Oct 27, 2024 | Iowa Brass

THE KING OF POP

Relive THE MAGIC OF MJ - IN BRASS!

OCT. 27, 2024 @ 4pm

Solon Community Center Auditorium

PROGRAM

Celtic Celebration

Gaelforce, Peter Graham

'neath the Dublin Skies, Paul Lovatt Cooper

David Lang - Euphonium

Irish Tune from County Derry, Percy Grainger

Riverdance, Bill Whelan/ arr. Ray Farr

** Intermission **

A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson arr. Jacob Vilhelm Larson

i. Thriller

ii. Smooth Criminal

Electric Trombone - Kolbe Schnoebelen

iii. She's Out Of My Life

Mike Piersol - Trombone

iv. Billie Jean

Solos by - Lee Stickney, Kolbe Schnoebelen, Dan Davies

v. Stomp

vi. Bad

vii. You are Not Alone

Evan Fowler - Cornet

viii. We Are The World

[Lyrics for sign-along]

We are the world (we are the world)
We are the children (we are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day
So let's start giving (so let's start giving)
There's a choice we're making
And we're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day,
just you and me

Iowa Brass Personnel

Alex Beamer - Music Director (chair sponsored by Anonymous)

Alex has been the Principal Conductor of Iowa Brass since 2013, making this his 11th year with the group. Throughout his tenure, the band has performed at numerous competitions claiming such prizes as Best March and 2nd place at the Gateway Brass Band festival. Alex has participated in numerous conducting competitions throughout Europe and in 2016 received a finalist award at the Brass Band conducting competition in Manchester, England.

Mr. Beamer completed a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Messiah College. His conducting teachers include Dr. Jorge Perez-Gomez, Dr. Timothy Dixon, and Dr. Bradley Genevro. He has studied percussion with Steve Fidyk, Chris Rose, Doug Cardwell and David Knott. Alex has also participated in many master classes and clinics with some of the nation’s top conductors, such as Mallory Thompson, Eugene Corporon, Dennis Fisher, and Col. Timothy Holton.

Alex is the Vice President of School Music Services at West Music. During his down time, Alex enjoys life in the Amana Colonies with his wife Jessi, 3 boys Oliver, Henry and Paul, and their dog Lola.

Eb Soprano Cornet

Kevin Makinster

Bb Cornet

Evan Fowler

Paul Waech

Jeff Fountain

Steve Stickney

Dan Davies

Repiano Cornet

Lee Stickney

2nd Cornet

Brian Redington

Beth Villhauer

Karla Beckman

3rd Cornet

Steve Kenny (chair sponsored by David Haaversen)

Rob Medd

Dennis Pedde

Keri Speidel

Flugelhorn

Anna Kelly

Tenor Horn
Peter Laird (chair sponsored by John and Lisa Ross Thedens)

Cliff Somers

Ray Colony
Reid Barlow
Bob Upmeyer

Trombone
Mike Piersol

Kolbe Schnoebelen
Paul McNally
Lee Tippe

Bass Trombone

Ryan Carter

Paul Upmeyer

Baritone
Ryan Hesseltine (chair sponsored by Laura Hesseltine)
David Ancelet

Euphonium

David Lang (chair sponsored by John and Lisa Ross Thedens)

Todd Bransky

Eb Tuba

Chris Bird

Michael Rockstroh

Bb Tuba

Bob Driggs

Alex Jester

Bryson Kinnon

Percussion

Andy McDonald

Javier Torres

Taylor Wells

Spencer Kruse

Taylor Wells

Merchandise

Becky Bunting

SOLOISTS

David A. Lang - Euphonium

After a very successful teaching career as a high school band director in Independence, Iowa, David reactivated his passion for performing as a euphonium player. He plays year round with the Iowa Brass, a British style brass band located in Solon, Iowa. In 2023 he was named Outstanding Euphonium at the US Open Brass Band Championships in Kansas City. In 2024, he traveled to Huntsville, Alabama and competed in the North American Brass Band Championships solo competition where he won first place in the technical euphonium section.

While studying at the University of Iowa, he performed as a guest soloist with all three School of Music Concert Bands. He was the first place winner in the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition. David is a frequent guest soloist with area community bands, colleges and high schools.

David resides in Independence, Iowa with his wife Lisa and their two amazing cats, Louis and Meowsers.

Mike Piersol - Trombone

Mike Piersol, a native of Williamsburg, IA, has been a trombonist with the Iowa Brass since November 2023.

After earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida State University, and a Master of Arts from the University of Iowa, Mike served 23 years in the United States Air Force Band, the last 20 years as a member of the premier AF Band in Washington, DC. Career highlights include performing concerts in 48 states, performing ceremonies for the world’s highest military and civilian leaders, as well as honoring our nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mike retired from the Air Force in 2020, moving back home to Iowa, where he currently works full-time as a Human Resources professional.

Evan Fowler - Cornet

Dr. Evan Fowler, a skilled cornetist and dedicated educator, brings a wealth of musical experience to the stage. Mentored by teachers including Mark DeGoti, Andy Cheetham, Keith Winking, and Amy Schendel, Evan has honed his craft through years of dedication and passion.

His academic journey includes degrees from Eastern Illinois University, Texas State University, and the University of Iowa. Notable highlights of Evan's career include his role as a member of the Iowa faculty brass quintet and his impressive performances at the National Trumpet Competition.

Currently, Evan enriches the musical landscape as a member of Iowa Brass while also managing West Music’s Coralville store and lesson program and teaching at Kirkwood. At home in North Liberty, he finds unwavering support from his wife Tiffany, their three children, and two dogs.

Upcoming Performances

Sunday, Nov 17, 2024 @ 1pm. Festival of Trees at Lindale Mall

Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 @ 10:45am. US Masters Brass Band Championship (Midwest Trust Center - Overland Park, KS)

Sunday, Dec 8, 2024. 4pm. Holiday Concert (Quincy Kroc Center - Quincy, IL)

Sunday, Dec 15, 2024. 4pm. Holiday Concert (Solon, IA)

Iowa Brass would like to thank the City of Solon, Parks & Recreation, and the Solon City Council and Staff, for all their ongoing support and specifically for their generous support of this community holiday concert. We would like to thank our sponsors and donors. We could not continue to make music without you!

Iowa Brass is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is supported through concerts, hired performances, and private donations. Your generosity will echo through the community for years to come. If you would like to make a tax-eductible donation, please scan the QR code or visit this URL: Click here

Thank you!