Music

2011 - 2012 "Music at Simpson" Calendar

 

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.
Dates and times are subject to change.

SEPTEMBER

16
Jin Young Park, faculty pianist, in a recital of works by Schubert, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt.
7:00 pm, Lekberg Hall 

24
Music Education Workshop: Sarah Richardson presents The Creative Classroom - Using Drama as an Integral and Enriching Component of the Music Curriculum.
For registration fees and information, phone Dr. Michael Patterson: 515-961-1582. 
9 am-noon and 1-3 pm, Lekberg Hall; Amy Robertson Music Center  

 

OCTOBER

2 
Kimberly Roberts, faculty soprano,  in recital with Michael Patterson at the piano. 
3:00 pm, Great Hall 

11
Simpson College High School Choral Festival: The 7th Annual high school Festival will feature events for directors, rehearsals of choral repertoire of the highest quality, and will culminate with a concert featuring the Festival Chorus of high school singers nominated by their high school directors, the Simpson College Chamber Singers, College Choir, Women's Chorale and the Madrigal Singers.  The Festival is under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin. The public is invited to the Evening Concert.
7:00 pm, Smith Chapel 

28-30
 Fall Opera Production: Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus with student cast, chorus, and orchestra. Under the musical direction of Bernard McDonald, the college's new Director of Opera,
and the stage direction of Bruce Brown.
Friday and Saturday, October 28 & 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Pote Theatre; Blank Performing Arts Center
Advance Reservations required;  All Tickets $15.00 for Reserved (General) Seating.
Call 515-961-1637 during weekday business hours for ticket prices & reservations beginning Oct. 5.

 

NOVEMBER

1
The Simpson College Symphonic Band under the baton of Dr. Micahel Eckerty and the College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jim Oatts will present a special joint concert.
7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center 

11 & 12
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 2012-2013 academic year. Please phone the Department of Music for more information at 515-961-1637. More information can be found online here.
Amy Robertson Music Center

11
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 to attend.
7:30 pm, Lekberg Hall

13
Simpson College Choir and Women's Chorale Concert: LOVE SINGS! The Simpson College Choir and Women's Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, perform a program featuring works on the theme of love! Works by Brahms, Basler, Dello Joio, Dickau and numerous others will be presented.
3:00 pm, Smith Chapel

15
Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival: The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high school students nominated by their band directors.  Masterclasses in instruments and improvisation will also be offered.  The evening concert will feature the Simpson College Jazz Ensemble and the Honor Band under the direction of Jim Oatts.
7:00 pm, Great Hall

20
Simpson College Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, present a program featuring Mozart's short masterwork, Litaniae Lauretanae, K. 109. The concert will include numerous choral classics by Russian masters and new works from around the world! 
3:00 pm, Smith Chapel 

 

DECEMBER

8
The Simpson College Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Michael Eckerty, presents their Fall Concert.
7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center

11 
Service of Lessons and Carols: This traditional English carol service with readings and anthems features the music of the Simpson College Choir, Women's Chorale, Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers, and the Brass Ensemble.  An all-college event and a holiday card to the entire community.
2:00  and 5:00 pm, Smith Chapel 

 

JANUARY

13
Virginia Croskery, faculty soprano, in recital with Bernard McDonald at the piano.
7:00 pm, Great Hall

14-18
The Simpson College Madrigal Singers on Tour. Under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Roberts. Tour destinations to be announced. Check here for more up-to-date information.

17 
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 Dr. Michael Eckerty.  The public is invited to the concert.
7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center

19
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 Dr. Michael Eckerty. The public is invited to the concert.
7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center

21
Music Education Workshop: Jay Broeker presents Sing, Play, Move: Sequential Development of Enactive Musical Understanding. For registration fees and information, phone Dr. Michael Patterson: 515-961-1582. 
9 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m., Lekberg Hall; Amy Robertson Music Center

26-27
Annual Simpson College Jazz Festival: Email Dr. Dave Camwell for details and registration information.
Amy Robertson Music Center

29
All-American Concert: A tradition of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia & Mu Phi Epsilon featuring a variety of serious and lighter musical works by American composers.
3:00 pm, Lekberg Hall 

