Name: Tyler Bainter
Major: Flute Performance
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Planned Graduate Date: Spring 2019
Ensembles you’re involved in at ISU and beyond: I have been a flutist in the Wind Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. I have also been a conductor for the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Ensemble, and the Des Moines Community Orchestra.
What pieces are you working on right now? I am working on the Gaubert Fantaisie for Flute and Piano which I will be performing with Jacob Metzler and the first movement of Johan de Meij’s Symphony No.1 that I will be conducting with the Wind Ensemble.
What is your favorite thing about your experience so far? Favorite course? My favorite thing about my Iowa State experience is how genuine the “family” is within the program. Making friends is just one of the perks of being in such a tightly knit program; the best experience comes from being able to make art with these friends. I think that this brings us closer; it lets us see each other as raw emotion, without all the walls.
My favorite course has to be Flute Ensemble. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a lot of great music, with a lot of great people, and the world’s best professor!
Why did you choose the Department of Music & Theatre at ISU? I chose this program because of the flute professor. I felt like I had people here who saw my potential. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
What are your interests beyond music and theatre? I really enjoy spending time with my wife Paige and my daughter Amelia, although I picture my life as 100% family and 100% music. There is no escape! :)
That isn’t necessarily true; I do have an interest in graphic design. It’s pretty basic poster and logo making, but it is something fun I get to do for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia!
What are you doing/looking forward to this semester? This semester I am auditioning for Graduate School, where I hope to be studying Orchestral Conducting. I have a few projects planned for this semester, including working on some music by Gustav Holst as well as a few composition projects.
Any words of wisdom for prospective students? Music is something that transcends many of the things that divide us in our world; it helps to bring us human beings together. Remember that in music we have to remember to be human; we have to remember that music is sometimes more than just art. To accomplish the task of being human, we must do something simple yet extremely challenging; we have to live. Eat, sleep, spend time with friends and family, and especially do things outside of music. Let the life you live shape the way you perceive and present music. You have chosen a life-giving art, congratulations and good luck!