Name: Beth (Jordan) Buxton
Major at ISU: Music Education
Graduation Year: 2007
Hometown: Grantsville, UT
Current Residence: Grace, ID
What were you involved in during your time at ISU:
I was involved in the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and the Flute Choir.
What do you currently do for a living:
I currently teach music for grades 6-12th, band, choir, guitar, and music appreciation courses.
Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that occurred in your career?
I was hired at Grace High School in 2013 to rebuild the music program. Grace is an incredibly small school with around 150 total students in grades 9-12. When I started, I had 3 kids in my high school band, only one of whom could kind of read music. There were 14 kids in the choir. With the help of my principal, we've been able to grow the program. The last few years I've had around 35 in my pep band and around 75 in the choir. I started a guitar class that gets around 15 students each semester. About 80% of our high school students participate in a music class at any given point. We now have one of the top-performing choirs and pep bands in the state of Idaho.
Are there other ways that you participate in your community and/or how you engage as a Citizen Artist?
I play in the Pocatello Municipal Band every summer. For several years, I co-directed the Snake River New Horizon's Band in Pocatello, Idaho. This is a community band specifically targeting those over the age of 50 who want to get back into music or even start a new instrument.
How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
It was everything. The classes and professors I had at Iowa State were amazing. In comparison to what other music programs offer, Iowa State ranks at the top. Dr. Sonja Giles didn't just teach flute lessons but helped guide so many of us into being successful humans. Dr. Michael Golemo was also pivotal in training us pre-service teachers in all things band. After 14 years of teaching, I still use materials, books, and even notes from various classes to help me teach. I couldn't have asked for a better education.
What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
That's a tough one! It would probably be a 3-way tie between Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Flute lessons. I made friends, had unforgettable experiences, and felt like I belonged to something great.
How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
It was beneficial in so many different ways. I feel like I was properly prepped for all the things I would be dealing with in my career. More importantly, the interaction I had with the professors helped me figure out the kind of person I wanted to be, not just how to be a musician or teacher.
Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
Soak it all in. Get involved in as many things as you can. My time at Iowa State was one of the best parts of my life. Listen to your teachers, take vigorous notes, and mostly just enjoy your time on the best campus in the country.
Is there anything that you would like to share?
I didn't grow up in Iowa. I ended up at Iowa State through a series of random events. Of all the places I've been, Iowa State University is one of my favorites. The people in Iowa are some of the best in the world - down to earth, kind, and welcoming. The few times I've been back to visit Ames, it feels like being home. I'm so grateful to have been a Cyclone!