Sadly, we have been notified that our friend and colleague, Ross Leeper, passed away suddenly yesterday (Thursday, April 11) afternoon.  What a wonderful teacher in our Iowa band world.

Details of a memorial service and an obituary will be posted as soon as possible.  Let us keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Jane Triplett, IBA President     

Update:

Services for Ross Allen Leeper, 85, will be held 10:30 am on Tuesday April 16 2019 at the Indianola First United Methodist Church with burial following in the Penn Center Cemetery, Earlham, Iowa.

Obituary information can be found here https://www.overtonfunerals.com/obituary/ross-leeper

Visitation will be held Monday April 15th from 4 to 8 pm at the Overton Funeral Home with family present from 6 to 8 pm. Memorials may be given to the American School Band Directors Association Education Foundation Inc.

The IBA Board of Directors will be meeting on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:30 am.  The meeting will take place via Zoom Conference Services.  Agenda items include a funding request for the All Iowa Concert Band Festival.

Steven Cook, I.B.A. Secretary

Greetings Fine Arts Educators!
We have updated our Department of Education to reflect Iowa's Fine Arts Standards, which were approved and adopted by the State Board of Education on November 15th.  All standards are listed, as well as our guidance document and an unpacked standard example.  Additional resources are forthcoming.  Please visit:

https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/content-areas/fine-arts

Thank you!

Angela Matsuoka
Fine Arts Consultant
Iowa Department of Education
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 782-7296
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.educateiowa.gov

Weston Noble, 94, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 21, in Decorah. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on campus May 13th @ 1:30 Pm at the Center for Faith and Life.

 

Longtime Webster City Middle School band director Richard Goettsch passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016. He was 81. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center in Webster City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Webster City. 

Here is the link to the online obituary.
http://www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com/obituary/156702/Richard-Goettsch-of-Webster-City-Iowa/

In honor of more than 50 years of outstanding service as a conductor and music educator, the Iowa High School Music Association has selected Weston Noble, Luther College class of 1943 and professor emeritus of music, to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Noble was presented with the award at the All-State Music Festival Concert, the final event of the 2015 All-State Music Festival, on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Hilton Coliseum on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is also awarded on behalf of the the Iowa Bandmasters Association, the Iowa Music Educators Association, the Iowa Choral Directors Association and the Iowa String Teachers Association.

Noble served as conductor of the Luther College Nordic Choir from 1948-2005 and the Luther College Concert Band from 1948-1973. In addition to his 57-year tenure as a conductor and music educator at Luther, he has served as guest director for more than 900 all-state bands, orchestras, choirs and festivals across four continents. In recent years, he has conducted the Pacific Summer Music Festival of Guam, the Korea National Choir in Seoul, and the International Schools Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Noble's accomplishments in the fields of conducting and music education have been honored around the world. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Augustana University, St. Olaf College, Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Carthage College and Wartburg College.

Noble was awarded the St. Olav's Medal by King Harald V of Norway for his contributions to Norwegian-American relations and was the first recipient of the Weston H. Noble Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Choral Art from the North Central Division of the American Choral Directors Association.

April 9, 2015

ANAHEIM, Calif. — James A. Coffin, 84, of Anaheim, and a former resident of Indiana, passed away April 9, at home after a battle with a long-term illness.

He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on Jan. 11, 1931.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Coffin; daughter Kimberly (Michael) Allard; sons Marc Coffin and Cris (Betty McLarney) Coffin; eight grandchildren, Jamison, Melysa, Zachary, Amanda, Kaleigh, Stevi, Cortnee and Emily; six great-grandchildren, Cayden, Jace, Avery, Carson, Mila and Noah; and extended family, including Billie Coffin.

Jim worked for Selmer of Elkhart, Ind., and he retired from Yamaha Drums in 1993. Jim had a huge impact on the music industry.

Jim’s celebration of life service will be Saturday, May 2, in Anaheim Hills.

Memorials may be sent to the James Coffin Visiting Artist Jazz Fund, University of Northern Iowa Foundation, Office of Financial Services, 121 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/jim-coffin

http://www.pas.org/publications/publications-services/submissions/submitmemoriam/InMemoriam.aspx

John Holeman, retired Centerville band director, passed away March 2nd.  John was working in his woodworking shop and received significant burns from a propane gas heater.  John fought the good fight and then chose to not have any artificial support and passed away peacefully with family at his side.  Funeral services will be Thursday, March 6th at 1:30 in First United Methodist Church at 410 N. Main St. in Centerville, Iowa.

