Amplify Inclusivity
The goal of this initiative is to highlight diversity and inclusion in the School of Music (SOM) curriculum, programming, guest artist recitals, and guest speaker presentations. The faculty of the SOM will continue to prioritize the representation of historically under-represented groups in these areas. The students of the SOM will join faculty in the planning and presentation of these highlighted events and activities and by engaging in the ongoing discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the SOM.
Events
Curriculum Highlights
Areas of curriculum where the Amplify Inclusivity mission has been elevated for 2022-23:
Topics in Music History and Culture: American Music
(MUS HIST 3200/5200)
View the syllabus here
Topics in Music History and Culture: Chant From Manuscript
(MUS HIST 3200/5200)
Students in this class indexed, studied, and performed from a late medieval chant manuscript from the Dominican convent of Saint-Louis de Poissy, France. Their work will result in digital publication in the Cantus Database for Latin Ecclesiastical Chant, an international collaborative digital humanities project.
Ludomusicology: Studies in Video Game Music
(MUS HIST 6286)
This course presented the opportunity to study music in a popular medium led by East Asian composers. Students presented at the INSPIRE conference and collaborated with the UNI Museum to create an original exhibit for the Russell Hall lobby cases.
Rhonda Sider Edgington
Organist Rhonda Sider Edgington will visit the UNI School of Music to offer a recital of organ music by Japanese composers on April 28 at 8 p.m. in Jebe Hall, GBPAC.
Carolyn Koebel
Percussionist Carolyn Koebel will visit the UNI School of Music to offer a recital of music by Japanese composers on April 28 at 8 p.m. in Jebe Hall, GBPAC.
Kimberly Osberg
Composer Kimberly Osberg's work "The Noise" will be performed on the April 26 Symphonic Band concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall, GBPAC. Osberg will be present and has been on campus working with the ensemble leading up to the performance.
Nahyun Kim
Dr. Nahyun Kim, composer and theorist, visited the School of Music for composition seminar on April 21 where she shared two of her pieces, discussed her compositional approaches, and held a Q&A session with the composition students.
Chant from Manuscript Class
On Friday, April 21st, Dr. Altstatt and students from the Chant from Manuscript class traveled to Iowa City where they presented their research to the University of Iowa Musicology Colloquium. Their talk was entitled: "A Poissy Hebdomadary's Rituale and Office of the Dead" and took place at 1:30 pm in 2 Voxman Hall. The class has been transcribing, indexing, analyzing, and singing from this manuscript all semester, and were thrilled to share their findings.
For more on the manuscript, please see Book and Maps Curator Eric Ensley's blog.
Germaine Tailleferre
"Concerto for two pianos, choir, saxophones and orchestra" featured on Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorale concert on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Natalie Holt
"Loki Green Theme" featured on UNITUBA Concert on April 18 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Manaka Kataoka
"Mipha's Theme" from Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild featured on UNITUBA Concert on April 18 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Ann Ronell
"Willow Weep for Me" featured on Jazz Band Two concert on April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Ruthie Foster
"Mama Said" featured on Concert Chorale and Cecilians concert in Great Hall on April 10, 2023.
Katerina Gimon
"Fire" featured on Concert Chorale and Cecilians concert in Great Hall on April 10, 2023.
Jason Maxwell Ferdinand
"Safe in His Arms" featured on Concert Chorale and Cecilians concert in Great Hall on April 10, 2023.
Moira Smiley
"Bring Me Little Water, Silvey" featured on Concert Chorale and Cecilians concert in Great Hall on April 10, 2023.
Laura Mvula
"Sing to the Moon" featured on Concert Chorale and Cecilians concert in Great Hall on April 10, 2023.
H. Leslie Adams
"Prayer" and "For You There is No Song" featured on Beth Culberson's student recital on November 15 in Davis Hall.
Pauline Viardot-García
"Six Mélodies" featured on Lauren Leman's student recital on April 11 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Jorge Sosa
Composer Jorge Sosa was commissioned to create a brand new opera, to be workshopped and premiered by UNI opera students. The world premiere of The Beehive was celebrated at UNI on March 30-31, 2023.
Melisa Tien
Librettist Melisa Tien was commissioned to create a brand new opera, to be workshopped and premiered by UNI opera students. The world premiere of The Beehive was celebrated at UNI on March 30-31, 2023.
