TLU’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alum: Jeremy Kindla '21

Jeremy Kindla was already a musical standout back in high school, in his hometown of Blanco. He even earned a spot in the prestigious ATSSB All-State Concert Band. After graduation, he found his way to TLU, where he pursued his bachelor's degree in music education-and just four over years later, at winter commencement this past December, he was named TLU's Outstanding Young Alum of the Year.

During his college years, he earned several best brass awards and qualified for the 2019 National Trumpet Competition Quarterfinals. He was a member of the TLU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, the Hounds of Sound Pep Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and numerous jazz combos and brass quintets, playing either trumpet or French horn.

After graduating from TLU in the spring of 2021, he accepted a position as an assistant band director in Fredericksburg, Texas, where he currently teaches both high school and middle school jazz, and conducts the beginner band.

Since joining the Fredericksburg Band Program, Kindla has helped to lead the young musicians he teaches to achieve sweepstakes status-the highest honor a band can receive in UIL competition-and to multiple appearances in state outstanding performance series and state marching band championships. He has taught numerous all-region and all-state band members and has helped the program grow by 50 percent.

Kindla's professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Educators, and the International Trumpet Guild. He also founded a free jazz festival, hosted annually for his community, showcasing talent from not only his bands, but from others in the area as well. He fosters community by scheduling regular performances in the area, bringing people together through music.