Music Today Spring 2006 at State University

The ISU Wind Ensemble conducted by Michael Golemo. ISU alumnus and U.S. Poet Laurette Ted Kooser.

ISU sound Omaha bound Third ISU President’s Concert to feature world premiere of alumnus’ poem set to music. he piece isn’t very long, third President’s Concert on Symphony Orchestra are also on only about four minutes. Sunday, March 26. A biennial the program. The Wind T But it’s a composition that event, this year’s President’s Ensemble will premiere an James Rodde, the Louise Moen Concert will be held at the new original fanfare composed by Professor of Music and director Holland Performing Arts Center Jeffrey Prater, professor of music. of choral activities, feels will stay in Omaha, Neb. Simon Estes, the F. Wendell with individuals for a long time. “The President’s Concerts Miller Distinguished Artist-in- “I can see this poem in a have spread interest for the music Residence, will be featured with beautiful new light,” Rodde says. program across campus,” Rodde the Symphony Orchestra and “It’s a well-written, expressive said. “It’s nice to have other Wind Ensemble. composition.” University-wide activities The concert gives students in The piece is a new work by surrounding this event and the three ensembles an René Clausen entitled The Early realize the Department of Music opportunity not only to give a Bird. It is a setting of a poem by is the catalyst that will draw the joint concert but also to perform Ted Kooser, current U.S. Poet ISU colleges and alumni together. in an outstanding new facility. Laureate and 2005 Pulitzer Prize “It shows that the “One of the real thrills for me winner, and was commissioned department plays a vital role in and our students is to be able to by an anonymous Iowa State student life on campus both now perform in such a beautiful hall,” alumnus through the Department and in the future.” Rodde said. “Like our previous of Music. It will be performed by While The Early Bird will be a President’s Concerts in the Iowa State Singers. highlight of the President’s Minneapolis and Chicago, this Kooser is a 1962 Iowa State Concert, it will be just one of performing arts facility is also alumnus from Lincoln, Neb. several memorable moments. In considered world-class.” The world premiere of The addition to the Iowa State The Iowa State Singers have Early Bird will be a featured Singers, performances by the ISU been rehearsing The Early Bird attraction during Iowa State’s Wind Ensemble and the ISU Continued on page 3 2 - Music Today

From the Chair your career information and The Department of Music personal updates. We take great celebrates its role as a vital part pride in your accomplishments! of . We are It is important that we stay also celebrating our 25th connected to our alums, and that anniversary of the Music Hall, you are aware of what is and pleased to announce that the happening at Iowa State. Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall will We have had two major gifts be completely renovated this to our department in recent summer. In the pages ahead you years. One of these gifts, from will appreciate the international Deloris Wright, will allow us to scope of the music faculty, purchase and install a digital students and alumni who extend video camera in the back of our decide where this unrestricted the boundaries of music making recital hall. This video web-cam money will be best used. These beyond our campus, city, state, will allow anyone to view two generous gifts are making a region and nation. We are concerts, recitals and major difference in our making a difference. presentations in the recital hall, department. It is important that As I type this, we are in real time. Ms. Wright’s gift is you, our alumni, understand the beginning our weekend also providing some very special importance of all gifts, no matter scholarship audition process for enhancements to our electronic how large or small. prospective students. We have music studio. The Department of Music is nearly 120 students auditioning Our other special donor, Ms. educating young people to use for approximately 30-40 Ellen Walvoord, recently made a their talent to change the world. undergraduate openings. We will, generous pledge of one million We hope you will join us in of course, continue to hear dollars. Although a portion of turning our vision into reality. additional students throughout this donation will likely go to the semester. Our future is very enhance our scholarship fund, Sincerely, bright. our faculty will collectively Michael Golemo, D.M.A. Our current students Chair, Department of Music continue to excel in both the classroom and in performance. We are justifiably proud of the Music Today education and opportunities our students receive, both from our Michael Golemo, chair Please address all faculty and guest lecturers. This William David, editor correspondence to the editor: semester alone we have provided Dave Gieseke, public relations [email protected] masterclasses or clinic sessions manager, College of Liberal Arts 515-294-5364 from no fewer than a dozen and Sciences “guest” world-class artists, Iowa State University does not including the Pacifica String discriminate on the basis of race, Quartet, maestro David Becker, Music Today is published twice color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, tuba soloist Patrick Sheridan, a year for the alumni, friends, students and faculty of the sex, marital status, disability, or status trumpeter David Birkman, and as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be composer Libby Larsen. Our Department of Music at Iowa directed to the Director of Equal students are very fortunate that State University, an academic Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 our faculty and university strive department in the College of Beardshear Hall, 515-294-7612. to attract such influential and Liberal Arts and Sciences. eminent guest artists. We want to hear from our www.music.iastate.edu alumni. Please e-mail us with 3 - Music Today department news Libby Larsen residency includes concerts, lecture Renowned American April 7 and 8 beginning at 7:30 composer Libby Larsen will visit p.m. in the Martha-Ellen Tye the Department of Music from Recital Hall. April 6-8. The lecture is also scheduled During her three-day stay, for the same time and location on Larsen will give a lecture, “The April 6. Concert Hall That Fell Asleep Larsen is one of America’s and Woke Up as a Car Radio,” most prolific and most performed and will take part in two concerts living composers. She has created featuring a variety of her a catalogue of over 200 works compositions. spanning virtually every genre The concerts will feature the from intimate vocal and chamber ISU Wind Ensemble, Ames music to massive orchestral and Children’s Choir, ISU Symphony choral