Peter Weinert

Trine University – Jannen School of Arts and Sciences
B.Mus., B.Mus.Ed., Kansas State University; M.Mus.Ed., Ph.D., University of Kansas
260.665.4408 | weinertp@trine.edu

My extended family is very musical, so music has always been a part of our lives. I first became interested in the trombone because my grandfather played the trombone when he served in the Navy during WWII. Every family function involved music of some sort, so it naturally became part of my life. I have been fortunate to have a career where I can be connected to music.

When I was still a student, I had an opportunity to teach trombone lessons to beginners and loved helping them take a new concept, learn it, improve and then be excited to keep going. I am passionate about supporting student improvement as they meet their musical goals and connect to music in new ways.

I started my career teaching fifth- through 12^th-grade band in Pratt, a rural town in western Kansas. I then taught at Maize South in Wichita, Kansas. At both locations, I taught all aspects of band, from beginners in 5th grade through seniors. I taught concert band, marching band, jazz band, chamber ensembles—anything that involved band.

Trine was an opportunity to connect with students and make music. Since we do not have music majors, every student is choosing to be in an ensemble. Working with so many students who are choosing to be here and helping them meet their musical goals is very rewarding. Additionally, one of the strengths of Trine is its focus on undergraduates, meaning I can build relationships with those students, one of the primary reasons I am a teacher.

I hope my students first feel they are in a place where the instructors and their classmates care about them as people. Second, I hope they gain a sense of musical fulfillment. Third, I look to broaden their musical experiences. Finally, I intend to provide them tools that will help them be successful in all areas of their lives.

Outside of teaching music, I enjoy cooking, especially trying new recipes. I go on lots of walks and like to explore new places. I play board games and card games and enjoy watching college sports (especially my alma maters). Finally, I like to travel.