School of Arts & Sciences
Bands and Instrumental Music
Join the NWOSU Bands!
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers all the opportunities that can be found at any large university combined with the friendliness and warmth of a small college.
The Pride of the Ranger Nation Marching Band / Symphonic Band rehearses from 3:00 to 4:40 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The NWOSU athletic bands perform at home football games, basketball games, rallies, and other events as requested. The class code is MUSI 3131. It is a one-credit class open to all students, regardless of major, and participation scholarships are available.
The Ranger Jazz Ensemble is available for advanced musicians with the approval of NWOSU Director of Bands. Rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:40 p.m. The Northwestern Jazz Ensemble performs multiple times throughout each semester. The class code is MUSI 4151. It is a one-credit class open to students from any major, and participation scholarships are available.
Whether you plan to major in music or you simply want to continue playing during your university years, you’ll find participating in the bands at Northwestern to be an exciting and rewarding experience. Join the Ranger Band family as we work together to sound great, look wonderful, and feel amazing. REGISTER BELOW!
Participation Scholarships are available to ALL students:
All Rangers, regardless of major, are eligible for participation scholarships to be involved in any ensembles in our program. Northwestern Oklahoma State University provides a $1,250 scholarship ($625 per semester) to all students participating in the Pride / Wind Ensemble and a $750 scholarship ($375 per semester) for participating in the Northwestern Jazz Ensemble. Musicians performing with both groups receive $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester).
If you are interested in additional scholarship money please contact the faculty member over your area of interest.
Additional scholarships are also available each year through application. If you are interested in additional scholarship money, please reach out for more information!
Pride of the Ranger Nation Marching Band Camp 2025
Band Camp is a crucial part of band development and is required of all band members. It begins Friday, August 8th, for the RMB Drumline; Saturday, August 9th, for Color Guard and Leadership; and Monday, August 11, for all others. A complete itinerary will be posted and sent to the band members in July.
For those living in university housing, you will be allowed to move into the residence halls early during band camp at no additional cost. If you will be living on campus, please check the appropriate box on the form below to move into the dorms early. NWOSU will provide all meals during band camp.
There is a $40 band camp fee due by the start of band camp. This one-time fee offsets some of the expenses of the marching program, such as uniform dry-cleaning and food during the week of camp. Make checks payable to NWOSU Ranger Band.
2025 Pride of the Ranger Nation Marching Band Music
Sheet Music and Recordings Click this link to access!
We will be performing a lot of fun and exciting music in Fall of 2025! Please take time to download your parts and the recordings, so you can be ready for this wonderful athletic season!
Register for NWOSU Bands 2025 Here!
Alexander "Xan" Perkins
Instructor of Instrumental Music
Director of Bands
Ryerson Hall 304
Northwestern-Alva
(580) 327-8191
Performance Groups
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Pride of the Ranger Nation Marching Band / Concert Band
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Ranger Jazz Ensemble
Scholarships
All band participants who are full-time students qualify for up to a $2,000 annual scholarship. This is renewable each year.
The following Foundation/Departmental Scholarships must be applied for by February 5.
- The Alton and Betty Zimmerman Vocal Scholar Award is presented to an outstanding incoming freshman-vocalist who is planning to major in vocal music performance or vocal music education. The award is renewable each year for up to four years.
- The Blackford-Funk Scholarship, established in memory of Gladys A. (Blackford) Funk, class of 1915, is intended for a piano major.
- The Charles fisher Scholarship is to be awarded to a full-time continuing instrumental music or music education major. This scholarship is intended to be awarded to one student, and be applied toward university-related expenses.
- The Donovan and Dorothy Reichenberger Vocal Scholar Award is presented to a continuing vocal music student or an outstanding incoming freshman who is planning to major in vocal music performance or vocal music education. The award is renewable each year for four years.
- The Doris Cooley Scholarship is intended for a music major from any performance medium, and is given in memory of Mrs. Cooley who was the wife of Rev. Raymond Cooley, former pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Alva.
- The Dorothy Reichenberger Memorial Scholarship is to be awarded to a continuing student or an incoming freshman who meets the admission standards and the scholarship selection criteria set forth by Northwestern’s music faculty. The candidate must participate in the vocal or instrumental music program.
- The Earl & Margie Brunkest Estate Music Scholarship is intended for a full-time student majoring in music. This scholarship will be applied toward university-related expenses including tuition, books, fees, room or board.
- The Electa Lee Frieden Scholarship is given in honor of Mrs. Frieden, wife of Mr. Dale Frieden. Mr. Dale Frieden was one of the first trustees of the Northwestern Foundation, and past chairman of the Board of Trustees. Because of her support of the Foundation and her interest in music, the Frieden Scholarship is intended for a student who makes a worthy contribution to the music program.