Kenneth Ingman Hoyne - former IBA President

July 17, 1920 - January 30, 2014
Kenneth Ingman Hoyne, the son of Kenneth and Ellen (Siebert) Hoyne, was born July 17, 1920 in Hurley, SD. His childhood years were spent in Chicago, and later Kadoka, SD, until moving to Centerville, SD, where he received his education, graduating from Centerville High School in 1938. Following high school, he attended SDSU in Brookings, SD, for one year, Sioux Falls College for 2 years and received his BA degree from Dakota Wesleyan College in 1942. In July of 1942, he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he served with the mechanized calvary.

Salvatore Antimuro, 96, Webster City

December 16, 2013

From the The Daily Freeman Journal
      
Salvatore "Torry" Antimuro, 96, of Webster City, died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Van Diest Medical Center. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Meyer officiating. Military rites conducted by American Legion Post #191.

 The time for Ralph Paarmann's memorial event has been set for Saturday, June 8, at Mo' Bradys Steakhouse in Davenport, Iowa (4830 N. Brady St.) There will be a reception with friends and family from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with a brief program at 1:30 p.m.  Appetizers and a selection of beverages will be provided.  If you are able to come, please RSVP to the website http://repmemorial.info//.

The Iowa Bandmasters Association is pleased to announce the recipients of its Outstanding Administrator awards for 2013.  Each year, members have the opportunity to nominate deserving administrators in the categories of Elementary/Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Superintendent.  Letters of recommendation are asked to include information regarding how the administrator’s leadership allows the band program to be exemplary, how the nominee is an advocate for the band program in the school and community, how the administrator has demonstrated budgetary support of the band program, and examples of the nominee’s outstanding leadership.

WATERLOO — Milton R. “Milt” Mikesh, 88, of Landmark Commons, died there Tuesday, March 5.

Mr. Mikesh graduated in 1942 from Rudolphinum High School, Protivin, and received his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where he also earned his master’s degree. He was a professional musician and an instrumental music teacher for schools in Arlington, Oelwein and Waterloo, retiring in 1986. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was inducted into the UNI Jazz Hall of Fame and was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church, New Horizons Band, Iowa Military Veterans Band, Northeast Iowa Community Concert Band, Piano Technicians Guild, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and American Legion Post 138.

Visitation is Friday 3/8 4-7 PM with Vigil at 7:00 at the Locke Funeral Home, 1519 W 4th St, Waterloo.
Funeral is Saturday 3/9 at 10:30 AM at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1423 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.
Burial is at Mount Olivet Cemetery

Memorial gifts may be sent to UNI New Horizons Band, St. Edward Catholic Church or family's choice.
Obituary

Jimmie Howard Reynolds passed away in Shreveport, LA, on January 19, 2013. After teaching at public schools in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, he became Director of Bands and Head of the Music Department at LSU, and Director of Bands at Iowa State University. A private memorial service will be held in Wichita, KS, at a later date.

See picture and full obituary.

John Bernatz, age 70, of Davenport, IA formerly of Spillville, IA died Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota surrounded by family after a very short battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, IA with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding. Burial of cremains will be at the Haug Cemetery west of Spillville at a later date.

RALPH PAARMANN (1924-2013)

   Ralph Paarmann passed away after a brief illness on Feb. 15, 2013. There was a private family service on Monday, Feb. 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport.  A memorial service will be scheduled
at a later time.

Duane “Oley” Olson, 80, Twin Lakes, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. Oley was affectionately known as the voice of the Karl L. King Municipal Band in Fort Dodge IA. He requested a private service and burial.

            Oley is survived by his wife, Nancy; a daughter, Susan Garro; four grandchildren, Ben, Brody, Bert, and Beth; his brother, Loran; and several nieces and nephews. His parents and two brothers, Dean and Lamont, preceded him in death.

            Oley was born and raised in Fort Dodge. His earliest memories were of his family attending the weekly band concerts at the City Square and at the Oleson Park Band Shell to hear the Fort Dodge Municipal Band under the direction of Karl L. King.   He began playing trombone when he entered junior high school and played throughout high school.

            When he was 15, he was invited to join the Fort Dodge Municipal Band. Following 18 months playing in Army bands in Korea during the war, he returned to Iowa, rejoining the Municipal Band and attending Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where he majored in music.

            After teaching in the Pomeroy schools, he joined Mid-Bell Music in Storm Lake, and became a familiar figure to band directors in northwest Iowa, calling on them weekly at school. He was always willing to visit with anyone when asked about Karl King, whether it was a group of students, band directors, or as an announcer to an audience at a concert.  

