Karter Menard, a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University, will spend his Summer traveling the country with Louisiana’s premiere drum and bugle corps.

Menard has been selected for the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, features 154 student musicians and performers. Based in Lafayette, the marching ensemble is comprised of brass bugles, drum line and color guard.

“This year for me is a great honor to be one of the drum majors because this corps was founded by my old high school band director,” Menard said. “Ever since this was started in 2014, I had high aspirations to be with this group.”

Members of the corps will spend weeks perfecting a 9-12 minute performance before hitting the road, traveling across the south and mid-west, competing against other corps. In early August, the Louisiana Stars and other corps will compete at the Drum Corps International World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

As assistant drum major, Menard will support the Head Drum Major with leadership responsibilities, will participate on the Member Leadership team, as well as help keep a positive rehearsal atmosphere. The Assistant Drum Major works directly under the Head Drum Major and takes on any conducting responsibilities as assigned.

“The best part about Stars is watching the growth of everyone in the corps; we all get better not only as musicians and performers, but as people. In my last two years with this organization, I have become a stronger leader, musician, and overall person.”

The sophomore from Delcambre, Louisiana is an accomplished musician and is also a member of NSU’s Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band. He plays clarinet, Bari Sax, Tenor sax, Euphonium, and is currently learning bass guitar.

The mission of the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps is to provide a superior educational performing arts program, representing Louisiana throughout the United States, to give youth an opportunity to develop musical skills, social skills, and partnership skills. Students will develop a greater sense of responsibility, teamwork, work ethic, sacrifice, dedication, respect, and loyalty.