The Advisory Team

Serving DePauw's Students

Tiger Bands alumni have created uncommon success in a wide range of professions. Like many DePauw alumni, they are often drawn back to campus to help the next generation achieve their own great goals.

Over the decades, many alumni have offered career networking and leadership mentoring for Tiger Bands students.

The current Tiger Bands advisory team includes experienced educators, professional musicians, entreprenuers, scientists, and artists. They work one-on-one with student leaders, providing specialized support and access to valuable resources, while also offering support to School of Music ensembles.

Sarah Mordan-McCombs, PhD

Sarah Mordan-McCombs, PhD

Adviser for Operations

Dr. Sarah Mordan-McCombs ’03 is associate professor of biology at Franklin College, where she has also supported that school’s athletic band and has been recognized with the college's Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. She played cello in the DePauw Symphony Orchestra and clarinet in Tiger Pep Band. Mordan-McCombs routinely advises students to help them achieve their fullest potential through thoughtful reflection and development of their leadership talents.


Adam Hilkert, DMA

2LT Adam Hilkert, DMA (ABD)

Adviser for Music Leadership

2LT Adam Hilkert ’08 is executive officer of the United States Army School of Music. Prior to being commissioned as one of just 22 active conductors in the U.S. Army Bands, Hilkert served as Associate Conductor of the George Mason University Symphonic Band and director of the Annandale High School bands, among many others. Hilkert is a doctoral candidate in musical arts at George Mason University and previously earned a master of arts degree in wind conducting at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A talented double bassist, Hilkert is heard on over 15 albums on premiere labels. He is the Tiger Bands’ lead music performance development adviser.


Jason Dibler, MMus

Jason Dibler, MMus

Adviser for Marketing

Jason Dibler ’97 is a media entrepreneur. He has been a high school teacher and was assistant director of university choirs and a voice instructor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 1995, Dibler became a founding director of the Tiger Pep Band. He was instrumental in carrying forward the finest traditions of the DePauw Marching Band while bringing his own innovations to the athletic band program.


Tina Ahlgren, BA

Tina Ahlgren, MA

Adviser for Organizational Advancement

Tina Flispart Ahlgren ’05 is an Indianapolis Public School teacher and former policy fellow at Teach Plus. Recently recognized as the Hubbard Life-Changing Teacher of the Year, she works tireless to support her students' growth in the classroom and beyond. Ahlgren played clarinet in Tiger Pep Band and the DePauw University Band. Her teaching and policy advocacy experience will support student leaders' planning for advancing their goals for the Tiger Bands.


David Ziemba, JD

David Ziemba, JD

Adviser for Outreach

David Ziemba ’03 is a Marion County prosecutor in Indiana, former U.S. Senate aide, and experienced government relations adviser. Under his direction, Tiger Pep Band was recognized by the NCAA as the "number one band in Division III athletics." Ziemba is an expert analyst and talented recruiter who can assist student leaders in developing their strategy for building the strongest athletic band program.


Daniel M. Reck, MSEd

Daniel M. Reck, MSEd

Adviser for Organizational Leadership

Daniel M. Reck ’03 is director of digital media and photography for the Northwestern University band program. He is a published composer and has conducted bands at Ball State University, Monmouth College, and Hinsdale Central High School. His photography of the Battle for the Monon Bell appears in a Smithsonian Institution exhibit. Reck’s experience in college administration includes almost all student life areas, allowing him to advise student leaders who must build extensive alliances to achieve their goals for a new athletic band program.


Jared Wooten, BA

Jared Wooten, BA

Adviser for Membership

Jared Wooten ’07 is a software developer pursuing advancements in education technology. He is also a drummer and vocalist in Modern Motion. Wooten previously conducted Tiger Pep Band, helping lead the ensemble as the official band of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference basketball tournament. A talented strategic planner, he is an ideal adviser to help student leaders develop and implement their own initiatives.