In Memoriam, Lester Trilla

When Lester Trilla saw that NIU students and faculty were interested in the old drums in back of his production plant, he decided to come to NIU to see what it was all about. Then Trilla witnessed the transformation from industrial drum to alluring steel pan and generously supported NIU’s world-renowned Steel Band and its students working toward their degrees and dreams.

NIU mourns the loss of Mr. Trilla, retired President of Trilla Steel Drum Corporation and honors his memory through the support of the NIU Steel Band. Over the years, Les not only provided the raw materials from which steelpan instruments are created, but also the encouragement and financial support which enable NIU, and the NIU Steel Band in particular, to further its goals. Gifts made in memory of Les Trilla will support a variety of annual needs for the Steel Band including scholarships, travel and performance.