Name: Tony Dam
Major at ISU: Bachelor of Music: K-12 Vocal Music Education
Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Sioux City, IA
Current Residence: Des Moines, IA
What were you involved in during your time at ISU?
I was involved in the Iowa State Singers, Statesmen, and Opera Studio. I served as a tutor for Music Theory I and Class Piano. I also served as a Teaching Assistant for Music Theory I and II and Music History. I also worked as a tech lab monitor in Music Hall.
What do you currently do for a living?
I am currently the Associate Choir Director at Waukee High School. At Waukee, I conduct the 10th grade treble choir, the 11-12th grade treble choir, and the non-auditioned mixed choir. My other duties include directing the varsity show choir and junior varsity jazz choir in addition to teaching voice lessons during the school day.
Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that occurred in your career?
Last year, the 11-12th grade treble choir that I conduct had the opportunity to do collaborative concerts with The Iowa Statesmen in the fall, and Lyrica and Cantamus in the spring. These concerts were quite memorable for me as it was a very big full-circle moment in my career: being able to collaborate in outstanding music-making with my current students and my mentors.
Are there other ways that you participate in your community?
Upon graduation from ISU, I was a singer in the Des Moines Choral Society, under the direction of Dr. Rodde.
How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
My time at ISU prepared me immensely for my career. I credit a lot of my success to the strong foundation that I gained as a student at ISU. Singing in the choirs at ISU has had a profound impact on the way that I lead rehearsals and shape choral music in general.
What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
Singing in the choirs. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy those rehearsals, but I learned so much as a singer in the ISU choirs.
How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
I make music daily, and the high level of music-making that I am fortunate to be involved in is due to my wonderful experiences at ISU. I am blessed to work with fellow ISU alumni in Waukee and have a great network of colleagues from ISU.
Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
Take in every second at ISU. Your time at ISU will fly by in a blink of an eye. Take a chance and experience the multitude of opportunities provided to you by the Department of Music and Theatre. There are so many cool things that you can be a part of, do it!