Inside Iowa State

Jan. 30, 2009

Honor band events are Feb. 6-7

by Steve Jones, LAS Communications

The music department will host the 33rd annual ISU Cyclone Honor Band Festival Feb. 6-7. The festival, which brings 200 premier Iowa high school musicians to campus for rehearsals and a masterclass, also includes two public concerts.

Friday

Friday's concert begins at 4:30 p.m. in Tye recital hall in the music building. It is free and open to the public and will feature the ISU Wind Ensemble, with Joseph Hermann serving as guest conductor. Among other works, the group will perform Vincent Persichetti's "Psalm for Band" and Joseph Spaniola's "Escapade." Lance LaDuke, a member of the Boston Brass, will join the Wind Ensemble, performing Philip Sparke's "Pantomime."

Saturday

Saturday's concert begins at 3 p.m. in Stephens. It will feature the two high school honor bands:

• The Gold Band (80 students), conducted by Joseph Hermann, director of bands at Tennessee Tech University
• The Cardinal Band (120 students), conducted by Thad Driskell, director of bands at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School

These ensembles comprise the best high school musicians in the state, including members from the Iowa All-State band and orchestra, outstanding student musicians, and young men and women who show promise of reaching a high level of performing, or show strong leadership and character. The students represent nearly 70 Iowa high schools and were selected from more than 400 applications.

General admission tickets for the concert are $6 for adults ($4 for seniors and students), and are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and through Ticketmaster.

2009 Honor Band Concert

3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Stephens Auditorium
Adults $6, students $4