scores. co-sponsored by the Department Orchestra, the Ames Chamber She is sought after for of Music, the Center for Artists (a community vocal commissions and premieres by Excellence in the Arts and ensemble) and Department of major artists, ensembles and Humanities and a grant from Music faculty. orchestras around the world. Sigma Alpha Iota philanthropies. The concerts will be held Larsen’s visit to Iowa State is President’s Concert features world premiere Continued from page 1 remember and sing the lyrics,” he for several months and plans to said. “René’s composition etches perform it during a spring the poetry into the singers’ semester tour. minds.” “One student wrote me a In addition to the 3 p.m. letter telling how she felt about performance, the ISU Alumni the piece. She described what she Association will hold a reception was seeing when she was singing beginning at 1 p.m. the lyrics and what the poem ISUPresident Gregory meant to her,” Rodde said. “The Geoffroy and College of Liberal students really enjoy singing it. Arts and Sciences Dean Michael In fact, one, who has been in the Whiteford will speak at the Singers for two years, told me concert and attend the reception. that it’s the favorite work he has Concert tickets are $15. A sung with the choir.” combination concert/reception Rodde says The Early Bird is ticket is $25 for ISUAA members the type of composition that will singing careers. and $30 for non-members. Ticket stay with the students long after “If they hear the music when information is available through they finish their collegiate they are 70, they’ll be able to the Department of Music. 4 - Music Today Iowa State Singers to tour China The Iowa State Singers are preparing for a performance tour in China, May 14-24, 2006. The group will sing concerts in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. In each of the cities, the Iowa State Singers will perform also with choirs from area Chinese universities. “The Singers will concertize with their full program from Bach to contemporary composers, yet part of their experience will be to fully prepare and perform Chinese pieces that their international community and will help prepare help these students with this audiences will quickly our students for lifelong, once-in-a-lifetime experience recognize,” said James Rodde, productive participation in a would be greatly appreciated. the group’s director. “The choir’s global society,” Rodde said. “In Rodde says the Moen- challenge will be to learn the all probability the knowledge the Hamilton Endowment from the pronunication of the Chinese students will gain from this Department of Music’s Choral language.” cultural exchange will help Activities will contribute $500 to Rodde feels strongly that the improve the quality of life now each participating student. 52 singers going on the tour will and in future generations.” Donations may be sent to: learn more than just music on In addition to preparing their ISU Foundation, 2505 Elwood their journey. music, the singers are working Drive, Ames, IA, 50010. “This tour will help support hard to raise funds for the trip. Account # 1916912. diversity in our university Contributions in any amount to

Statesmen conference on Friday, March 17, contemporary compositions at 7 p.m. at Normandale and folk songs. Their selected for Lutheran Church in Edina, Minn. appearance at the IMC national The Statesmen will share the meeting is part of a two-day IMC national program with the Eastview High tour of the upper Midwest. School Men’s Chorale. This is the third straight The IMC national meeting year that a Department of seminar draws men’s choirs from around Music ensemble has been The Iowa Statesmen, Iowa the country including groups selected to perform at a State’s popular men’s choir, has from Michigan State University national or regional been selected to perform at the and Ohio State. The event will convention. Previously biennial National Seminar of conclude with a concert by the Cantamus women’s choir and the Inter-Collegiate Men’s U.S. Army Male Chorus. the Iowa State Singers have Choruses (IMC). The Iowa Statesmen sing a been recognized. The ensemble will perform variety of repertoire ranging from a 25-minute program at the standard classics to 5- Music Today Music contingent to perform in South Africa this summer The four members of the six faculty on the trip and Ames Piano Quartet, resident collaborate with them in the chamber music ensemble of Iowa concerts. State University, (William David, The Quartet, Creswell and Mahlon Darlington, George Simonson will perform formal Work and Jonathan Sturm), and informal concerts at the together with two faculty in the Simon Estes High School for both Music Department’s vocal students and the general public. division, Donald Simonson and Estes established the school in Mary Creswell, have been 1993 and has passionately lead invited to perform concerts and efforts to sustain it in the years classes, the group will present teach in Cape Town, South since its founding. The Iowa concerts at St. George’s Cathedral Africa. The trip’s dates are May State music contingent will be in Cape Town, the home church 23 through June 6, 2006. Simon bringing a large amount of music of Bishop (who Estes, F. Wendell Miller and other musical supplies for may attend the concert), and the Distinguished Artist in Residence use by the students. University of Cape Town. at Iowa State, conceived of the In addition to teaching visit. Estes will accompany the individual lessons and master ISU announces Carillon Festival, composition competition The ISU time and space, deeply Carillon Festival affects the individual sense 2006 will be held of being human. Her Saturday, April 8, carillon composition 2006. Guest Pealing Fire will also be carillonneur will be featured. Todd Fair from the As part of the Carillon University of Festival, a Carillon Denver, Colorado. Composition Competition Fair has taught at will be held to encourage the Netherlands the writing of original Carillon School in carillon compositions by Amersfoort and the young composers under Scandinavian age 35. Prizes include one Carillon School in cash award of $500 and the Copenhagen. He premiere performance of will conduct a the winning composition carillon masterclass and perform story on page 3) Larsen will at the Festival. a recital at the Festival. present a seminar titled “The For more information, visit The festival will take place Anticipation of Bells.” She will the web: www.music.iastate.edu/ concurrently with Libby Larsen’s discuss from a composer’s point carillon or contact ISU Music residence at Iowa State. (See of view, how sound, operating in Department at 294-3831. 6 - Music Today Department chair Michael Golemo sits between the old seats and future seats in the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall.

