EKU Bands / EKU Marching Colonels

Mark your calendars and join us in 2027!

Welcome to the Bluegrass State, Mark!

Welcome to Richmond, Robert!

We’re still in the spirit of graduation here on the Campus Beautiful! EKU Bands features a talented lineup of 2026 graduates, and we are excited to spotlight some of our graduating Wind Ensemble and Concert Band members.

Meet Dominic Acciardo, EKUWE Clarinetist! Dominic is graduating with a dual degree in Criminal Justice and Police Studies along with minors in Music and History. He is excited to attend law school with the goal of practicing criminal law!

-What makes EKU special?

“The community is so strong. The faculty, staff, and fellow students are so welcoming and supportive. It takes a village to get to graduation, and you have that at EKU.”

-What is your favorite memory from your time at EKU?

“Putting together and performing my senior recital.”

-Any advice to the next generation of student musicians at EKU?

“Chase every opportunity. When you get to campus, you’ll realize how many opportunities are truly available to you. Your college experience will be as great as you make it, so pursue everything you are interested in. And most importantly, remember to enjoy it!“

One Eastern!

We’re still in the spirit of graduation here on the Campus Beautiful! EKU Bands features a talented lineup of 2026 graduates, and we are excited to spotlight some of our graduating Wind Ensemble and Concert Band members.

Meet Anthony Gonzalez, EKUWE Percussionist! Anthony is graduating with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and is excited to begin his career as a music educator!

-What makes EKU special?

“Returning to a university setting as a non-traditional student was terrifying! The faculty and my fellow students made me feel as if I had finally found my home; the people at this institution are truly special. The School of Music has a strong sense of community that is welcoming to all.“

-What is your favorite memory from your time at EKU?

“In 2025, after years of hearing Dr. Koontz refer to it as “a slice of heaven,” I was able to attend the Laborie Steel Pan Workshop in Saint Lucia. Dr. Koontz was right, it is a slice of heaven. He and Andy Narell perfectly balanced expanding our education of steel pan while also showing us the beauty and history of where it was created - The Caribbean. The classmates I traveled with and I hope to return someday.”

-Any advice to the next generation of student musicians at EKU?

“Its doesnt last forever, so soak it in. Learn to love going to class and practicing as often as you can. Seek out opportunities, they won’t all come to you. “Chase the goosebumps.”

One Eastern!

It’s graduation weekend on the Campus Beautiful! EKU Bands features a talented lineup of 2026 graduates, and we are excited to spotlight some of our graduating Wind Ensemble and Concert Band members.

Meet Allen Crump, EKUWE Trombonist! Allen is graduating with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and is excited to begin his career as a middle school or high school band director!

-What makes EKU special?

“The connections that you will get to make with your peers and professors.”

-What is your favorite memory from your time at EKU?

“Getting to conduct the EKU Concert Band in my final semester before student teaching.”

-Any advice to the next generation of student musicians at EKU?

“Say yes to as many opportunities as you can, have fun, and remember that it’s all about the people you get to make music with.”

One Eastern!

It’s graduation weekend on the Campus Beautiful! EKU Bands features a talented lineup of 2026 graduates, and we are excited to spotlight some of our graduating Wind Ensemble and Concert Band members.

Meet Emily Amburgey, EKUWE Clarinetist! Emily is graduating with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and is excited to begin her career as Director of Bands at her alma mater, Harlan Independent Schools!

-What makes EKU special?

“It feels like home. The professors really care about you and know each of their students. They would do anything to help me be successful. I always felt loved and wanted no matter where I was.“

-What is your favorite memory from your time at EKU?

“My favorite memory from my time at EKU was performing with the clarinet section at the 2025 KMEA State Conference with EKUWE!”

-Any advice to the next generation of student musicians at EKU?

“My advice is simply to work hard and be a good human. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, or who you know. If you work hard and you are nice, you will be successful and be able to make some of your musical dreams come true.“

One Eastern!

It’s graduation weekend on the Campus Beautiful! EKU Bands features a talented lineup of 2026 graduates, and we are excited to spotlight some of our graduating Wind Ensemble and Concert Band members.

Meet Johnica Spenneberg, EKUWE Trumpeter! Johnica is graduating with the Bachelor of Music in Music Industry and Recording Arts degree and plans to attend graduate school for a Master of Arts in Arts Administration.

-What makes EKU special?

“The passion that people have in the Foster Music Building to create something beautiful together!”

-What is your favorite memory from your time at EKU?

“Performing with Eastern Trumpet and EKUWE!”

-Any advice to the next generation of student musicians at EKU?

“Take in every moment and lean into the unknown. That’s how you grow!”

One Eastern!