Moreau | VanTuinen Duo
Guest artists Moreau | VanTuinen Duo offered masterclasses for School of Music students, and performed a recital on Friday, March 24 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Adolphus Hailstork
"Yuhwa" featured on Emily Paul's student recital on Wednesday, March 22 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Claude Arrieu
"Sonatine" featured on Emily Paul's student recital on Wednesday, March 22 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Antônio Carlos Jobim
"The Girl from Ipanema" featured on Sam Stover's student recital on Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Charlie Parker
"Ornithology" featured on Sam Stover's student recital on Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Eve Beglarian
"I will not be sad in this world" featured on Hannah Porter Occeña's faculty recital on Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Gertrude Rivers Robinson
"Moods" featured on Hannah Porter Occeña's faculty recital on Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Máximo Diego Pujol
"Suite Buenos Aires" featured on Hannah Porter Occeña's faculty recital on Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Shulamit Ran
"Sonatina" featured on Hannah Porter Occeña's faculty recital on Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Katahj Copley
"Episodes for Brass Quintet" featured on Calypsus Brass New Music Festival recital on Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Wayne Lu
"Brass Quintet No. 1" featured on Calypsus Brass New Music Festival recital on Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Gwyneth Walker
"Raise the Roof" featured on Calypsus Brass New Music Festival recital on Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Catherine Likhuta
"Apex Predators" featured on Calypsus Brass New Music Festival recital on Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Rawlins Piano Trio
The Rawlins Piano Trio appeared as guest artists on March 3 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn. The ensemble also led masterclasses and served as guest artist for the UNI Strings Summit during their residency.
Ensemble Dal Niente
Ensemble Dal Niente will appear as guest artists in Davis Hall on Friday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. as part of both the New Music Festival and the Meryl Norton Hearst Visiting Artist Series.
Chen Yi
Chen Yi will be featured as guest composer in Davis Hall on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. as part of both the New Music Festival and the Meryl Norton Hearst Visiting Artist Series.
Calypsus Brass
Calypsus Brass will be featured as guest artists in Davis Hall on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. as part of the New Music Festival. They'll also offer a masterclass in Bengtson Auditorium at 1 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate
"Talowa’ Hiloha (Thunder Song)" featured on Josh Graham's faculty recital on Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Marta Ptaszyńska
"Benjamin’s Lullaby" featured on Josh Graham's faculty recital on Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall.
Anat Cohen
Anat Cohen will appear as the featured guest artist on both Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concerts, as part of the Tallcorn Jazz Festival on February 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Caroline Shaw
Partita for 8 Voices featured on Northern Festival of Bands Wind Ensemble concert, Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall, GBPAC.
Linda Huck
Linda Huck will appear as guest conductor of the Concert Band at the Northern Festival of Bands final concert on Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Reginald McDonald
Reginald McDonald will appear as guest conductor of the Symphony Band at the Northern Festival of Bands final concert on Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Céline Pellmont
Céline Pellmont will appear as guest conductor of the Wind Orchestra at the Northern Festival of Bands final concert on Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Paquito D'Rivera
"Preludio y Merengue" featured on Randy Grabowski's Faculty Recital, Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
All Voices Heard in Music
The newly-launched student organization All Voices Heard in Music is a social music club that gives underrepresented, minority and allied music students an opportunity to feel empowered, create connections, and explore the music and cultures from around the globe. Participants don’t have to be a music major or even play an instrument to join the group, students who are simply interested in music of all cultures can join.
- Contact Student Organization Advisor, John Chiles
- Contact Student Organization President, David Phetmanysay
- Learn more about the group by visiting and viewing the Russell Hall lobby display cases
John Clayton
"Jingle Bells" arrangement featured on Spotlight Series: Holiday Concert on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Jenni Brandon
"Starry Night" featured on Clarinet Studio Recital on Tuesday, December 6 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Dobrinka Tabakova
"Good Will to Men and Peace on Earth" featured on the Spotlight Series: Holiday Concert on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Ivan Trevino
"Space Junk" featured on Percussion Studio Concert on Thursday, December 1 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Amber Ferenz
"These Four Directions" featured on Student Chamber Music Concert on Wednesday, November 30 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Caroline Schleicher-Krähmer
"Larghetto" featured on Anna Hanbeck student recital on Wednesday, November 30 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Hildegard von Bingen
UNI Cantorei, under the direction of John Wiles, performed Hildegard von Bingen's Ordo Virtutum on Thursday, November 10. The performance also featured faculty artists Alison Altstatt, Robert Dunn and Christopher Merz, as well as guest artist Lauren Murphy, soprano.
Hildegard von Bingen
UNI Cantorei, under the direction of John Wiles, performed Hildegard von Bingen's Ordo Virtutum on Thursday, November 10. The performance also featured faculty artists Alison Altstatt, Robert Dunn and Christopher Merz, as well as guest artist Lauren Murphy, soprano.
