Faculty Ensembles

Iowa Brass Quintet

THE IOWA BRASS QUINTET was first formed as a resident faculty ensemble at the University of Iowa in the early 1960s. The group performs on the UI campus each semester and for schools, universities, and community concert associations throughout the Midwest. Each year the IBQ presents many elementary and junior high concerts in Iowa and Illinois, considering this activity an important part of their outreach. The IBQ has performed at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) conference, the Iowa Bandmasters' Association (IBA) annual conference, the Society of Composers, Inc. (SCI) National Conference, and the MENC/NACWPI national convention.

The IBQ has been committed since its inception to the performance and promotion of new music for brass quintet. In its early years the group recorded for CRI and Trilogy Records, and it has premiered works by Charles Wuorinen, Allan Blank, Paul Turok, and James Dowdy, among others.The IBQ released a CD in early 1998, entitled Americana: A University of Iowa Celebration. The CD celebrates the University of Iowa Sesquicentennial by presenting music composed by faculty and students who have been associated with the UI School of Music.

For more information in the Iowa Brass Quintet, contact David Gier by e-mail or phone (319/335-1655); or phone the University of Iowa ArtsShare program (319/335-1618). To purchase the IBQ compact disc, Americana: A University of Iowa Celebration, contact Martha Huelsbeck at (319/335-1615).
 

Maia Quartet

The Maia Quartet, the resident string quartet of The University of Iowa School of Music, has established itself nationally as an ensemble of innovation and versatility. Praised by critics for its "sparkling musical intelligence," the quartet has appeared in major concert halls throughout the U.S., including New York's Alice Tully Hall, Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre, and the Aspen Music Festival's Harris Hall. In April, 1999, they gave a concert at the German Embassy in Washington D.C. on the eve of the NATO summit, in honor of the Czech Republic's entry into NATO. Collaborations with leading chamber musicians have included performances with violist Michael Tree of the Guarneri Quartet, violinist Peter Zazofsky of the Muir Quartet, renowned concert pianist Ann Schein, and the late flutist Samuel Baron. 
 

Iowa Wind Quintet

The Iowa Woodwind Quintet has been in existence at the UI School of Music since about 1932. Its current members -- Gro Sandvik, flute; Mark Weiger, oboe; Maurita Murphy Mead, clarinet; Kristin Thelander, horn; and Benjamin Coelho, bassoon -- are all members of the UI School of Music faculty.

Last updated 2-oct-06