October 15, 2024
Brad Jopek, DMA, an experienced music director and conductor, has joined Trine University
as its new director of the music program and assistant professor of music.
In his new role, Dr. Jopek will direct the university bands, including the Sound of Thunder Marching Band, athletic pep band, wind ensemble and chamber orchestra, and teach courses within the music curriculum.
Darrin Wilcox, Ph.D., dean of the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences, said Dr. Jopek brings experience with a broad range of ensembles.
“Dr. Jopek has worked with all sizes and styles of musical groups, which will be ideal for the variety of opportunities we offer at Trine. He also brings a strong network of resources in college-level music,” Dr. Wilcox said. “I’m very excited to see him lead Trine’s music programs to the next level of excellence.”
“I’m honored to join an institution with Trine University’s rich history and commitment to making a cultural impact on its students and the local community,” Dr. Jopek said. “I look forward to sharing outstanding musical performances with the university and northeast Indiana.”
About Brad Jopek
Dr. Jopek also serves as the executive administrator of the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA).
He previously was the music and artistic director of River Cities Concert Band in Louisville, Kentucky; music director at Ashton United Methodist Church in Ashton, Maryland; and co-interim Music Director of the Maryland Community Band.
He was a graduate assistant with the University of Maryland Bands program as a graduate conductor and beginning instrumental conducting instructor.
He volunteered as assistant conductor at the University of Louisville, including conducting the University Symphony Orchestra at the 62nd Annual College Music Society conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and annual Halloween Spooktacular.
He led rehearsals for the University Sinfonietta performances for the 2019 and 2020 Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Intercollegiate Choir, Concerto Competition and High School String Academy. He also served as assistant conductor and operations manager for the 2019 University of Louisville Sinfonietta Costa Rica tour and collaboration with the Instituto Costarricense Pro Música Coral, celebrating their 25th anniversary.
During his time as assistant conductor of the University of Louisville Saxophone Ensemble, the ensemble was featured at the 2017 KMEA Conference, presenting student arrangements of standard wind and orchestral repertoire. In addition, he volunteered with the University of Louisville Community Band as assistant conductor and percussionist.
Dr. Jopek holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Grove City College, two Master of Music degrees from the University of Louisville in wind and orchestral conducting, and a Doctor of Music Arts in wind conducting from the University of Maryland.
Trine University’s first Associate of Science and Master of Science in nursing graduates, along with physician assistant and surgical technology graduates, received a welcome to the healthcare field from the leader of Cameron Health, herself a longtime nurse, during the university’s fall Commencement on Dec. 12.
Trine University’s Thunder Therapy Clinic, which provides pro-bono rehabilitation services to those in the Fort Wayne area with limited means, will offer occupational therapy beginning in January.
Six Trine University civil engineering seniors and two faculty members toured a cement plant and the Newburgh Lock and Dam, learned about the Ohio River Crossing project and traveled to bridge construction sites during a senior trip in November.