Music

2009 - 2010 Music Calendar

All concerts are open to the public. Admission fees only where noted.
The concert schedule is subject to change.

Fall Semester, 2009

Freshman Talent Show
Monday, September 7, 7 pm, Great Hall

Visiting Artists:  Duo Piano Recital:  Rika Uchida, Assistant Professor of Music at Drake University in Iowa and Kumiko Shimizu, Assistant Professor of Music at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, will present a duo piano program featuring works by Guastavino, Francaix, Albéniz and the "Prelude a l'apres-midi d'une faune" by Debussy.
Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Kimberly Roberts, faculty soprano '98, in recital accompanied by James Poulsen.  The program will feature works by Barber and Santoliquido.
Sunday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m.;  Great Hall

Jin Young Park, faculty pianist, in a recital featuring works by Bach, Scriabin, and Schumann. Friday, September 18, 7 pm, Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Music Education Workshop: Lillie H. Feierabend presents Multiple Intelligence in the Music Classroom and Intentional Movement in the Music Classroom.  For enrollment fees and registration information phone: Dr. Michael Patterson:  515-961-1582.
Saturday, September 19;  9 a.m. - Noon and 1 - 3 p.m.  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Visiting Artist:  Kevin Bobo, internationally acclaimed orchestral percussionist, soloist, clinician and composer in recital.
Friday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall  (Amy Robertson Music Center)

SCIBA Auditions
Tuesday, October 6, Amy Robertson Music Center

Fall Choral Festival:  The 5th annual Festival for high school choirs from around the state.  The day will feature events for directors, rehearsals of choral repertoire of the highest quality, and will culminate with a concert featuring the Festival Chorus and the College's Choral Ensembles.  The Festival is under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.  The public is invited to the evening concert.
Tuesday, October 13, 7 pm, Smith Chapel

Fall Opera Production:  Mozart's elegant comedy The Marriage of Figaro.
Sung in English featuring a student cast and chorus. Presented with piano under the direction of Cara Chowning.
Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m.  Barnum Studio Theatre;  Blank Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $12.00 each for all General Reserved Seating.
Call 515-961-1637 for reservation information beginning September 25.

Master Class:  Michele Gingras, Professor of Clarinet from Miami University in Ohio, presents an Instrumental Master Class.
Saturday, October17;  2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Lekberg Hall;  Amy Robertson Music Center

The Simpson College Symphonic Band under the baton of director Michael Eckerty and the College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dave Camwell will present a special joint concert. Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m.;  Great Hall

The Simpson College Choral Ensembles present their Fall concert under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.
Sunday, November 1 at 2:30 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

Dave Camwell, faculty saxophonist, in recital assisted by Ron Albrecht and Kimberly Helton.  The recital will feature works by Gotkovsky, Paganini, Bozza, Noda, and Maurice.
Monday, November 2 at 7:30  p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Dave Camwell and the Jazz Addicts:  Some of Iowa's finest jazz musicians join Simpson College faculty members Dave Camwell and John Benoit in a dazzling and high-energy evening of jazz.  They will perform "Skunk Funk" by Randy Brecker, "It's Only Music" by Gary Willis, "You're the One" by Hank Crawford,  and more.
Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30  p.m.;  Great Hall

Aaron Powell, faculty guitarist, in a recital featuring works by Alonso Mudarra, Gaspar Sanz, Luigi Boccherini, Fernando Sor, and Francisco Tarrega.
Sunday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Guest Artist:  Jillian Camwell, oboe and English horn, in a recital featuring works by Vaughan Williams and a Bimstein work for oboe, frogs, crickets and coyote.
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30  p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

Fall Music Weekend and Scholarship Auditions for Prospective Students: A series of sample classes, lessons and informal performances as well as auditions for Simpson music scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.
(Phone the Department of Music, 515-961-1637, for information.)
Friday and Saturday, November 13 & 14, Amy Robertson Music Center

Faculty-Student Concert featuring Simpson Music Faculty in solo performances and the Madrigal Singers and Jazz Ensemble in a special evening of music for prospective students and their families. The public is invited.
Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

Visiting Artists:  The Rampart Winds Woodwind Quintet from the United States Air Force Academy Band in a special evening of music.
Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.;  Great Hall

Visiting Artist: Corey Bix, '02, tenor, a recent winner of the George London Wagner Competition, in recital.
Sunday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Great Hall  This recital has been cancelled.

The 4th Annual Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival: The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high school students nominated by their band director. Masterclasses in instruments and improvisation will also be offered. The evening concert will feature the College's Jazz Ensemble directed by Dave Camwell, followed by the Honor Band with special guest conductor Chad Eby. The public is invited to the concert.
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Handel's Messiah:   Presented by the Simpson College Choral Ensembles with orchestra under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin, featuring student and alumni soloists.
Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

The Simpson College Symphonic Band, under the direction of Michael Eckerty, presents their Fall concert.
Thursday, December 10 at 7:00  p.m., Pote Theatre;  Blank Performing Arts Center

Lessons and Carols:  This traditional English carol service with readings and anthems features the music of the Simpson College Choral Ensembles and the Brass Ensemble. An all-college event and a holiday card to the entire community.
Sunday, December 13  at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