also plays host to a variety of events every weekend. “The room sees an incredible amount of use.” The new acoustical banners can be moved electronically to enhance the sound of any performance. The replacement of the seats, carpet and banners is scheduled to begin as soon as classes end this semester. The total project is budgeted at approximately $220,000. New furnishings Funding for the project has been made available through The Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall undergoes a facelift University funds and a private complete with new seats (that don’t squeak), carpet and donation by Ellen (Molleston) acoustical banners. And it won’t be orange any more! and Tom Walvoord, 1961 Iowa State graduates. he lifespan of the seating late 1970s. Instead the color blue There will be another new in the Martha-Ellen Tye will be prominent throughout the addition to the recital hall when T Recital Hall has exceeded Music Hall in future years. classes begin next fall. Thanks to everyone’s estimation. “What was hip in the ’70s a donation by Iowa State alumna “I think every seat in the isn’t hip today,” Golemo said. Deloris Wright (’73) of Colorado, house squeaks,” says Michael “This is going to look fantastic a digital video camera will be Golemo, associate professor and when it’s completed. mounted at the rear of the chair of the Department of “The new seats will include facility. Through remote control, Music. “When we have a an oak finish which our all events in the facility will be performance it’s really acoustical engineers say will made available on the embarrassing.” improve the sound of the recital Department of Music’s web site Golemo says 25 years of hall even more.” (www.music.iastate.edu). usage of the seats will come to an The seats will also include a Individuals with a password end this semester when the lapboard on every seat, which will be able to view not only recital hall will undergo a facelift. will fold out like a table. performances, but classroom The facility will get new seating, “This was an important lectures, guest speakers and as well as other improvements. feature because the recital hall is rehearsals in real time. Acoustical banners will be home to quite a few large music “This will be a wonderful replaced, and new carpet will be history classes,” Golemo said. “I addition to our department,” laid. think the hall is used almost Golemo said. “It will allow the And it won’t be the orange every hour of every day, plus department to broadcast or motif that has permeated the nights and weekends for record a concert and make it facility since it was built in the performances. The department easily available to others.” 7 - Music Today

Competition. In addition to Faculty activities serving as Vice President, Dorian Recordings will clinician at the Iowa Music Simonson has been named a release a compact disc of three Educators Association State Master Teacher by the Czech piano quartets by the Conference in November as part association. As such he will be Ames Piano Quartet (Mahlon of the Kodaly Workshop. She will featured in the NATS Intern Darlington, Jonathan Sturm, conduct a children’s choir festival Program to be held at the George Work, and William at Carnegie Hall on May 27, University of Missouri-Kansas David) in March of this year. 2006. City Conservatory from June 13- This CD, the Quartet’s ninth James Rodde served as guest 23. While there he will supervise commercial release, will include conductor for the 2005 intern voice teachers and present works by Novak, Suk, and Wisconsin and 2006 Texas All- lectures and master classes. Martinu. The Quartet has already State choirs and will conduct the Jonathan Sturm presented a embarked on its next recording South Dakota and Iowa All-State session at the national project, a two CD set of English honor choirs in the coming year. convention of the American piano quartets, which will be Donald Simonson was String Teachers Association in issued by Albany Recordings, elected National Vice-President March. He performed a solo probably late in 2006. The of the National Association of violin recital in Des Moines in Quartet’s new CD of three Teachers of Singing (NATS). He February and in Norfolk, Va., in contemporary American works, will serve a two-year term April. Sturm also performed as entitled Dark Rosaleen, recently starting in July. His duties will soloist with orchestra at Iowa received an extremely positive center on administering the State in February, and in Bemidji, review in The American Record NATS National Artist Award Minn., in March. Guide: “The performances are committed, and so is the music. Student news This is a fine program.” Music major Tyler Brown composition with Jeffrey Prater Christopher Hopkins heard and Christopher English and Christopher Hopkins. the premiere of his new (journalism and mass The following voice students orchestral work Fanfare and communications) produced the were award winners in the 2005 Fantasies performed by the sound track for the 2006 ISU National Association of Teachers Central Iowa Symphony in early College of Agriculture recruiting of Singing Student Auditions October. The conductor was video. The music was upbeat, held on Nov. 4-5, 2005. James Hannon. Hopkins combining popular dance Brianna Weis Honorable presented a paper “Soundfont orchestration with electronic Mention-Freshman Women Banks as a Compositional Utility music accents. Tyler and Chris Ayron Hyatt - Honorable for Voicing Inharmonic Pitch are among the first wave of Mention-Sophomore Men Structures” at the Spark Festival advanced students in the Lindsay Smith - Honorable of Electronic Music and Art in emerging music technology Mention-Junior Women Minneapolis Feb. 24. He has program in the Department of Kelly Kruse - First Place- received a commission from Music, which will enhance Junior Women University Museums for an opportunities for music majors Samantha McCurry - electroacoustic sound and offer an option for a minor in Honorable Mention-Sophomore installation, to be part of the the subject to non-majors. Women exhibition Obsessed: Weather in ISU freshman music major Sarah Thompson - First Art at the Brunnier Art Museum Jennifer Edmondson was Place-Senior Women Aug. 22, 2006 – March 18, 2007, awarded third place in the Senior Over 450 student singers as well as two compositions for Division of the 2005 Iowa from Iowa colleges took part in soloist and electroacoustic sound Composers Forum Student the annual auditions, which were to be premiered in Fall 2006 and Composer Competition for her held at Simpson College in Spring 2007. chamber orchestra composition Indianola. A total of 17 ISU Sylvia Munsen was a Rondo (Hope). She studies students participated. 8 - Music Today student news Majoring in the band Cyclone Marching Band features female drum major.

