Amplify Alumni
The Amplify: Alumni initiative aims to highlight the many achievements - past, present and future - of UNI School of Music alumni. The amazing impact of the performers, educators, innovators and artists who attended the UNI School of Music can be felt around the globe, and we want to celebrate their accomplishments. Over the next year we will be sharing the stories, professional contributions and exciting projects of UNI alumni. Updates are ongoing, so check back often!
Are you a UNI student, faculty or alumni artist with an alumni-focused story to tell? Share your story and use #AmplifyAlumni to let us know!
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Fall 2024 Highlights
Donovan Klutho
Donovan Klutho recently won an audition for a tuba position with the United States Navy Band. Donovan is from Bettendorf, Iowa where he began playing violin followed by tuba. He completed his BM in Tuba Performance and BA in Music Technology at UNI, where he studied tuba with Dr. Jesse Orth and Dr. Stephanie Ycaza and studied bass trombone with Dr. Anthony Williams. After finishing his bachelor’s degree, Donovan pursued an MM in Tuba Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Tim Northcut. Donovan is currently a member of Navy Band Northwest stationed in Silverdale, Washington and will begin his new position in Washington D.C. in August 2024.
Emma Andersen
In the most recent Topeka Symphony Orchestra auditions Emma Andersen (MM, ‘24) won a section violin position.
The Topeka Symphony is a regional professional orchestra with a nearly 80-year history of serving northeast Kansas. Under the baton of maestro Kyle Pickett, each year the ensemble performs a seven-concert season, provides educational outreach concerts, and collaborates with the Kansas Ballet for a production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. When not performing with the TSO, many orchestra members can be found subbing with the Kansas City Symphony, performing with the Wichita Grand Opera, and teaching at universities throughout the Midwest.
Aubrey Williamson
In the most recent Topeka Symphony Orchestra auditions, Aubrey Williamson (BM, ‘24) was first runner up for the position of second flute and has been offered section substitute work.
The Topeka Symphony is a regional professional orchestra with a nearly 80-year history of serving northeast Kansas. Under the baton of maestro Kyle Pickett, each year the ensemble performs a seven-concert season, provides educational outreach concerts, and collaborates with the Kansas Ballet for a production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. When not performing with the TSO, many orchestra members can be found subbing with the Kansas City Symphony, performing with the Wichita Grand Opera, and teaching at universities throughout the Midwest.
Paul Lichty
Trombonist, composer, and educator Paul Lichty (UNI '17) was recently awarded the CJC Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame “Next Generation” Award, in recognition of his contributions to the jazz community in the state of Iowa.
Kristin Rasmussen
Kristin Rasmussen (UNI ‘21) was appointed as Guest Experience Manager by Des Moines Metro Opera in August of this year. Her work will positively impact the thousands of listeners who experience the DMMO each year. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Music in Oboe Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Music History from UNI, as well as a Master of Arts in Musicology from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.