Date:
8/29/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Shane Brown
PORTALES – Eastern New Mexico University has more members in its band than it has had in 20 years. The band has 75 members now, 44 of them freshmen. Last year, there were 44 members.
The increase in size is due to high school recruiting and good communication with students, according to Director of Bands Dustin Seifert. He said that ENMU's academic reputation, beautiful campus, and band program attract many students to Portales.
As of now, the band's main focus is the halftime show at ENMU football games. "We'll be doing different shows for every game . The new size will improve the impact of the music," Seifert said. After football season the band will concentrate on Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band concerts for the rest of the year.
With all the new members one would think that things would be difficult to adjust to, but Seifert says it's just the opposite. "Things are running smoothly; the growth empowers the students with responsibility. Most of the older students take on leadership roles," Seifert says.
According to Seifert, New Mexico State Chair of the National Band Association, his goal for the band is to consistently produce quality musical entertainment. "We'll take the 75 we have and put on the highest quality show possible. We have high expectations for the future, and expect continued growth and improvement."
ENMU Bands Website: www.enmu.edu/academics/undergrad/colleges/finearts/music/bands/index.shtml
ENMU's band has increased from 44 members last year to 75 this year.
(photo by Richard Salas)