t’s not unusual for the Cyclone “Varsity” Football Marching Band to have a female I drum major. But it’s not that common either. For the 2005 fall season, the band welcomed Elizabeth Farrington to the role. She was the first female drum major for the marching band since 1997. Farrington says her role was a challenge – just not the challenge you would think she would face. “I was a little nervous before the season began wondering what people would think about a girl drum major,” the junior animal science/pre-vet major said. “The drum majors are the ‘poster children’ of the band, and I was worried not only being a female but also as a woodwind player, that maybe I didn’t live up to that image. “But people were very supportive and I didn’t have any troubles in that regard.” other and they (the other drum majors) helped me Farrington says she’s “sports challenged.” That’s out.” despite attending countless football games since Farrington’s favorite moment as a drum major she was a drum major at Des Moines North High is when the band’s three leaders lead the ensemble School and during a two-year stint as a piccolo onto the field for the pre-game show player in the Cyclone Marching Band. “It’s an exhilarating feeling when the three of us There were times when she had to glance at the come onto the field,” she said. “The crowd is so video board at the end of Jack Trice Stadium to see loud, anticipating the start of the game, and you when it was time to lead the band in a brief song know that 40,000-plus pairs of eyes are on you.” during a game. The attitude of the members and staff of the “I’m not really a sports person so I had learn Cyclone Marching Band and the support of the fans when it was appropriate for the band to play during led to an enjoyable experience for Farrington. It’s a game,” she said. “Mr. (Matt) Smith (the band’s the same type of feeling she’s had since she first director) was very helpful with that.” joined the group. Smith and Farrington’s fellow drum majors “It’s worth all the effort,” she said. “My time (Nathan Bong and Ted Brimeyer) were also helpful with the marching band has always been an in helping Farrington meet her other “challenge.” enjoyable experience and this year was just as great. “The main problem was that I wasn’t the “What I enjoy most about being in the band is strongest conductor,” she said. “I really had to work that everyone wants to be there. This is something on my conducting. But we worked well with each that you really want to do.” 9 - Music Today according to gender and year in school. “My freshman year I didn’t think I would do well,” Thompson recalled. “But I kept advancing and advancing and I thought that was a little weird. When I won it was really a big surprise.” The music student who didn’t want to compete was hooked. “As a sophomore I thought ‘now I have to live up to something,’ ” she said. “I didn’t go with a goal of winning but with a goal of performing like I knew I could.” While her freshman year victory was a surprise, her win the following year came as a shock. “I didn’t think my repertoire was all that impressive,” she said. “I was singing two English pieces, including a Gilbert and Sullivan, and I thought I would be blown out of the water. I thought there was no way I would win again.” With three consecutive wins under her belt, Thompson was a little nervous heading into last fall’s competition. Perfect voice “I thought to myself ‘I hope I don’t lose now. That would really stink,’ ” she said. Music major finishes first in vocal music But Thompson was far more confident about competitions all four years at ISU. winning the NATS. The selections she chose to ove over Cael Sanderson. Iowa State has perform were much more difficult than any other another perfect undergraduate. pieces she has undertaken while at Iowa State. M While Sanderson never lost a wrestling “The music I’ve selected to perform has match at ISU, Sarah Thompson equaled that with changed quite a bit since my freshman year,” four perfect years in the National Association of Thompson said. “This year was such a huge Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions. undertaking. The piece I did in the finals was a And to think at first the competition didn’t even seven-minute aria which is a long ways from the interest the music major. short German art song I performed as a freshman. “On my college visit while in high school I “I’ve been working on this selection for the last listened to a music student talk about the year and a half. I was really proud of my final competition,” Thompson said. “I remember performance, which showed how much I have thinking that this didn’t sound like much fun.” grown as a singer and a performer.” At the encouragement of music professor Thompson says she enjoys every time she takes Donald Simonson, she decided to give it a shot. the stage with the Iowa State Singers, in the As a freshman, Thompson didn’t give herself Department of Music’s Studios or in SOV much of a chance at advancing at the auditions, let productions including portraying Eliza Doolittle alone winning. She prepared three pieces, an art this April in “My Fair Lady.” song which she sang in a foreign language, a 20th The senior, who will graduate this May, century American piece and an aria. sometimes reflects on why all this has happened. In the competition’s first round, singers “I work hard,” she says, “but there are a ton of perform all three songs in front of a group of three people I know that work hard. But since I’ve been judges. The semi-finals are held late at night where at Iowa State I have found a passion for my art that the competitors sing two pieces. Three finalists are I didn’t know even existed in me before I came then selected and