, Magale Recital Hal, 7:30 p.m. # Sept. 2 – Quarterback Club Luncheon, Flying Heart Brewery, 11:30 a.m. ($20 per person) Sept.
NSU announces 2026-27 faculty tenure and promotion list
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University has granted tenure to 11 faculty members and 21 faculty have received promotions effective with the start of the 2026-27 academic year, according to Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel. The tenure and promotion recommendations have been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
Annual Music Faculty Showcase to be presented Sept. 1
NATCHITOCHES – The Department of Music at Northwestern State University will present its annual Faculty Showcase on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available at https://www.nsula.edu/livestream/. Faculty from the voice, strings, winds, keyboard and percussion areas will be performing.
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