Five Manchester University students were selected to perform with the 2022 Indiana Intercollegiate Band. The concert took place during the Indiana Music Education Association professional development conference Jan. 13-15 in Fort Wayne.

Kora Beasley is the fourth generation in her family to come to Manchester. "The class sizes are perfect, and the community is wonderful!"

Her advice for students who are also taking a non-traditional education route: "My biggest bit of advice would be to face your fears head-on. Having a unique story at Manchester does not make you weird - it makes you stand out from your peers. This campus is what you make of it. Choose to be involved and it will be a great experience where you are able to meet others going into your career field. Dive into the possibilities of Manchester - we are a family."

"The main advantage I've received is the way that the Honors Program forces me to constantly grow. It may seem that, as an educationally motivated program, you may only find growth in aspects of your education, however, I've seen myself grow in a multitude of ways because I am constantly surrounded by people who are aiming for incredibly high goals."

"My hope is that through teaching music I may help other students learn to love music as much as I do. My hope is to find a high school that does not have a band program or has a weakly established program and build a program from the ground up. I hope to create a program that is integrated into the community and helps strengthen the school, the town and perhaps the families associated with the band, and most of all that student's sense of self. I hope to create a culture around the band program and through that culture the students will improve their communities and families."

As a first-generation student, Trinitee Henning chose Manchester University because she found great financial aid and a caring community. Her story is featured in an MU video.