Name: Emma Feldhans
Major: Vocal Music Education
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Planned Date of Graduation from Iowa State: Spring 2021
Instrument(s)/Voice Part: Mezzo-Soprano
Ensembles you’re involved in at ISU and beyond:
I am a second-year member of the Iowa State Singers and was on the Fall 2017 piccolo line in the ISU Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band. Last spring, I was a member of the ensemble in the ISU Theatre production of Oklahoma! and joined the Ames Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation Chancel Choir.
What pieces are you working on right now?
I just finished working on Heidenröslein by Franz Schubert, a charming little story about a feud between a rose and a young boy, as well as Prison by Gabriel Fauré and Song of the Blackbird by Roger Quilter.
What is your favorite thing about your experience so far? Favorite course?
One of the best things about my experience so far is my interactions with my professors. They are a very enthusiastic group of people who have a lot of passion for what they teach. I have been so grateful for how easily I can reach out to them whenever I need help. Another thing that stands out about my experience is the trips I’ve been able to take with my ensembles. Just this past year, the Iowa State Singers went to Chicago and Minneapolis and the marching band got to go to the bowl game in Memphis, all of which were a blast! This semester, I’ll be travelling to New York and Kansas City for choir performances.
Why did you choose the Department of Music & Theatre at ISU?
I chose ISU and this department because I fell in love with the atmosphere. I was able to visit Iowa State while I was still in high school and attend a few classes to see what it would be like, and it was very important in my decision to go to ISU. The things I liked then have held true as I started classes; every day when I walk into the music building, everyone is immediately friendly and welcoming. We are all here to support and encourage each other, and that’s something that has had a really positive impact on my daily student life.
What are your interests beyond music and theatre?
Outside of this department, I am pursuing a minor in Spanish as a part of my degree. I am currently applying to travel to Valencia, Spain this coming summer for a six-week study abroad program!
What are you looking forward to in the spring semester?
This spring, I’m excited to continue doing things with Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), the women’s music fraternity I joined last year. I am currently the Philanthropy Chair, and I get to help out with a lot of good things around Music Hall through the group! I’m also looking forward to continuing to be a peer mentor for Esprit de Corps, the music learning community, which helps first year music students get to know their classmates and navigate their first year in the program.
Any words of wisdom for prospective students?
Get involved in as many things as you can! The Department of Music & Theatre offers so many great and diverse opportunities. It’s a really good way to get to know some amazing peers and teachers who share your passion for music and theatre. Take advantage of these wonderful experiences, and don’t be afraid to try new things until you find what you like!