 

FEBRUARY

17-19
Spring Opera Production: Selection to be announced. Under the musical direction of Bernard McDonald and the stage direction of Bruce Brown.
General (Limited) Seating; Advance Reservations required.  Call 515-961-1637 during weekday business hours for ticket prices and reservations beginning January 27.
7:30 pm (Fri-Sat) & 2:00 pm (Sun), Lekberg Hall; Amy Robertson Music Center

22
Dave Camwell, faculty saxophonist, in recital.  Join Dave Camwell, Ron Albrecht, Bruce Brown and other guest artists as the lives and relationship of Clara and Robert Schumann are revealed through the music and intimate personal letters of these two giants of the Romantic Era.
7:00 pm, Lekberg Hall

24-25
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 2012-2013 academic year. Please phone the Department of Music for more information at 515-961-1637. More information can be found online here.
Amy Robertson Music Center

24
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 to attend.
7:30 pm, Lekberg Hall

26-29
The Simpson College Symphonic Band on Tour. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Eckerty. Tour destinations to be announced. Check here for more up-to-date information.

 

MARCH

17
Aaron Powell, faculty guitarist, in recital featuring the music of Sanz, Torroba, Duarte and others. 
7:30 pm, Lekberg Hall

18
The Madrigal Singers in concert featuring Renaissance and contemporary works for vocal ensemble.  Under the direction of Dr. Kimberly Roberts.
3:00 pm, Smith Chapel

22
All College Sing:  The annual competition among residence halls, fraternity and sorority groups. Sponsored by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. The public is invited. 
8:00 pm, Great Hall

25
Guest Artists: Fire on the Ivories! Join internationally renowned Bulgarian/Canadian pianist Kristian Alexandrov and Iowa piano star Jason Danielson as they perform original compositions and jazz standards in a night not to be missed or forgotten.
7:00 pm, Lekberg Hall

27
Simpson College Jazz Ensemble in Concert under the direction of Dr. Dave Camwell. The concert will feature guest jazz performers Kristian Alexandrov and Jason Danielson.
7:30 pm, Great Hall

31
Choral Masterwork: Orff and Vaughan Williams.  The Simpson College Chamber Singers and College Choir join forces with a festival orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, to present Ralph Vaughan Williams' masterwork, Dona Nobis Pacem and one of the most popular pieces of music ever written: Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
7:30 pm, Smith Chapel (See also April 1) 

 

APRIL

1
Choral Masterwork: Orff and Vaughan Williams.  The Simpson College Chamber Singers and College Choir join forces with a festival orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, to present Ralph Vaughan Williams' masterwork, Dona Nobis Pacem and one of the most popular pieces of music ever written: Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
3:00 pm, Smith Chapel (See also March 31)

5
Guest Artist: John Moore in Recital. The Simpson College graduate and Metropolitan Opera baritone will perform a program of songs and aria.
8:00 pm, Great Hall

15
The Simpson College Women's Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, presents its spring concert celebrating themes of womanhood, and featuring women composers and poets.
4:00 pm, Smith Chapel

17
The Simpson College Symphonic Band in its Spring Concert under the direction of Dr. Michael Eckerty.
7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center 

 

JUNE

10-15
Simpson College Jazz Combo Camp: Directed by Dave Camwell, the Simpson College Jazz Combo camp will provide an intensive experience for High School Students, ages 14 to 18, looking to gain skills and appreciation in jazz and improvisation. Faculty will include Dave Camwell, Jim Oatts, Jason Danielson, Jon Kizilarmut, Dave Kobberdahl, 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: Dr. Dave Camwell at (515) 961-1575 or email him for application information.  Visit the Jazz Combo Camp website.  

 

JULY

15-22
The Orpheus Music Festival: An exciting music festival experience for high school musicians including classes in music theory and history and daily individual lessons. The festival will also include ensembles and workshop training for operetta and musical theatre. Featuring Simpson College faculty. Scholarships are available. Call: (515) 961-1637 for application and scholarship information beginning March 1st.

 

Last Updated: 1/17/12