For 65 years, from 1947-2012, Oley played with the King Band, mostly on the Euphonium. He served as the band’s announcer for 56 years, from 1955-2011. He was chairman of the Band board and band manager for 31 years, from 1977-2008. Oley retired from the King Band at the start of the 2012 summer season. The band presented him with a plaque last July, commemorating his significant contributions to the Band’s history and traditions, and his dedication to promoting the legacy of Karl King.

Significant accomplishments during his tenure with the King Band included the first commercially available recordings of the Band; the publication of the book “Hawkeye Glory”, which was written by former band member Tom Hatton, and told the history of the Fort Dodge bands; the development of the band’s website; and the construction of the Karl King statue in Fort Dodge.

Oley was also instrumental in organizing the concert in 1991 to mark the 100^th anniversary of Karl King’s birth; the band’s appearance for two weeks at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington D.C. in 1996; and organizing the King Band’s appearances at several state conventions, three national music conventions, and four appearances at Iowa Bandmasters Association Conferences.

Several current members of the King Band have expressed their thoughts on Oley’s passing. Jerrold Jimmerson, current conductor of the band, said: “He was the voice of the band for many years, and just had so much knowledge of the history of the band, who the pieces were written for, when they were used in the circus and for which acts.”Jimmerson first met Oley in 1960, when Jerry started played in the King Band. “I knew Oley for 53 years. He was definitely a mentor to me the past 10 years since I became the conductor”.  

Paul Bloomquist, director of bands at Iowa Central Community College and a trombone player in the King Band, said: “We’ve lost a part of Karl King in the person of Oley Olson. Oley was such a modest, humble person. He did not want the honor and accolades he really deserves.”

Dan Cassady, former King Band trombone player now living in North Liberty, states: “He was just a wealth of knowledge. I wish I could remember them all. Talking to him was like a history lesson.”

David Swaroff, band director at Southeast Webster Junior High in Burnside and a trumpet player with the band, summed it up best when he said: “I’m sure he will be missed by a lot of people who come to the concerts expecting to hear his voice. You don’t replace Oley. He’s one of a kind.”

The local Fort Dodge newspaper, The Messenger, stated in an editorial: “We can take consolation in the realization that he lived a life he loved, while at the same time making our town richer for his presence.”

May all of us be as fortunate as Oley in this life!

The Iowa Bandmasters Association Board of Directors is proud to announce the election of two new members to the IBA Hall of Fame.  Long time Des Moines Roosevelt band director and former IBA President Bob Bagley was elected to the Hall of Fame along with Himie Voxman, who served as the Director of the University of Iowa School of Music for many years.   IBA is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of these two great musicians and educators.

Keith A. Altemeier, 81, of Fort Dodge, died Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Fort Dodge Villa Care Center.

A service honoring Keith's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lyle Hansen officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown with military honors being presented. A reception will follow the interment at The Embers in Marshalltown, located at 1211 W. State St. The visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Keith is survived by his wife Janet; his children, Janine (Brad) Niemeyer, Fort Dodge; Tara (Mike) Murphy, Des Moines; Sara Altemeier, Ankeny; David Altemeier, Des Moines; two grandchildren, Dalton and Annie Niemeyer; his sisters, Marilyn Hupfeld, Marshalltown; Lorraine Stueck, Dysart, Beverly White, Altoona; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the Karl King Scholarship Fund.

http://funeralinnovations.com/obituary/95166/Keith-Altemeier-of-Fort-Dodge-Iowa/

It with sadness that we share news of the passing of Dr. James E. Croft.  Dr. Croft was selected as an Honorary Life Member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association in 2004.   He also served as a conductor of the Iowa All-State band.  He was a graduate of both Cornell College and the University of Northern Iowa and taught in the Iowa public schools at thebeginning of his career.   He is most recognized as the Director of Bands at Florida State University from 1981-2003.  Dr. Croft is survived by his wife Diana.   He spent a lifetime teaching music at the highest level and inspired thousands of students and colleagues.      A full obituary can be found on the Florida Bandmasters website (http://flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/).

The Iowa Bandmasters Association recently recognized three outstanding administrators for their exceptional support to their school band programs.