perform one song in a concert. here. I have really developed a deep love for music The auditions are held every fall and bring over and performing. Discipline, passion and hard work 400 college voice students from across the region - that has made the difference for me.” together to compete. Students are divided 10 - Music Today alumni news Returning to march Halftime of the Homecoming football game was a special occasion for alumni of the ISU Cyclone Football "Varsity" Marching Band. Over 250 alumni members of the group celebrated their 25th anniversary with a performance on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Jack Trice Stadium. The Alumni Band has performed annually during halftime of the Homecoming game each year since 1981. To help celebrate the Alumni Band's 25th anniversary, many former directors of the Cyclone Marching Band were in attendance and were recognized at halftime including Will Rapp, Dan Phillips, Roger Cichy, Martin Province, and Dustin Seifert. "To celebrate the classic nature of the anniversary, the halftime show concluded with an arrangement of the 1812 Overture performed by the combined members of the alumni and current band," said Matthew Smith, director of the Cyclone Marching Band. "The performance was accented by live cannon blasts, provided by the 194th Field Artillery Battalion of the Iowa Army National Guard." 11 - Music Today Late bloomer A teacher for most of her career, Carol Wilson is now singing in one of Germany’s foremost opera houses. hen Carol Wilson But she did make an graduated from Iowa appointment with Green and as a W State in 1970 as one result he sent her to Düsseldorf of Iowa State’s very first music for an audition with the majors she had no plans to Deutsche-Oper-am Rhein. become a professional artist. “That was my first stage That was true when she audition,” Wilson said. “I was received first a master’s degree scared out of my mind. Alan had from the University of Nebraska psychologically prepared me for two years later, and in 1983 when it but as I looked out in the she earned a Doctor of Musical theatre there were four people Philharmonic. Arts from The Yale School of listening to me I had to ask She has also performed Music. myself if ‘this was for real?’ ” throughout the U.S. in repertoire No, Carol Wilson was a It was real, and almost 30 ranging from medieval to teacher, a member of the voice years after graduating from Iowa contemporary with The faculties at prestigious private State Wilson was hired American Symphony Orchestra, institutions of higher learning – immediately by the opera house, St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, Vassar, Sarah Lawrence, Mt. where she has been a principal The Boston Masterworks Holyoke and Carleton. She also soloist since 1998. Chorale, The Contemporary taught at the Westminster Choir During her stay in Chamber Ensemble, the Yale in College and Washburn Düsseldorf, Wilson has Norfolk Chamber Music Series, University. performed such roles as Eva (Die the Connecticut Early Music It was by chance that Wilson Meistersinger), Senta (Der Festival, the Rocky Mountain was “discovered” while living in fliegende Holländer), Elisabeth Festival for Contemporary Music, New York City. (Tannhäuser), Leonore (Fidelio), and the International Congress “I was running a concert Ariadne (), for Medieval Music. series in Manhattan and I was Gräfin (), Fiordiligi Not bad for someone who practicing one day when I was (Cosi fan tutte), Donna Elvira didn’t get her start performing ‘discovered,’ ” Wilson says. (), Agathe (Der until she had taught for 20 years. An agent, Alan Green, from Freischütz), and Alcina, Alice “People often write off Columbia Artists Management, Ford (). singers past 35 or 40 years old,” one of the world’s largest talent She has also performed with Wilson said. “Many are not really agencies, happened to hear Stockholm, interested in hiring you. My Wilson sing that day. Green Vancouver Opera, at the voice had a chance to mature asked her to come by the agency’s Savonlinna Festival (Finland), without having burned out at a offices to sing for him. Staatsoper Stuttgart, Oper much younger age. Your voice “At first I didn’t know who Frankfurt, and Staatstheater can last – mine did because I he was,” Wilson recalled. “I had Bonn. didn’t use it as an opera singer. heard of an agent by that name In the U.S., Wilson has My voice is still fresh. but I didn’t think he was that appeared in performances of “If you’re good, people will Alan Green.” Handel and Haydn with want that, especially if you have a With little performing the St. Luke’s Chamber presence on the stage.” background, Wilson didn’t take Orchestra, highlights from West A gift of $10,000 has been the offer too seriously. She says it Side Story at the Connecticut recently donated in Wilson’s took her a year to “get up the Early Music Festival, and concert name by the John R. and Eloise courage to sing for him.” performances with the Brooklyn Mountain Wright Foundation. 