The Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra proudly announces the appointment of longtime Penn High School Band Director Glenn Northern to its new Executive Director position. The hiring of an Executive Director reflects the Symphony’s growth in recent years and ushers in a new era of artistic excellence and community engagement for one of Elkhart County’s most treasured and respected cultural institutions.
A highly regarded educator, Northern has decades of experience in music education, performance, and community leadership. Northern spent 24 years at Penn High School,
where he built one of Indiana’s most accomplished band programs. The Penn Kingsmen Marching Band, under Northern’s leadership, earned consistent state and national recognition, including multiple Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) championships and invitations to prestigious national competitions.
Northern, a graduate of the University of Evansville, has also done graduate work in performance, music education and conducting. His strong academic foundation has informed a career defined by excellence in teaching, mentorship, and artistic achievement.
“Glenn’s passion for music is something that you feel from the moment you meet him, and with his strong educational foundation and deep community roots, we feel he is an exceptional choice to fill this new role,” said Wayne Stubbs, President of the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. “Strengthening the cultural fabric of Michiana through music, education, and community partnership is our mission. Glenn’s hiring is another step forward in that commitment. He is uniquely equipped with the strategic insight, community knowledge, experience, and artistic sensibility needed to guide the Symphony’s continued growth, and he has an established track record of excellence in event programming for a wide range of audiences. We are honored to have Glenn aboard, and we are excited for the future.”
A Symphony on the rise
The present and future for the symphony are busy, indeed. The Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1948 by Zigmont Gaska, is currently four concerts into its five-concert 2025-26 schedule. Season 78 has featured guest soloists such as rising double bassist Aleck Belcher, of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Michail Thompson, who is the assistant principal trumpet with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.
On Nov. 23, 2025, in conjunction with The Lerner Theatre’s 100th anniversary celebration, the Symphony presented a community holiday show—which sold out in a matter of days after tickets were released to the general public—highlighted by performances by, and collaborations with, Girl Named Tom.
The Symphony’s 2025-26 season finale, ”Exhale & Celebrate,” is May 17 at The Lerner Theatre and features guest soloist Cailtin Edwards, a 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grant recipient.
“I am truly excited to welcome Glenn Northern as our new Executive Director,” said Conn-Selmer Endowed Musical Director, Dr. Soo Han. “Glenn’s skill set aligns exactly with what the orchestra needs as we enter this next chapter, and his deep commitment to music and community reflects the very heart of our mission. It’s clear that we share a vision, a passion, and a deep love for this orchestra and the people we serve, and I am genuinely looking forward to working alongside him to bring that vision to life.”
In his new position, Northern will oversee the Symphony’s strategic direction, community outreach initiatives, and educational programming. While particularly committed to enhancing youth engagement and expanding access to music education—areas that align closely with both his professional expertise and personal values—Northern is expected to build on the organization’s strong foundation while exploring new opportunities to connect with diverse audiences and support arts education throughout the region.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to continue serving the community that has meant so much to me,” said Northern. “The Elkhart County Symphony is blessed with an inspiring Music Director in Dr. Soo Han, and wonderful local musicians, and it has a rich history of artistic excellence. I look forward to working with the staff and administration to expand the Symphony’s reach and deepen its impact across Elkhart County and the greater regional landscape. For me, it’s been a lifelong commitment to the arts, and I am honored to continue my journey with the Elkhart County Symphony.”
Glenn Northern professional highlights:
- 36 years as an educator, including 24 years serving the Penn-Harris-Madison community
- Assistant band director at Penn for 10 years
- Director of Bands and Fine Arts Academy Leader at Penn for 14 years
- Led the Penn Marching Kingsmen to elite status, competing in the Indiana State Marching Band Finals 20 times (in the largest school division, Open Class A)
- Guided the Marching Kingsmen to performances in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Hollywood Christmas Parade
- Mentored myriad Penn band students to achieve Gold Ratings at ISSMA contests and pursue music careers
- Named the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster in 2015
- Indiana Music Educators Association “High School Music Educator of the Year” in 2018
- Penn High School Symphonic Winds, directed by Northern, were the 2015 Indiana State Co-Champion Concert Band
- Penn High School Symphonic Winds were the 2024 Indiana State Concert Band Champion Runner-Up
We are honored to welcome Glenn aboard!
Join us on May 17 at The Lerner Theatre as the Elkhart County Symphony closes out the 2025-26 season with “Exhale & Celebrate,” featuring guest soloist Caitlin Edwards, an acclaimed, classically trained violinist inspired by gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul.
Remaining 2025-26 Concert Schedule
“Exhale & Celebrate.” May 17, 2026, at The Lerner Theatre. Guest soloist, Caitlin Edwards (violin), a 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grant recipient, and her bandmates. Repertoire—Edwards, music from her album Exhale; Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol; Katahj Copley, Equinox. Get your tickets for “Exhale & Celebrate” at The Lerner Theatre website.
ABOUT THE ELKHART COUNTY SYMPHONY
The Elkhart County Symphony Association employs more than 100 professional musicians in the county. The organization promotes cultural experiences and instills civic pride in our community by encouraging artistic integrity, providing innovative opportunities, and presenting excellent musical programming through concerts, education, and special events.