Three PLU Students Perform at Prestigious National Conference for College Bands

Three exceptional student musicians from Pacific Lutheran University recently had the honor of performing at the 2025 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference, held in March at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. This biennial conference is one of the most prestigious gatherings of collegiate wind and percussion musicians from small colleges with enrollments under 5,000 students, drawing top ensembles and directors from across the country.

Selected through a competitive process, PLU students Meaghan Austin-Cortez ‘27 (clarinet), Devin Bianchi-Rivera ‘26 (trumpet – 2nd chair), and Sabien Kinchlow-McConnaughey ‘26 (trombone – 1st chair) were nominated by Dr. Ron Gerhardstein, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Band Studies at PLU. Their nomination reflects their outstanding musicianship, dedication to their studies, and participation in instrumental ensembles on campus. 

(Left to right) Meaghan Austin-Cortez, James E. Jackson (Conductor), Sabien Kinchlow-McConnaughey, and Devin Bianchi-Rivera

The students participated in the CBDNA Intercollegiate Band, conducted by renowned conductor James E. Jackson, performing a technically demanding and musically rich repertoire. The program included Symphony No. 1 for Wind Ensemble by Lee Gannon (1993), Luminance by Shuying Li (2023) and more.

Participation in the conference was made possible through support from the Student Activities & Resource Fee (SARF), a fund designed to enhance student life through student-led initiatives. The SARF Committee, composed of student representatives, reviews and approves proposals that promote educational enrichment, community impact, and student engagement.

Dr. Gerhardstein shared how proud he was of his students, highlighting their impressive achievement in being chosen to perform among top musicians from around the country. He emphasized that the experience offered more than just musical performance—it also allowed the students to travel and to develop meaningful relationships with one another and connect with musicians from other schools. He commended Meaghan, Devin, and Sabien for positively representing both Pacific Lutheran University and the Pacific Northwest.

The experience marked a meaningful milestone in the students’ musical journeys and highlighted PLU’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and national engagement in the performing arts.