12 - Music Today the perfect piece for this concert.” Bro and the ISU Wind Ensemble performed the world premiere of “Fastidious Notes.” The ten-minute work, which alternates rather agitated rhythmic sections with more serene sections, was the concluding event of the Department of Music’s alumni activities during Homecoming. “It’s a very lyrical piece that has a couple of outbursts of virtuosity that come out of nowhere,” Bro said. Bro and Kawarsky weren’t the only music alumni honored by Paul Bro, Wayne Bailey, Alan Greiner (seated), Jay Kawarsky. the department. Wayne Bailey (’77), director of the School of Music at Arizona State University, Better late than never and Alan Greiner (’85), executive Four distinguished alumni return to campus for awards, director of the Iowa State High special alumni concert. School Music Association, were also recognized. The two late decision turned out is a professor of music theory and participated in the concert by to be a good one for the composition at Westminster serving as guest conductors of A Department of Music. Choir College of Rider University the ISU Wind Ensemble. In the fall of 2004, the in Princeton, N.J. “I was here the whole department’s faculty selected Jay “But Bill said they knew who weekend,” said Bailey, who also Kawarsky as its first alumni the department was going to participated in the 25th reunion of award recipient. honor the following year and the Alumni Marching Band. “I But the selection process wondered if I would like to write saw people, including a fellow came too late to include a piece to be performed back at former drum major, I haven’t Kawarsky in the College of Iowa State.” seen in 20 years. Liberal Arts and Sciences alumni The department was also Greiner reflected back on his awards celebration during honoring Paul Bro (’80), a long- days as a member of the ISU Homecoming that fall. The time colleague and former Wind Ensemble. department decided to wait and classmate of Kawarsky both at “I can remember playing in honor the composer a year later. Iowa State and Northwestern this ensemble and where my That’s when everything University. Bro is a professor of relationship with my (future) started to fall into place for a music at Indiana State University wife was fostered,” he said. “It’s a special alumni concert to and a professional saxophonist. dream come true to conduct this conclude the department’s “I was planning on writing a group and a very special honor to Homecoming activities in the fall piece for saxophone and winds be recognized by the of 2005. but hadn’t finished it yet,” said department.” “Bill (David, professor of Kawarsky, who as a composer has Kawarsky, Bailey and Bro music) called to tell me that I written for all genres including each received the department’s was going to be honored but it solo instrument, orchestra, band, Outstanding Music Alumni was too late to make the choir, voice and music theatre. Award, while Greiner received arrangements to come back to “When Bill told me that Paul was the Outstanding Music Educator Ames,” said Kawarsky (’81), who also being honored I knew it was Alumni Award. 13 - Music Today Inspiring others Walvoords hope million dollar gift will encourage others to give. llen (Molleston) and Tom Walvoord would like to Estart something exciting. The Illinois couple hopes their recent commitment of $1 million to the Department of appreciation of music and theatre department will be wise in how it Music will inspire others to on campus runs deeper than uses the money,” Ellen says. support the arts. those who major in the areas. “They can use it in every corner The idea is to call attention “For a science and of the department.” to an area that brings vitality to technology university, Michael Golemo, associate campus and community yet is participation in music and professor and chair of the often overlooked by private theatre by non-majors is Department of Music, says the support. outstanding – from the marching department’s faculty is beginning “Music and theatre tend to be band to Stars Over VEISHEA to to meet and discuss how to use like athletics in terms of the classroom.” the Walvoords’ gift. extended impact on the For many months prior to “We’re looking at what the university, community and state,” designating a gift, Ellen explored priorities of the department are Ellen says. the department’s needs and and what needs we have that this Yet music and theatre may quality level. gift can go towards,” he said. not be the first areas that come to “I read strategic plans, Those needs could range mind when considering where to accreditation reviews and met from scholarships to equipment, designate a gift. with faculty,” she said. “The electronic technology, faculty The Walvoords have been artistic and operating positions, physical improvements supporters of Iowa State for performance levels are so high to the Music Hall or even a “flex” many years and recently decided and funding is so low that the spending plan for faculty that one more gift – to music and decision became easy for Tom members. theatre – was an important one. and me. “The Walvoords’ generous “I have had an association “It seemed to us that a sizable gift has allowed the department with the department since age gift would say to the Iowa State to dream a little bit,” he said. six, when I began piano lessons world ‘music and theatre are “We can create a vision and with Ira Schroeder,” Ellen said. worthy of significant giving.’ You know with this funding, that the She was also rehearsal don’t have to major in music or vision can become a reality. accompanist for the Iowa State theatre – and we didn’t – to “Over the years, the Singers during her college years. appreciate what they mean to the department has had other “My years of interactions campus and region.” sizeable gifts for specific items. with Ira and later, Bob McCowen, With a $500,000 deferred gift But it’s great to have this who headed choral music, are plus a $500,000 current gift, the unrestricted gift that we can put among the highlights of my Walvoords hope to assist the in the area or areas of our memories at Iowa State,” Ellen department both now and in the greatest needs.” said. future. Ellen believes the “We feel comfortable that the 14 - Music Today

Alumni news Chicago Reading Symphony. He is studying with Kylie Behm (B.A. ’05) was married to Nate two retired members of the Chicago Symphony, Newhard (B.M. ’05) on July 30, 2005. Adolph Herseth and Will Scarlett.

