Aden Wertz may have started his musical career in what he calls "a typical rural high school where anybody could be in anything," but his musical goals have always been set on high!

"I was in Marching Band, sprinted on the Track Team, went to State Chorus in 1998, became an Eagle Scout, performed in high school musicals, played in the concert band and sung for the choir at school and in my church…and was awarded Silver Key for Short-short Story in the National Scholastic Writing Competition. After attending some twenty music festivals - Districts, Regionals, States, County - performing in Chorus and Band and Choirs, working under professional conductors and musicians, I really wanted to go into Music. I am attracted to the great devotion that it takes to become a good musician. Originally, I chose IUP because of the Honors College and also because of the Marching Band."

As he had done in high school, Aden Wertz soon found himself involved in a wide range of musical performances.

"I was in the IUP Marching Band for two years and played piano in the IUP Jazz Band for a year. But I also joined the IUP Music Theater and performed in various productions. Currently, I'm playing the role of Captain Corcoran in Gilbert and Sullivan's 'H.M.S. Pinafore.' I played Chino, in 'West Side Story,' King Melchior in Menotti's 'Ahmal and the Night Visitors,' and I even played Margaret Mead in 'Hair!' Along with all that, I performed in IUP Ensembles, such as the Chamber Singers, and I joined a professional music fraternity. It's been good -- the Musical Theatre and Operatic Productions here at IUP are excellent professional experiences."

Along with the professional experiences, Aden Wertz found a faculty whose background experience exceeded his highest expectations.

"I am constantly amazed when I discover where the Professors went to school and what they have accomplished in their lives before teaching at IUP. Many of my professors studied in world-renowned music schools and have won major competitions in their areas. What makes this a truly excellent music department, in my experience, is that our professors emphasize various musical teaching methods, while also allowing students to concentrate on their particular instrument."

Along with the quality of music education, and opportunities, at IUP, Aden Wertz has found both a valuable community and a solid intellectual process within the Honors College.

"The closeness of the Honors students means a lot to me, of course. Living together and going through the Honors core class experience really creates strong friendships. The emphasis on critical thinking - teaching students to evaluate information, as well as our own prejudices and biases - to be aware of how all these things may influence decisions and actions - gives us skills we can use in every important area of our lives. I was also surprised at how beneficial it would be to have scheduling advantages for Honors students -- early pick on courses -- not to mention a computer in every dorm room. And, when you just need a place to sit and think, there's nothing like the Oak Grove!"

After a 1999 summer of study abroad in Vienna, Austria, Aden Wertz is already making plans for a spring semester in Milan, Italy in 2002. After he finishes in Milan, Aden plans to get a Master's Degree in Opera or Vocal Performance and, eventually, go on to perform and also teach at the college level. And beyond that, for Aden Wertz?

"What would I really like to do? Well, my dream…is to perform at the Met…and all the other great opera houses of the world."

Aden Wertz, a man who sets his goals, and his dreams, high, is already studying Italian….

More information about Aden

• Accomplishments

Want to learn more?

• Internships
• Study Abroad
• Conferences and Publications
• Career-related Campus Employment
• Community Service

  Contact us to find out more!