Amelia S. Kaplan
"You Don't Need Eyes to See" featured on the faculty recital of Ann Bradfield on Thursday, November 10 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Amy Beach
"Romance" featured on faculty recital of Ann Bradfield on Thursday, November 10 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Joanna Ross Hersey
"ElevenTwelve" featured on student recital of Aidan Shorey on Thursday, November 10 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Nancy Nourse
"Fantasia on a Newfoundland Folk Tune" was featured on the November 6 Clarinet Choir Day final concert.
American Music
Faculty artist Andrea Johnson (pictured here, performing a piece by Florence Price at the 2022 Scholarship Benefit Concert) was featured as a guest performer of works by Florence Price as part of the curriculum for the course "Topics in Music History and Culture: American Music" taught by Dr. Melinda Boyd.
Chen Yi
Works by Chen Yi will be featured on faculty artist Hannah Porter-Occeña's tour repertoire as she travels to Ohio University, Clayton State, Nebraska Wesleyan and Colorado College from October 17 through November 5.
Amanda Maier
Works by Amanda Maier will be featured on faculty artist Hannah Porter-Occeña's tour repertoire as she travels to Ohio University, Clayton State, Nebraska Wesleyan and Colorado College from October 17 through November 5.
Ashley Killam
Visiting artist Ashley Killam will offer a recital on Thursday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall. Killam's program will include works by Nadje Noordhuis, Eris DeJarnett, Tyler Mazone, Samara Rice and Niloufar Nourbakhsh. Ashley will also engage with current students at both Trumpet and Brass Seminar on October 28.
Lili Boulanger
Nocturne & Cortège for violin and piano featured on the faculty recital of Michelle Monroe, Erik Rohde and Korey Barrett, Monday, October 24 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Lori Laitman
"Vedem Songs" featured on the faculty recital of Michelle Monroe, Erik Rohde and Korey Barrett, Monday, October 24 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Undine Smith Moore
Works by Undine Smith Moore will be featured on faculty artist Hannah Porter-Occeña's tour repertoire as she travels to Ohio University, Clayton State, Nebraska Wesleyan and Colorado College from October 17 through November 5.
Yuko Uebayashi
Works by Yuko Uebayashi will be featured on faculty artist Hannah Porter-Occeña's tour repertoire as she travels to Ohio University, Clayton State, Nebraska Wesleyan and Colorado College from October 17 through November 5.
Lisa Bost-Sandberg
Works by Lisa Bost-Sandberg will be featured on faculty artist Hannah Porter-Occeña's tour repertoire as she travels to Ohio University, Clayton State, Nebraska Wesleyan and Colorado College from October 17 through November 5.
Wayne Shorter
A full evening of Shorter's compositions will be featured at the faculty recital of Christopher Merz on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Matthew Arrellin
Still/Alive featured on Ben Roidl-Ward's faculty recital, Tuesday, October 11 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Yi-Ting Lu
Taxidermy featured on Ben Roidl-Ward's faculty recital, Tuesday, October 11 at 8 p.m. in Davis Hall, GBPAC.
Mulgrew Miller
Hand in Hand featured on Jazz Band Two concert, Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Frank Foster
Down for the Count featured on Jazz Band Two concert, Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Mary Lou Williams
Aries Mood featured on Jazz Band One concert, Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Dizzy Gillespie
Con Alma featured on Jazz Band One concert, Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Ellen Rowe
Spirit Song featured on Jazz Band Two concert, Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall.
Manuel Penella
El Gato Montés featured on Symphonic Band concert, Thursday 9/29 at 7:30 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Jocelyn Hagen
Hymn to St. Teresa featured on Symphonic Band concert, Thursday 9/29 at 7:30 p.m. in Great Hall, GBPAC.
Anne Laver
Guest organist Dr. Anne Laver performed at UNI on Friday, Sept. 16, presenting a recital featuring works by female and BIPOC composers, including the world premiere of a composition celebrating chemist Rosalind Franklin, the unsung co-discoverer of the DNA molecule.
Jessie Montgomery
Percussion Faculty member Josh Graham will perform “Trio” by Chicago Symphony Orchestra Composer-In-Residence Jessie Montgomery on September 21 at the University of Delaware, and on September 22 at Delaware County Community College, Media, PA. This work was commissioned by Graham's violin/clarinet/percussion trio F-PLUS in 2019 with generous support from Chamber Music America.
An American Portrait
The 41st Annual Scholarship Benefit Concert will be held on Friday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. This year's theme - An American Portrait - will focus on the uniquely diverse landscape of American music. The program will feature several women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ composers and arrangers including Leonard Bernstein, Florence Price, Stephen Sondheim, Aaron Copland, Nancy Wertsch and Mary Lou Williams.
Zoe Cutler
Selections from Twenty Tricky Tunes featured on Stephanie Ycaza Faculty Recital, Tuesday 9/13 at 6 p.m. in Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn.
