Hannah Trezise’s life has been shaped by music, from her early days learning the trumpet in elementary school to her leadership in the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University. She continues to carry the invaluable lessons that music has taught her into her work as Erie’s Senior Grants and Stewardship Coordinator.
Growing up in a musically inclined family, Hannah’s parents were members in the Michigan State University (MSU) marching band. Their passion for music was passed down, influencing Hannah’s own journey. She initially picked up the trumpet in elementary school, but by middle school she had transitioned to the French horn. Though the French horn is a more challenging instrument, her early exposure to trumpet provided a solid foundation. She found a love for the rich, melodic pieces that the French horn allowed her to play, even earning a spot in the orchestra where she performed complex works like those of Gustav Mahler, including an eight-part French horn arrangement.
Hannah’s high school and collegiate years were marked by her deep involvement in marching band. While she enjoyed the challenge of playing intricate music, it was the marching itself that added an element of excitement. As a student at Michigan State University, she thrived in the Spartan Marching Band, surrounded by talented musicians. Her leadership skills were put to the test when she became the section leader for the mellophones, mentoring younger students and guiding them through rehearsals and performances.
You can watch one of Hannah's halftime shows at the 2017 Holiday Bowl here.
Music remained a constant in Hannah’s life beyond her school years. She plays at her parents’ church and is actively seeking to join a community band. As a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band fraternity, she values the sense of camaraderie that comes with being part of a musical ensemble. Even within her professional environment, she has noticed a striking number of instrumentalists at Erie, including Dr. Lee Francis, who also plays the French horn.
In addition to brass instruments, Hannah plays the viola, an instrument that taught her an important lesson in confidence. Being part of a large viola section can allow a player to blend in, but when playing solo or in a smaller group, mistakes become more noticeable. This experience helped her develop ownership over her performances and slowly build confidence in her abilities.
Skills Hannah has developed as a musician are also useful in her work at Erie. The ability to multitask—essential in marching band—is important in her role as a grant writer, where she must juggle various responsibilities and stay focused under pressure. Her time as a section leader also honed her public speaking skills, giving her the ability to switch into a commanding presence when presenting in meetings. Her supervisor often notes how effortlessly she can shift into a confident speaker, a skill she attributes to her musical background.
Reflecting on her musical journey, Hannah acknowledges the profound impact that marching band had on her personal growth. From learning teamwork and collaboration to embracing challenges like performing solos, her experiences have shaped her into the professional and musician she is today. As an active member of the Spartan Marching Band alumni group in Chicago, she enjoys reminiscing about old times and staying connected with fellow musicians.
Music runs deep in Hannah’s family. Her brother, father, and grandfather all played trombone, contributing to an impressive collection of nine trombones hanging in their home closet. Though her mellophone may be a bit neglected at the moment, she still proudly owns a French horn and a viola, keeping music close to her heart.
For Hannah Trezise, music is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion that continues to shape her both personally and professionally.