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General Information

School of Music

Montana State University P.O. Box 173420 Bozeman MT 59717-3420 Tel: (406) 994-3562 Fax: (406) 994-6656 Location: Howard Hall

Director of Athletic Bands

Nathan Stark 135 Howard Hall Tel: 994-5759 bands@montana.edu
Stephen Versaevel 133 Howard Hall Tel: 994-5757 stephen.versaevel@montana.edu
School Of Music

Letter from the Director of Spirit of the West

Dear SOTW Members, Let me start by thanking you for your interest or continued involvement in SOTW. I hope you all have some time to relax this summer before an exciting fall at MSU. On a personal note, I am thrilled to be back again as director of such a great group of musicians and fun people!

In 2012 we will continue to follow the path that we began last year. I believe that the marching band experience is best when the music and drill are both interesting and challenging enough to encourage the members of the band to take pride and ownership in their production. We are going to rely on student leadership to an even greater degree this year to help make even the rehearsals something that all of us look forward to and enjoy.

With this in mind, our first show will be the most challenging of the year as we take advantage of good weather and band camp to learn advanced music and drill. I will not divulge any specifics here, but the music will be arranged especially for the SOTW and will capture the imagination of the band and audience alike. Our later show(s) are intended to be more relaxed and fun. We will continue the tradition of incorporating the winners of band camp “skit night” into our shows—thanks again to the Mellophones for “Let’s Do the Drill Down Again” and the Drumline for “Great Moments in Drumline History”—those were great crowd-pleasers!

We are also pleased to announce a new $50,000 scholarships endowment that is dedicated to the Spirit of the West. This will ensure that our scholarships are well-funded as the band continues to grow. The Montana State football team had an incredible season in 2011, and with so many returning players, we are looking forward to another great year of Bobcat victories!

Please note that in order to receive your full scholarship you must be enrolled in marching band, meet the expectations for performing in the group (including coming to all rehearsals and performances), and attend band camp in the fall. If you have any conflicts, contact me as soon as possible to request an exception. Incoming Freshman are encouraged to attend orientation sessions earlier in the summer to reduce conflicts with marching band, but will be allowed to leave rehearsal for priority events during the week before classes (as are all members).

To find out more about the Spirit of the West and to be entered into a drawing for an ADDITIONAL $500.00 SCHOLARSHIP, pre-register for the band at MSU Friday, New Student Orientation, or using our online form. By doing so, you will be added to our email list and updated with regards to the band camp schedule, student leadership results, and how you can secure your place in the Spirit of the West! Otherwise, please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have.

Looking forward to another great season!

Nathan Stark, D.M.A.

Director of Bands