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Karen Younie, Jefferson-Scranton Middle School
Nominated by Becky Greiner
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Spence Evans, Ames High School
Nominated by Chris Ewan and Andrew Buttermore
SUPERINTENDENT
Mike Pardun, Denison Community Schools
Nominated by Ruben Newall and Patti Bekkerus

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS OF IOWA SCHOLARSHIP
Seniors who earned an “Outstanding Performance Award” at the 2012 State Solo/Ensemble Festival and are available to perform at the SAI Convention were eligible to apply.  Students submitted a DVD recording of a performance of their solo as part of the application.  The public
relations committee reviewed the applications via a private YouTube account and Google Docs.
The 2012 recipient is Solveig Orngard, flautist, of Southeast Webster Grand High School.  She will attend Luther College in the fall to study music and anthropology.  Solveig will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship and perform at the SAI conference on August 9, 2012, at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines.

The Iowa Bandmasters Association is pleased to announce its selections for Outstanding Administrators for 2012.  Recipients will be honored at the banquet held during the conference at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Des Moines on Friday evening, May 11.  These administrators have shown support of their instrumental music programs through hours of their time, dollars in the budget, and adding staff or programs to promote excellence in instrumental music education.  This year's recipients are:

Elementary/Middle School Principal
Karen Younie
Jefferson-Scraton Middle School
Nominated by Becky Greiner

High School Principal
Spence Evans
Ames High School
Nominated by Chris Ewan and Andrew Buttermore

Superintendent
Mike Pardun
Denison Community Schools
Nominated by Patti Bekkerus and Ruben Newell

Charles "Chuck" Barnhouse, 84, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, February 6, 2012, at his home in Oskaloosa.  In 1941 he started working for the family business C.L. Barnhouse Music Publishing Company in Oskaloosa. In 1957 Chuck and his brother took over the operation of the business from their father. He managed the creative side of the business, selecting the composers and music to be published. Chuck was the president of C.L. Barnhouse Music Publishing for many years, he semi-retired in 2001, but stayed involved in the company through most of 2011.

Find more information below

http://www.tributes.com/show/Charles-Barnhouse-93210034

We have received recent news of the passing of Himie Voxman, Professor Emeritus of University of Iowa School of Music and IBA Honorary Lifetime Member.

Himie Voxman, who studied to be a scientist but instead became renowned for his clarinetist’s contributions to music education, pedagogy and wind instrument repertoire, has died.

Voxman, who enjoyed a long career at the University of Iowa as a student then a full-time faculty member before achieving professor emeritus status, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. He was 99.

Himie Voxman is recognized as one of the most influential American music educators of the last century.

Services through the University of Iowa will be announced at a later date. A complete obituary will follow.

We will continue to update information as we receive it.

Des Moines Register article

Cedar Rapids Gazette

Iowa City Press Citizen

Thomas L. “Tom” Davis, Professor Emeritus of the University of Iowa School of Music died Saturday, November 12th surrounded by his loving family.

See entire obituary here.

IBA Member Chris Covell passed on Monday November 7, 2011. Please find information about visitation and funeral here.

Long-time Mason City and Des Moines (retired) band director and Des Moines Symphony Hornist, Don Lomen, died this morning of Liver cancer...he was diagnosed two months ago. The funeral is 11:00 a.m., Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Dr. Don Lomen Obituary

A longtime friend of IBA and supporter of music education was lost on Tuesday. Kephart was the founder of Kephart's Music, which has expanded to now include stores in Decorah, Dubuque and Mason City.  He was involved with the business for over 50 years.

Russsell L. Kephart, age 84, of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at his home in Decorah.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 1, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Decorah with Rev. John Caldwell officiating with burial in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, September 30 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and on Saturday one hour before the service at the church.

Russell is survived by his wife Lynne of Decorah; and three sons; Neal Kephart of Haywood, WI, Rusty Kephart Jr. of Dubuque, IA and Jim Kephart of Decorah.

more information here...

I am very proud to announce that the Iowa Bandmasters Association is honoring Frank Piersol with his induction into our Hall of Fame. Frank's long and illustrious career as conductor, teacher, mentor, and composer had a profound influence on the lives of countless band students and band directors throughout our state and country. It is my hope that in honoring Frank through our Hall of Fame, future band directors and students will come to know the work of this exemplary Iowa Bandmaster.

We are all saddened to hear of Frank Piersol’s death on February 19, 2010. His long career and his jovial personality had a profound effect on so many band students throughout our state for decades. A full obituary for Frank will be in the Iowa City paper tomorrow, here is information that appeared in two articles today:

Frank Piersol earned his music degrees at Grinnell College and the University of Iowa. He was a high school band director at West Waterloo High and Osage High before moving on to the college level. He served as director of the Iowa State University Band for 19 years and director of the University of Iowa band for 13 years. He retired from the University of Iowa in 1980 and served as director of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band from 1971 to 1993.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with the Reverend Paul Akin officiating. Private family graveside services will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.