Elise Benzing (B.M. ’05) was married to Dennis Jennifer Porto (B.M. ’00) writes that she spent last Rodenberg on July 16, 2005. Elise is teaching band Christmas Day Service at the Thomaskirche in at HLV Community School in Victor. Dennis, a Leipzig, the church where Bach served as organist. percussionist, works as a logistics manager for Porto is currently studying in Germany as a CRST Trucking. Fulbright scholar.

For the past ten years David DeVenney (B.M. ’80) Rose Rumohr (B.M. ’05) is the new Director of has been a member of the faculty of West Chester Bands at United Community Schools in Boone. (Pennslyvania) University, and conductor of the Reading (Pennslyvania) Choral Society. After Ann Tiggess (B.M. ’00) is currently working at K- graduation, he earned a master’s degree from the Mart and is singing in church and in her local University of Wisconsin, where he was a pupil of community chorus. She hopes to become active in the late Robert Fountain; and a doctorate in Carroll Community Theatre. She can be reached at conducting from the University of Cincinnati 335 W. Bluff Street, #2, Carroll, IA 51401. College-Conservatory of Music. Complementing his primary work as a conductor, he has made Wayne Tigges (B.M. ’96) recently performed in many contributions to scholarship in American Santa Fe with the Cleveland Orchestra under Pierre choral music through his ten books and over four- Boulez. His future appearances include singing with dozen articles. In addition to a five-volume the Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Opera, Austin annotated bibliographic guide to American choral Lyric Opera, (Barcelona), Opera Pacific, music, he has also written the first historical survey Opera du Rhin (Strasbourg), St. Louis Opera, and of this repertory, as well as books on opera, musical at Glyndebourne. He appeared this spring in the theatre, and cultural studies. He serves as general ’s staging of Michael editor of the Research Memorandum Series of the Tippett’s “Midsummer Marriage.” American Choral Foundation. Joanne (Wilson) Tubbs, (B.M. ’94) is the music Maureen (Hurd) Hause (B.M ’94) reports that she supervisor for Des Moines Public Schools, where and her husband Evan welcomed their daughter she oversees the vocal, band, and orchestra Elena Claire on Oct. 21. Maureen is currently an programs for 32,000 students in 65 schools, grades assistant professor of clarinet at Rutgers University, K-12. She is a festival conductor and judge and head of the woodwind division. She was a throughout Iowa, and plays percussion with a featured performer at the International Clarinet variety of local groups. Her husband Peter (B.S. ’92, Association ClarinetFest in Tokyo on July 23, 2005. music minor) works as a videographer for Iowa Public Television. They reside in Dallas Center, Nick Hoover (B.M. ’03) was married to Mary with their two children, Julia (4) and Carl (1). Thimmesch (B.S Anthropology ’03) on May 29, 2005. Nick is currently teaching instrumental Wendy McCay (B.M. ’03) was married to Daniel music at Dowling Catholic High School in West Nutini on August 6, 2005. Wendy is teaching Des Moines. Mary was a member of the ISU Wind instrumental music in the Southeast Hamilton Ensemble and Orchestra. School District.

William Neve (B.M. ’02) completed his M.Mus. in Michael Wilder (B.M. ’77) is Chairman, Division of trumpet at Wichita State and is pursuing a Fine Arts, at Friends University in Wichita, Kan. doctorate in trumpet performance from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. In 2003 and Sarah Wright (B.M. ’05) is the new Director of 2005 he played with the Ohio Light Opera Bands at Northeast Hamilton High School in Company and is currently performing with the Blairsburg. 19 - Music Today Friends of Music John & Barbara Adams Clair & Marilyn Keller Gloria Ammer-Ross Gary Kent Martha Anderson Delma Kernan Paul & Paula Anderson Anne Kimber Louis & Pat Banitt Erwin & Janet Klaas Wayne & Anita Beal Henrietta Klarenbeek Sherieda Bender Anne Kottman Adrian & Nan Bennett Richard & Carolyn Krause Mark & Deborah Blaedel Allen & Joyce Lang James & Joyce Bloedel John & Jeanne Langeland Ruth Boast Katherine Light Arlin Barnhagen Kathlynn Lockard Edward Braun & Jane Krusi John Lynch Barbara & Fred Brown Warren & Beverly Madden Mark & Kris Bryden Michael & Karen Margitan William Buck & Josephine Rosauer John & Jane Mathison N.L. & Holly Burkhalter Richard & Donita McCoy Kathryn Burkholder Murray & Elizabeth McKee Ernest Caltvedt David & Jean Meek Richard Campney Paul & Kathleen Melde Edward & Elizabeth Carbrey Anita & Paul Micich Julia Carlander Arline Montgomery Wright honored for philanathropy Don & Anne Charles Elizabeth Morse Deloris Wright, a long-time supporter of the Dale & Linda Chimenti Richard & Katherine