- The Fred Neuman Scholarship is intended for a music major who graduated from Alva High School. Fred Neuman was the choir director at Alva for many years and his former students established this scholarship fund.
- The Joan Talley Fisher Scholarship is intended for a full-time student majoring in instrumental or vocal music.
- The Kenneth and Sue Fellers Family Scholarship is awarded to a full-time music major in odd years and to a math or science major in even years. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a continuing student, with a preference given to students residing in Northwest Oklahoma. Kenneth Fellers, a 1963 math and physics graduate, wishes to assist student in math, physical or biological science. Sue Fellers, a 1964 music graduate, wishes to assist students in music.
- The Oscar Stover Scholarship is intended for a member or members who make a significant contribution to the Ranger Band. It is presented in memory of Oscar Stover, distinguished faculty member and Music Department Chairman from 1960 until his retirement in 1976. The Director of Instrument Music selects the student recipients of this award.
- The Ruth Marie Genuit Scholarship is intended for a vocal major. The recipient is selected by audition with the music faculty. The award is given in memory of Ruth Genuit who was a member of the music faculty from 1942 until her retirement in 1971.
- The Shirley Family Music Scholarship is to be awarded to a continuing full-time student. This student is not required to be a music major or minor, but participation in band is required. First consideration will be given to the applicant with the highest financial need.
- The Frankie Rogers Baxter Scholarship is to be awarded in Fall of Odd years to a Fine Arts major, who is full-time student at the Alva campus, native Oklahoman, and with a 3.0 or higher. The scholarship is named after George T. and Frankie Rogers Baxter and alternates between the Fine Arts and Science/Math Departments.
Careers for Degree
What Can I Do with a Music Degree?
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Student Learning Outcomes
Student Outcomes in Each Major
Bachelor of Arts, Music
The graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in music will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the elements of music, the theory of music, and competence in aural skills by sight and sound.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history of music.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles, philosophy, and methodology of current performance and pedagogy practices.
- Demonstrate performing competence.
- Demonstrate basic piano skills necessary to become successful music performers and/or applied music teachers.
Bachelor of Music
The graduate with a Bachelor of Music will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Perform at the highest possible level in his/her primary performance medium.
- Understand the basic elements and structures of music history, theory, and performance literature.
- Teach essential elements of music and music performance.
- Demonstrate functional piano performance skills.
- Understand music’s relationship to the other arts, and how the arts relate to mankind.
- Use technology in appropriate musical applications.
- Communicate the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic qualities of music to a diverse society.
Bachelor of Music Education
The graduate with a Bachelor of Music Education will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Teach essential elements of music and music performance at elementary and secondary school levels.
- Understand the basic elements and structures of music history, theory, and performance literature.
- Perform with appropriate tone, technique, and musicality in his/her primary performance medium.
- Demonstrate functional piano performance skills.
- Understand music’s relationship to the other arts, and how the arts relate to mankind.
- Use technology in appropriate musical applications.
- Communicate the intellectual, emotional and aesthetic qualities of music to a diverse society.
Tuba Christmas
Celebrate the season with the warmth and power of low brass!
Join us for NWOSU’s annual TubaChristmas, a beloved tradition bringing together tuba and euphonium players from across the region to perform classic holiday carols in a joyful, family-friendly event. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a returning alum, or picking up your horn for the first time in years, all are welcome to participate.
Event Details
Date: December 6th, 2025
Performance Time/Location: 3 PM - Downtown Alva Square at the Woods County Courthouse outdoor stage
Admission: Free and open to the public
Who Can Participate?
TubaChristmas is open to tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, and baritone players of all ages and skill levels.
Students, community members, band directors, amateurs, and professionals are all encouraged to join the fun.
Registration Information
Participant Registration Time/Location: 12:30-1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church - 628 Church St, Alva, OK 73717
Rehearsal Time/Location: 1-2 PM at the First Presbyterian Church - 628 Church St, Alva, OK 73717
Music: Participants should bring their Carols for a Merry TubaChristmas book (treble or bass clef). Books will also be available for purchase on-site while supplies last
What to Bring:
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To participate in the TubaChristmas event, you must pay a registration fee of $15
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Instrument (decorations optional but encouraged!)
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Folding stand for performance (if needed). Manhasset stands will be available for rehearsal
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Pencil
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Holiday spirit
Performance
Invite your family, friends, and community members to enjoy a heartwarming holiday concert featuring classic Christmas carols—performed by an ensemble of rich, resonant low brass voices.
TubaChristmas Merchandise
Participants can purchase official TubaChristmas scarves, hats, and books on site while supplies last. Great for festive photos and yearly traditions!
Visit the official website or more information: https://tubachristmas.com/
Parking & Directions
Parking will be free (street parking) but limited near the performance and revenues so park anywhere you can!
Questions?
Contact:
Xan Perkins
Director of Bands, NWOSU
Email: agperkins@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8191
