Trine students perform with 2026 Intercollegiate Band

Three Trine University students joined college musicians from throughout the state for a performance of the 2026 Intercollegiate Band.

Students Emmett Worman, Eryn Pikus and Luke Weintz joined the group to perform at Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the Indiana Music Educators Association’s annual conference, held Jan. 15-17.

The performance included Humoresque from Symphony No. 2 by Kimberly Archer, “Trio” from Act III of Der Rosencavalier by Richard Strauss and arranged by Jimmie Howard Reynolds, Deciduous by Viet Cuong and La Chancla by Dennis Llinás, DMA, who directed the band.

Llinás is director of bands at the University of Oregon.

“This was an opportunity to work with a guest conductor and composer as well as for our students to reconnect with friends from high school and meet other students from across the state,” said Brad Jopek, DMA, director of the music program at Trine.

Bassoon, horn, tuba

This Intercollegiate Band is hosted only during even-numbered years by the Indiana state chapter of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) during the conference. Students from 15 colleges and universities from across the state of Indiana, including Trine University, participated.

Colleges and universities that send nominations are guaranteed at least two entries and up to a maximum of 15. Students were selected based on instrumentation needs of the ensemble and band director rankings.

Worman, a freshman civil engineering major from Noblesville, Indiana, placed second bassoon, second chair in Intercollegiate Band. He performs with the Trine University Chamber Orchestra as principal bassoon.

Pikus, a junior mechanical engineering major from Carmel, Indiana, placed third horn, second chair in the Intercollegiate Band. She performs with the Trine University Sound of Thunder Marching Band as mellophone section leader and the Trine University Wind Ensemble as principal French horn. 

Weintz, a junior civil engineering major from Cincinnati, Ohio, placed fourth chair tuba in the Intercollegiate Band. At Trine University, he is the tuba section leader and music arranger in the Sound of Thunder Marching Band, bass trombone in the Trine University Jazz Band and principal tuba in the Trine University Wind Ensemble.

“I am extremely proud of our students who represented the Trine University Music Program,” said Jopek. “Being selected for this ensemble is quite an accomplishment and a testament to the wide-ranging abilities and interests our students have here at Trine.

“It highlights the music program’s mission of creating an outlet for non-majors to pursue and build their musicianship skills during their higher education career and beyond as a life-long hobby.  In addition, it reinforces the university mission statement of ‘providing intellectual and personal development through professionally focused and formative learning opportunities, preparing students to succeed, lead and serve.’ ”