Munsen Floyd & Anna Christofferson Edward & Dorthy O’Connor Department of Music, was named the recipient of John & Judith Clem Ruth Anne Ohde Randall & Sara Compton James & Frankee Oleson the LAS Dean’s Arts and Humanities Medal. Margot Copeland Goode Leroy Ostrus Wright (’73, Ph.D., economics) was recognized John Corbett Donald & Janet Payer Stacy Cullison Mary Jane Pearson during Iowa State’s 2005 Homecoming celebration. Elizabeth Dahm Jean Peterson The Dean’s Arts and Humanities Medal is Herbert & Ruth David Timothy & Kellie Peterson Stanley & Helen Davidson Bion & Marcia Pierson awarded to LAS alumni who have enhanced the H. Dieter & Renate Dellmann Edward Pollak appreciation of the arts and humanities on a local, Robert Dix Sue Proescholdt Ed Dixon Kathryn Renken state, national or international scale. Dee Dreeszen Mary Richards M. Burton Drexler Jane Ringwald A managing partner with Analysis Group in William Dubbart Paul Rosenberger Golden, Colo., Wright has also served as vice Daniel Eggers Gerald Ross Carl & Dorthy Ekberg Robert Roth president of Charles River Associates of Boston, an Rachel Emmons Steven Rottler economics consulting firm. She has funded Ruth Engle Larner Malcolm Rougvie James & Carol Fancher Klaus Ruedenberg endowed chairs in economics and finance at Iowa Ruth Fielding Dawson Loraine Safly State through a deferred gift. She has also Mary E. Finley Trust Louis & Catherine Sanders Jan & Cornelia Flora Dirk & Lucinda Scholten supported the Carrie Chapman Catt Center and the Stan & Sandy Friesen Lloyd Sease Ronald Fuchs Mary Ellen Shaughan Legacy of Heroines Scholarships on campus. Wayne & Evelyn Fuller Jack Shelley & Dorothy Thomson Wright is also a patron of the arts. At Iowa Homer & Sandra Gartz John & Suzan Shierholz Carol Gee William & Janet Shoenhair State, she has funded a multimedia classroom in the David & Carole Gieseke Pam Sibbel Music Studio Music Hall, providing state-of-the-art computers Michael & Mary Beth Golemo Charles & Carolyn Sidebottom Michael & Marjorie Gowdy Virginia Slater and software programs for musicians. She also Jane Graff Clifford Smith provided funds for a beautiful Lyon and Healy Jake & Ruth Graves Frederick & Ursula Smith Donald Grau Leland & Jeanette Smithson concert harp that allowed the Department of Music Barbi Greenlaw David & Janet Stephenson Wayne & Mary Gregoire Robert & Patricia Stewart to offer harp lessons. And in the fall of 2004, Margaret Gurau Daniel & Lois Stoltze Wright’s generous gift allowed the top performing Karl Gwiasda Marsha Swanson Carol Hall Clayton & Ruth Swenson ensembles at Iowa State to travel to Chicago and Duane & Elene Heeren Paul Tanaka & Peggy Earnshaw present the second annual President’s Concert in Maridee Hegstrom E.T. & Lucille Taylor Larry & Jane Herbold Richard Tett Chicago’s magnificent Orchestra Hall. Collin Hobert Thomas Thornton This year, Wright has contributed to the David & Willa Holger Jean Trey Jack & Carole Horowitz Roy & Barbara Warman purchase of a digital video camera in the Martha- Stephen & Elizabeth Howell Stephen Weber Maureen Hurd Harry Weiss Ellen Tye Recital Hall that will be used to videotape Etha Hutchcroft Ronald & Joan Welch performances and classroom lectures to be placed Jeanne Jennings Mark Widrlechner & Sharon Dragula Aldie & Wilma Johnson Tom & Ellen Walvoord on the web. Alan Johnson Richard & Patricia Wood For information about ways to financially help LeRoy & Carol Johnson Deloris Wright Mary Jane Johnson Dwight & Dawn Youngkin the Department of Music, contact Melissa Roger Jones Suzanne Zaffarano Johansen at 515-294-8868, [email protected]. Music Today Department of Music Iowa State University 149 Music Hall Ames, IA 50011

Making a difference The Department of Music at Iowa State University is committed to providing outstanding opportunities for the university community. In order to have the resources necessary to take the music and theatre programs into the future, support for the department is essential. Funding is required to aid the program in developing new opportunities in technology, continuing and advancing outreach activities, maintaining and expanding current performance and educational opportunities, and supporting students and faculty. These services are crucial as the Department of Music strives to keep up with the student demand for these experiences and advance the study of performing arts. To help make a difference, simply fill out the form below, drop it in the mail (ISU Foundation, 2505 Elwood Drive, Ames, Iowa 50010-8644) and check our next newsletter.

For more information about making a gift to the Department of Music or including ISU in your estate plans, please contact Melissa Johansen at 515-294-8868, [email protected].

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