Dr. Jeff Bright, director of bands for Northeastern State University, recently announced the school would offer scholarship funds to any student who makes Oklahoma’s All-Star Centennial Band.

“Any student in the All-Star Band who attends Northeastern State will receive $500 per semester or $1,000 per year, provided they are accepted into our university,” said Bright. “And there would be the possibility that the amount could be increased, based on talent and need.”

NSU joins other universities in Oklahoma in providing financial incentives to the outstanding young musicians who will be part of the Centennial All-Star Band experience. Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford is offering a minimum of $500 per semester for band members; Southern Nazarene University in Bethany is offering $1,000 per academic year.

Marc Wade, also a THS sophomore percussionist chosen for the band, feels the direction of the staff helps prepare THS Orange Express students for success.

“We have an exceptional band here,” he said. “Other bands don’t really go to the competitions like we do. Mr. Price is always making calls and encourages us to participate competitively.”

Marc wasn’t deterred by the stiff competition, as not many percussionists participated in the tryout location he chose. Organizers held three separate tryouts in various places across the state.

“Surprisingly, we didn’t have that many tryout where I did,” he said. “I did get kind of nervous, though. The judges asked me to play a cadence and a bunch of rudiments I hadn’t done since marching season. But I made it.”

Paul Holman, president of the Tournament of Roses Parade, announced the Sstate of Oklahoma will be represented in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade with two floats and the 150-member All-Star Centennial Band. Plans are for the band to participate in the opening ceremonies, and it will be the first marching band to lead the parade on New Year’s Day.

Blanche was going to attend the parade last year with a relative, but plans fell through.

“I think it will be cool because, on New Year’s Day, you’ll turn on the TV and [the parade] will be what’s showing,” she said.

Price will attend all events of the All-Star Centennial Band, serving in a number of capacities.

“I’ll be working as a chaperone and assistant director of some sort,” said Price. “Of course, the highlight will be the Rose Parade, but we will have a number of other opportunities to perform throughout the year.”

According to Price, all members of the band will receive a uniform and new Yamaha instruments to play during their tenure, all of which are being funded by the state centennial commission.

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