If there’s a Northwestern music ensemble performing, there’s a good chance you’ll find Dan as part of the group. A trumpeter, he plays in Northwestern’s Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Brass Quintet. He also sings bass in the A cappella Choir and has participated in a worship team.

The right note
“The focus on a Christian education was something that attracted me to Northwestern. The smaller college environment—with a low student-to-faculty ratio, the dorm community, and concern for my personal education—stood out to me when I visited. I also chose Northwestern because of its excellence in music. The quality of the music department and music professors was very evident to me. I knew my education in music at Northwestern would be very beneficial in the future.”

Taking the baton
“Since early high school, God has given me a passion to teach instrumental music. Music was something I loved being involved in, and I enjoyed learning more about it. When it came time to choose a major at college, it was not difficult. With each music or education course I take, I sense that passion and desire to teach music, and that helps me to continue with my music major. The material covered in my courses is providing me with knowledge I will be able to pass on to my music students.”

Practice makes perfect
“I have definitely grown as a musician at Northwestern and been encouraged to strive for excellence in my performance. Each ensemble pursues excellence in musicality, and this makes me concentrate and focus on becoming a better performer myself.”

Music mentors
“The music professors are very knowledgeable in their fields. They are committed to helping students succeed. They are also very willing to spend time talking with you, whether it’s in regard to a class, exam, your future or just shooting the breeze—that is something you would be hard pressed to find at a larger university. The music department is God-centered, acknowledging that we received our gifts in music from God and we should use them to serve others and ultimately glorify him.”