The Theta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Northwestern State University recently made a donation of $2,500 to the Natchitoches Central High School Band Boosters to support the band program.
“The Theta Nu Chapter wanted to aid the growing band program at Natchitoches Central because we believe that the students deserve to have a quality music education and access to quality equipment in good, working condition,” said Chapter President Jake English, who is from Taylor, Texas. “In doing so, we hope to be an example to others and we encourage people to support the band program, whether it be financially or by any other means they are able.”
English said the chapter plans to continue supporting the NCHS band program.
“It is important to support your local music programs in order to provide and allow children to experience music and all the benefits that come with a love for music,” said English. “Kappa Kappa Psi is an organization that promotes the existence and welfare of college and university bands and we believe that service to the college or university band program fosters responsibility, loyalty and leadership.”
Kappa Kappa Psi is a co-educational fraternal organization that advances college and university bands for the benefit of its members and society through dedicated service and support to bands, encouragement of musical growth, lifelong educational experiences, leadership opportunities and recognition.
Kudos, Kappa Kappa Psi. Keep supporting public school music programs. If organizations like yours don’t, no one else will.
A very kind gesture, but there could and should be some responsibility of the School Board to provide money for music programs and other cultural programs including art, drama, and music. NCHS, for years, had the first Radio and TV program (BESE approved curriculum) in the State, but now there is nothing. Caddo and Bossier added a similar program after visiting and checking out our program. NHS and NCHS once had an outstanding Speech-Drama-Broadcasting department; it gave non-athletes a place for success and also provided a service to the school. Oh well, I assume it wasn’t important to the new administrators and school board.
Art, drama, music, and debate aren’t covered on the standardized tests. And really, isn’t it better to prepare our students for careers in the NFL, NBA, and other professional sports? That Michael Jordan fellow sure made a lot of money, didn’t he?
This is a very kind thing to do for NCHS band. Private lessons could prove to be beneficial to the students as well. It would be nice to see the students of NCHS Band competing, like most other schools in the concert and marching contest. Northwestern usually host these contest.
What a good idea! Wonder if the university could give music majors credit hours for giving private lessons? And if the NSU leadership could assist with a band camp during the summer?