Julianna Keiter

Staff Writer

Five ESU students were selected to take part in the 77th annual Intercollegiate Band Festival that was hosted at Kutztown University. The students departed for the festival the morning of Friday, March 14, and came back Sunday March 16 after they performed in the concert.  

The students selected are as follows and were asked how this experience shaped their musical journey: 

• Ben Burns ‘26, Physics Major, Easton, PA, has played trumpet for 12 years, “Intercollegiate reminded me that there is always room to improve yourself, no matter what it is you do, and it reignited my desire to keep getting better at my instrument and learn more about music.” 

• Christopher Hoffman ‘26, Communications Major, Middletown, NJ, has played percussion for eight years, “This experience gave me more of an appreciation for my instrument and being a musician, and I learned a lot of great techniques and advice I can use in future performances and improve my musicianship. 

• Ian Keiter ‘26, Spanish Major, East Stroudsburg, PA, has played trumpet for 12 years, “Playing in intercollegiate festivals allows me to expand my musical connections and play with a professional level wind band with my peers across Pennsylvania.” 

• Julianna Keiter ‘28, Secondary Math Education, East Stroudsburg, PA, has played tuba for eight years, “Being a part of a band with people from all different places across Pennsylvania and creating music together gives me the opportunity to develop myself musically.” 

• Kate Lenway ‘26, Enviornmental Science Major, Kunkletown, PA, has played alto saxophone for 15 years, “This experience influenced my musical journey by showing me the importance of being passionate about what you love. Being surrounded by other people who also enjoy music is so fulfilling!”