Save for the Blockbuster halftime performance by Ouachita Parish High School's band Saturday, the gridiron match-up of Tulane vs. Tulsa on Saturday was almost a melancholy affair.

For the record, nomadic Tulane was the "home" team, if playing at Malone Stadium in Monroe can be called home for the Green Wave.  It's not, of course.  But home is where you hang your helmet, as Tulane has learned since Hurricane Katrina closed the New Orleans campus and sent its athletic teams scurrying to find accommodations with any friendly port in the storm...

In their halftime performance, the Ouachita High band members offered a tribute to New Orleans, an effort that gave the same crowd something to cheer about....

                                                      News-Star Editorial
                                                      "Best of luck to old Tulane"
                                                      November 21, 2005

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Mr. Randall + Mr. Lindsey + Pride of Ouachaita Band,

I never have the opportunity to view your halftime shows.  I had an opportunity to see the show that took place at ULM last night on the Inside Ouachita Football program.  Your program has it goin' on!  Nice job.

Sicerely,

Coach Fenske

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Ouachita Parish High School Band:

Congratulations on your superior performance at District Marching Festival.  You should be proud of this accomplishment.  All of the extra hours you put into preparing your show really paid off.  I know that your band directors, parents, and school are very proud of you for representing them in such a manner, and I'm proud that we have band programs of this caliber in the area.  I trust that you will continue to pursue your musical endeavors striving always to maintain these high standards.

Yours truly,

Joey Culpepper

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Directors & Band,

It was a pleasure to watch you compete in the marching festival.  You were truly deserving of your sweepstakes trophy and superior ratings.  It made me proud to see that you value superior ratings, as did those of us who came before you.  Keep up the good work!

Pollye Tillman

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Dear Jon:

             I am a 1966 graduate of OPHS and a former member of the band. In fact, I was a member of the band in the early sixties when we were honered to represent  the State of Louisiana at the inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson. Oh, what memories.

            This past Friday, I attended the Ouachita-Ruston football game, the first time I have been to a home game in years. Much to my enjoyment, I listened and watched my old band march, perform and participate in the game. While many things have changted with the appearance and decorum of the band since I was a member, I was very much impressed with sound, professionalism and show the band put on. I was proud to be a band alumni. Please pass on to your members my crongratulations for an outstanding performance at the game, both on the field and in the stands.

                                                                                           Very truly yours,
                                                                                           Kirby O. Price
                                                                                           Class of 1966

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Dear OPHS Band,

Sincerely,

John Barnes