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 and Ivy Tech Community College are expanding their partnership to allow more Ivy Tech graduates to seamlessly transfer into Trine University bachelor’s degree programs.
Low-income residents or those with disabilities or limited English proficiency can once again get their taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost this spring through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program hosted by Trine University.
Trine University has received a $200,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help the university explore various challenges and opportunities arising from rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and guide their integration into curricula.