(FORT WAYNE) Three students from Trine University were among elite college musicians from across Indiana chosen to perform with the 2026 Intercollegiate Band.
Emmett Worman, Eryn Pikus and Luke Weintz performed at the historic Embassy Theatre during the annual conference of the Indiana Music Educators Association, held Jan. 15-17.
The concert program featured Humoresque from Symphony No. 2 by Kimberly Archer; the "Trio" from Act III of Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, arranged by Jimmie Howard Reynolds; Deciduous by Viet Cuong; and La Chancla by Dennis Llinas, who served as guest conductor. Llinas is director of bands at the University of Oregon.
"This was an opportunity to work with a guest conductor and composer, reconnect with friends from high school, and meet students from across the state," said Brad Jopek, director of the music program at Trine.
The Intercollegiate Band is hosted during even-numbered years by Indiana's chapter of the College Band Directors National Association. Students from 15 colleges and universities statewide participated. Schools that submit nominations are guaranteed at least two performers, with selections based on ensemble instrumentation needs and director rankings.
Worman, a freshman civil engineering major from Noblesville, earned second bassoon, second chair honors. He also performs as principal bassoon with the Trine University Chamber Orchestra.
Pikus, a junior mechanical engineering major from Carmel, placed third horn, second chair. She serves as mellophone section leader in the Sound of Thunder Marching Band and is principal French horn in the Trine University Wind Ensemble.
Weintz, a junior civil engineering major from Cincinnati, Ohio, placed fourth chair tuba. At Trine, he is tuba section leader and music arranger for the Sound of Thunder Marching Band, bass trombonist in the Trine University Jazz Band, and principal tuba in the Wind Ensemble.
"I am extremely proud of our students who represented the Trine University Music Program," Jopek said. "Being selected for this ensemble is a significant accomplishment and highlights our mission of providing opportunities for non-majors to develop their musicianship alongside their academic studies."