Music Programs
For incoming students interested in participating in our ensembles for the Fall 2026 semester, please complete the following form. Questions can be directoed to Dr. Jopek at jopekb@trine.edu.
Performing Ensembles Scholarship
Trine University is pleased to offer to eligible music students the Performing Ensembles Scholarship to all music ensemble performers regardless of major. To be eligible, complete the Performing Ensembles Scholarship application.
There is no audition necessary. If you have had experience performing in a large ensemble at your high school and fill out the Music Scholarship Information form you do not need a letter from your director. If you have never played in a large ensemble please submit a letter of recommendation from a private teacher or contact our music department office for an interview. The amount of scholarship for each ensemble per year is listed below. Only one scholarship is available regardless of the number of ensembles taken.
The Ensembles at Trine University
Our ensembles meet at different times, allowing students to participate in more than one ensemble, and are led by faculty who have performed or worked in the professional music field. Most ensembles are not auditioned and are open to all ability levels and majors; however, they have placement exams at the beginning of each semester to assess ability levels and assign appropriate parts.
Sound of Thunder Marching Band
The Trine University "Sound of Thunder" Marching Band is one of eight private university marching bands in the state of Indiana and one of seven within the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association conference. Performing at all home football games, events on campus and the surrounding community during the fall semester, the Sound of Thunder marches using roll-step and a mixture of point-to-point and squad-style corps marching. Membership includes students from all majors on campus, performing as instrumentalists, color guard, drumline, front ensemble and twirlers. Rehearsals include a week of band camp before the fall semester, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday mornings on game days from 9:30-11 a.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a member of the Sound of Thunder? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
University Band
The University Band rehearses during the spring semester on Mondays and Fridays from 4-5:45 p.m. Repertoire includes a mixture of standard and contemporary compositions for wind band, chamber music, transcriptions and lighter music. Two performances each semester include residencies with guest conductors and composers, providing students the opportunity to work with respected individuals within the wind band field. Additional performances include university commencement in May, collaborations with the university theatre program and within the local community.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Band? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Pep Band
The Trine University Pep Band is a year-round ensemble supporting Thunder Athletics at all home men's and women's basketball games and select hockey games. Rehearsals are on Fridays from 4-5 p.m. in the fall semester, and on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. in the spring semester. Basketball games typically occur on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, with select hockey games on Friday evenings. Students are expected to perform in at least one or two games each week, with additional performances earning extra credit. Repertoire includes a variety of musical styles from the 1950s to the 21st Century!
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the pep band? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
University Jazz Bands
The University Jazz Bands are offered year-round and perform a variety of styles, including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and many others. The University Big Band features a 1940s rhythm section, saxophones, trombones and trumpets. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Students interested in honing their improvisation skills are encouraged to join Jazz Combo, a group featuring four to five students that rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45-7 p.m. Both ensembles perform one concert per semester, with an additional performance in the spring semester at the annual Scholarship Gala.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Jazz Bands? Please email Professor Brian Derek (derekb@trine.edu) for more information.
University Choir
The University Choir is open to all university students regardless of prior experience: however, previous vocal experience is preferred. The ensemble includes soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices, with opportunities for auditioned solos throughout the year. Members are introduced to a broad spectrum of cultures through choral literature and vocal techniques. Performances happen twice per semester. The choir rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45-7:15 p.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the University Choir? Please email Dr. Geoffrey North (northg@trine.edu) for more information.
Trine University Chamber Orchestra
The Trine University Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble including university students, faculty and community members. In the fall semester, the Chamber Orchestra presents two concerts, featuring the annual Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Spectacular. During the spring semester, the orchestra performs a single concert focusing on standard and contemporary repertoire for string and full orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m.
Interested in learning about or becoming a members of the Chamber Orchestra? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
Applied Studies in Music
Applied studies in music are individual lessons with exceptional music faculty in voice, strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical/electric guitar, electric bass), keyboard (piano, organ), woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students of all ability levels and musical styles are welcome to schedule a lesson. The goal of applied studies in music is to make students better musicians by the end of the semester. Individual lessons are 30 minutes long and happen for 15 weeks. They are scheduled at a convenient time for the student and the instructor. For non-music minors, the final exam is an informal performance for the applied studies instructor. For music minors, the final exam is an informal performance for the applied studies instructor and two music faculty members.
Interested in learning about applied studies in music? Please email Dr. Brad Jopek (jopekb@trine.edu) for more information.
T. Furth Center for Performing Arts
The T. Furth Center for Performing Arts is the home of the Trine University Music Department. We are very excited that the music ensembles at Trine University are located in a grand, historic building that is a state-of-the-art performance venue and a cultural icon for northeast Indiana.