Jonathan DeCou, a senior trumpet performance major and former Mr. ULM, takes every chance to get involved in the ULM music scene. As spring ends and his graduation day nears, he looks back on his growth and the moments that changed his life.

Growing up in a musical family, DeCou’s journey began early, and he was singing by the age of four. He picked up the trumpet in sixth grade, and it became his main passion. His play style mixes classical music with jazz, inspired by musical legends such as Warne Bergeron. He enjoys the excitement of jazz improvisation and the precision of orchestral music.

DeCou first thought of majoring in business at ULM, but he decided to pursue music and auditioned on trumpet for ULM’s Sound of Today band.

“ULM forced me out of my comfort zone,” DeCou said. “I tried lead trumpet in jazz band, tackled everything from Mozart to pop covers and even brushed up on piano skills.”

Despite his love for music, DeCou stated that it was not easy. He spent up to seven hours practicing pieces, wearing himself out.

DeCou advised future music students to “treat it like a full-time job, practice hard, find mentors and remember that discipline is more important than raw talent.”

Last semester, DeCou performed his senior recital, which combined all the lessons he had received over his four years at ULM. On Feb. 14, he performed Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” in the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. He also plays with a local pop band called Code Blue and the Flatliners, performing at places such as Landry’s Vineyard.

Even though music is his passion, DeCou has always seen it as part of the bigger picture. After graduation, he’ll head to seminary.

“Music isn’t my career plan, but it’ll always be part of my life,” DeCou said.

As he leaves ULM, he takes with him not just skills but important lessons. Music will stay a part of his life, not as his main focus but as a friend on his journey through ministry.