News

Iowa State Voice Students Excel at Regional NATS Competition

The Department of Music and Theatre at Iowa State University proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its voice students at the Central Region National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition and Conference, held October 31–November 1, 2025, at Illinois State University.

Wind Ensemble to Present a Sensory Sensitive Concert for Neurodiverse Individuals, their Families, and Children

Something’s Brewing: ISU Jazz Ensembles and ISU Brew Lab Unite for “Jazz Night: Happy Hour” at The Maintenance Shop

Puppet Power 2025 Comes to Ames: Exploring Process, Practice, and Possibility in Applied Puppetry

"It is pretty wonderful to be able to fill our buildings with live music at the drop of a hat," said Brad Dell, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre. "What a special thing to have at Iowa State."

“Beware the ides of March.” “Et tu, Brute?” “There is a tide in the affairs of men.” You may be familiar with these famous phrases, all of which spring from the rich script of Shakespeare’s historical thriller, “Julius Caesar.” ISU Theatre’s staged reading of the classic play – which unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Rome – opens Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Theater before touring central Iowa.

Stephen O'Baker

Stephen's career has encompassed diverse roles as choir director, church organist, and accompanist throughout various communities. In 2013, he became Director of Music at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer, Iowa, where he also started a ukulele group, a children’s ensemble, a string scholars program, and developed several software applications to help make the process of arranging and coordinating the music for all these groups more efficient. 

Fall 2025

Heartland Marimba Quartet

The Heartland Marimba Quartet founded in 2016 by marimba soloist Matthew Coley, has performed over 150 concerts. Dedicated to showcasing American composers, the group also embraces global works, and promotes classical marimba in both academic and community settings. 

Fall 2025

Rhoslyn Jones

In collaboration with pianist Jodi Goble including the world premiere of a song cycle called "Circle of Light" composed by Goble.

Fall 2025

Cantamus Choir Honored with Top Awards and Gala Concert Performance on International Tour

The Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre proudly celebrates the success of the Cantamus choir during their extraordinary June concert tour of Finland and Sweden. Over the course of 12 days, Cantamus delivered eight performances that culminated in an invitation to sing in the prestigious Gala Concert at the renowned Tampere Vocal Festival in Finland—one of only thirteen choirs selected to represent the festival. The ensemble’s performance was broadcast nationwide on Finnish National Radio.

Student Focus: Kenedy Panosh

Major: Double Major - Performing Arts and Communication Studies
Hometown: Altoona, Iowa
Planned Graduation Date: Fall 2026

Mary Jo DuPrey

Guest Director, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Spring 2025

Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hallatt

Guest conductor for the ISU Bands.

Fall 2024

Sarah Shin

Dr. Sarah Shin is a vibrant and eclectic flute performer, educator, and collaborator making waves in the music industry.

Fall 2024