Mr. Cody Thurber has served as the Director of Bands at Natchitoches Central High School since July 2022. Under his leadership, the “Pride of the Tribe” has seen significant growth and achievement across both marching and concert ensembles.

In marching band, Mr. Thurber has led the ensemble to Superior ratings at the 2025 Many Marching Festival, alongside notable growth in student participation and membership. The ensemble returned to Classic on the Cane in 2025, earning straight “Excellent” ratings. Most recently, the NCHS Marching Band received an invitation to perform at the inaugural Disney’s Celebration of Bands in November 2025—an honor extended to select programs nationwide.

In the concert band realm, Mr. Thurber’s ensembles consistently excel at festival evaluations. NCHS earned a Sweepstakes Award in 2023 at the LMEA District Festival, and has maintained consistent “Excellent” ratings at festivals across Louisiana. In 2025, the program achieved a major milestone when 16 students were selected for the LMEA District II Honor Band, the largest number in recent school history.

Prior to his time at NCHS, Mr. Thurber completed his student-teaching residency with the Live Oak High School Band in Denham Springs, Louisiana, where the concert band earned “Best in Class” at Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Thurber attended Louisiana State University from August 2017 to May 2022, earning a Bachelor of Music Education. While at LSU, he was a five-year member of the Golden Band from Tigerland and Bengal Brass Basketball Band, serving as trombone section leader from 2020–2022. He studied privately with internationally acclaimed trombonist Dr. Hana Beloglavec, and performed in Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Trombone Choir, and the “I Digress” Trombone Quartet. He is an alumnus of the Beta Gamma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.

He concluded his collegiate career being named the Tiger Band “Most Outstanding Bandsman” for the 2021–2022 season—one of the program’s highest honors.

Ms. Toney has sereved as the Associate Band Director at Natchitoches Central since July 2022.  Prior to this, Ms. Toney served as a Student Teacher at Natchitoches Central High School under the leadership of Coach John Daughtery.  

Ms. Toney attended Northwestern State University from August 2018 until May 2022 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Secondary Education and a concentration in Social Studies.  She was a four-year member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching and Concert Bands.  During her time in the SON, Ms. Toney served as the piccolo section leader for the 2020 and 2021 marching seasons.  

In Spring 2023, Toney assumed the role of interim flagline coach at NCHS, and was appointed to the position full time in April 2024, a position she held until April 2025. 

Ms. Toney continues to serve in the role as Associate Director of Bands, aiming to foster consistent, intentional student growth. 

Natchitoches Central HS is excited to welcome Ryne Bates to the Band Department staff in the role of Flagine and Winterguard Coach! Mr. Bates comes to NCHS after an accomplished career as a performer with the NSU Demon Heat, which concluded as one of the student leaders for the group. Mr. Bates joined the NCHS Band Staff for the 2024 marching band season in the role of choreographer, and continued through the Winterguard season, co-teaching with NCHS Associate D.O.B. Emmaleigh Toney. 

A message from Mr. Bates: 

Hey there! My name is Ryne Bates and I am from Hooks, Texas. I am very excited to be working with NCHS Tribal Fire Colorguard this season as a choreographer. I have been doing colorguard for 5 years and I currently march with Northwestern State University Demon Heat. I have always had a passion for colorguard and I strive to share my love for the sport with as many individuals as I can. Colorguard has always played a pivotal role in my life and I hope that I can help inspire others to enjoy being a part of colorguard in the same way I have.

Mr. Cormier is an accomplished jazz artist and dedicated music educator, currently serving as the band director at Natchitoches Jr High. With a rich background in music performance, Mr. Cormier holds a distinguished degree that has fueled a vibrant career both on and off the stage  

As a low brass specialist, Mr. Cormier brings a unique expertise to their teaching and performances. This specialization is showcased in his role as a prominent member of the Last Minute Big Band, where their dynamic performances and intricate improvisations have earned widespread acclaim. 

Balancing the roles of educator and performer, Mr. Cormier inspires young musicians with the same passion and dedication that defines their own musical journey. At NJH, Mr. Cormier not only directs the band but also fosters a love for music in students, encouraging them to explore their own musical potential. 

In May of 2024, Mr. Cormier joined the NCHS Band Staff. 

Dr. Samuel Stokes, Jazz Instructor for the Natchitoches Community Jazz Band, holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition/Arranging, a Master of Arts in Music Composition from the University of Central Missouri, a Master of Music Theory from Florida State University, and a PhD in Music Composition from Louisiana State University. He currently teaches piano and vocal music in the Talented Music Program for Natchitoches Parish Schools and serves as a music composition instructor at Northwestern State University. An accomplished composer and arranger, Dr. Stokes has created numerous works for marching band, jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, theatre productions, and musicals, many of which have been performed nationally. His music has been featured in concerts, competitions, commercials, video games, and even on The Dr. Demento Show. With a rich background in performance on piano, percussion, and cello, as well as leadership in music direction, Dr. Stokes brings extensive experience and creativity to his role as jazz educator.

Mr. Heard is currently a student at Northwestern State University, pursuing a Bachelor's in Music Education. Before he came to Natchitoches, he served as the drumline and front ensemble section leader for his alma mater, Zachary High School. During this period, he performed in all four concert and jazz bands, receiving the John Philip Sousa Band Award in 2023. Additionally, he was in the choir and earned a spot in the LMEA All-State Mixed Chorus, receiving the Academic All-State award. Outside of school, he was a member of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021. 

At NSU, he is a memer of the percussion studio under Dr. Oliver Molina. He performs in the wind symphony, percussion ensemble, steel band, jazz combo, and the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band in the front ensemble and drumline. He taught last summer at Zachary High, and is incredibly excited to teach at NCHS this Summer. 

Mr. Heard joined the NCHS Band Staff in May of 2024 in the role of percussion technician.