The Department of Music and Theatre appointed Professor Sonja Giles as Associate Chair. Giles is in her 19th year as professor of flute at Iowa State University.
Giles has actively participated across the department in various ways: teaching Aural Theory 1 and 2, coordinating music’s learning community Esprit de Corps, chairing the music curriculum committee, heading the wind & percussion division, and serving on the awards committee. Across the university, Giles served the University as Advisory Board for the Vice-President of Student Affairs, a member of the LAS Representative Assembly’s Dean’s committee and as a member of the University’s Learning Community Committee.
“Sonja brings a wealth of institutional knowledge about the Department and the University,” said Brad Dell, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre. “Her enthusiasm, experience, and love for students, faculty, and staff make her an excellent partner to help lead our Department into the future.”
During her time at ISU, Giles has received the University’s Early Excellence in Teaching Award, the Cassling Family Faculty Award for Early Achievement in Teaching, and the Wilbur L. Layton Faculty Appreciation Award. While her primary passion is teaching, she is excited to serving the department in this new role, as she is dedicated to meeting the needs of the students.
As a flutist, Sonja has appeared as a recitalist, chamber musician, and educator across the United States and Europe. She is second flute with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, a Miyazawa Performing Artist, coordinator for the NFA’s Collegiate Flute Choir, and author of The Melody Book.