Spring Semester, 2010

Virginia Croskery, faculty soprano, in recital accompanied by Kit Bridges. The program will feature works by Strauss, Duparc and Verdi.
Friday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Great Hall

High School Honor Wind Ensemble Day:  The annual event for High School bands from around the state. The day will culminate with an evening concert featuring the High School Honor Band under a guest conductor’s baton and the College’s Symphonic Band under the direction of Michael Eckerty.  The public is invited to the concert.
Tuesday, January 19  at 7:00 p.m., Pote Theatre; Blank Performing Arts Center

Orpheus Junior Band Festival:  The annual festival for Junior High and Middle School bands from around the state. The day’s events will culminate with a concert featuring the Orpheus Festival Band under a guest conductor’s baton and the College’s Symphonic Band under the direction of Michael Eckerty. The public is invited to the concert.
Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m., Pote Theatre; Blank Performing Arts Center

All-American Concert: A tradition of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia & Mu Phi Epsilon featuring a variety of serious and lighter vocal works by American composers.
Sunday, January 24 at 3:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Fifth Annual Simpson College Jazz Festival:  Call Dr. Dave Camwell at (515) 961-1575 for details and registration information.
Thursday and Friday, January 28 & 29;  Amy Robertson Music Center

Music Education Workshop:  Peter and Mary Alice Amidon present Creating a Dynamic Learning Community with Traditional Dance, Song and Storytelling.
For enrollment fees and registration information phone: Dr. Michael Patterson:  515-961-1582.
Saturday, January 30;  9 a.m. - Noon and 1 - 3 p.m. Great Hall;  Pfeiffer Hall Building

Spring Opera Production: to be announced.... 
Sung in English featuring a student cast and chorus with orchestra under the direction of Cara Chowning.
Friday and Saturday, February 12 & 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Pote Theatre; Blank Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $15.00 each for all Assigned Reserved Seating
Call 515-961-1637 for reservation information beginning January 20.

Visiting Artist:  Trumpeter/Cornetist Gunnery Sergeant Susan Rider, a member of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band since 1997, will present a recital.  Sgt. Rider is an Iowa native and graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and Indiana University.  Assisting her will be pianist Patrice Ewolt.
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.; Great Hall

Spring Music Weekend and Scholarship Auditions for Prospective Students: A series of sample classes, lessons and informal performances as well as auditions for Simpson music scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.
(Phone the Department of Music, 515-961-1637, for information.)
Friday and Saturday, February 26 & 27 

Faculty-Student Concert featuring Simpson Music Faculty in solo performances and the Madrigal Singers and Jazz Ensemble in a special evening of music for prospective students and their families. The public is invited.
Friday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

The Simpson College Madrigal Singers on Tour to Chicago.
Under the direction of Kimberly Roberts.
Saturday through Friday, February 27 through March 5

The Simpson College Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble on Tour.
Under the direction of Mike Eckerty and Dave Camwell.  (Locations to be announced.)
Monday through Thursday, March 8-11

The Madrigal Singers in concert featuring Renaissance and contemporary works for vocal ensemble.  Under the direction of Kimberly Roberts.
Sunday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

All-College Sing:  The annual competition among residence halls, fraternity and sorority groups. Sponsored by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. 
$1 Admission at the door.
Thursday, April 1 at 8:15 p.m.;  Great Hall

The Simpson College Jazz Ensemble in its Spring concert under the direction of Dave Camwell.
Tuesday, April 13 at 8:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

The Simpson College Choral Ensembles present their Spring concert under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.
Sunday, April 18 at 2:30 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

The Simpson College Symphonic Band in its Spring concert under the direction of Michael Eckerty.
Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. Pote Theatre;  Blank Performing Arts Center

Opera Workshop – Scenes Recitals:   Two separate evenings of opera scene recitals, products of the May Term Opera Workshop, featuring scenes from traditional and contemporary opera, operettas and musical theatre. Under the direction of Robert L. Larsen, Maria DiPalma, Kimberly Roberts, Bruce Brown and Cara Chowning.
Wednesday and Thursday, May 19 & 20 at 6:30 p.m., Lekberg Hall;  Amy Robertson Music Center

Simpson College Jazz Combo Camp
Directed by Dr. Dave Camwell, the Simpson College Jazz Combo camp will provide an intensive experience for those High School Students, ages 14 to 18, looking to gain skills and appreciation in jazz and improvisation. Faculty will include Dave Camwell and other talented professional jazz musicians. Students will have many opportunities to work on their craft, and be able to hear the faculty perform nightly. 
Contact:  Dave Camwell at (515) 961-1575 or camwell@simpson.edu for application information beginning January 15.
Sunday through Friday, (dates pending)

The Orpheus Vocal and Instrumental Festival
A wonderful music festival experience for high school musicians including classes in music theory and history, daily individual lessons available in voice, piano, guitar, and wind and percussion instruments.  The festival will also include choral ensembles and workshop training for operetta and musical theatre as well as large and small instrumental ensembles and chamber music.  Directed by Dr. Robert L. Larsen and Dr. Michael Eckerty featuring Simpson College voice, piano, choral and instrumental faculty. Scholarships are available.    Call:  (515) 961-1637 for application/scholarship information beginning March 1st.
Sunday through Sunday, July 18-25

Last Updated: 11/9/09