Memories, Music and Mistletoe

MEMORIES, MUSIC AND MISTLETOE
A Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family
Celebrate the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with an evening filled with beloved Christmas music and cherished memories. Memories, Music and Mistletoe brings together festive favorites, seasonal classics, and heartwarming musical moments designed to capture the spirit of togetherness that defines this special time of year.
A highlight of the program will be a presentation of The Snowman, the beloved animated film whose timeless story of friendship and imagination has become a treasured holiday tradition for generations. Gather your family and friends for an evening of music that celebrates the joy, nostalgia, and magic of the season.

Off to The Races

OFF TO THE RACES
A High-Speed Musical Adventure
Hold on tight as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble closes the season with a thrilling celebration of all things fast! Presented the day after the Kentucky Derby, Off to the Races combines the excitement of horse racing with music inspired by speed, motion, competition, and adventure.
From exhilarating musical showpieces to pulse-pounding selections that race to the finish line, this concert captures the adrenaline and energy of life’s fastest moments. Whether inspired by racing, travel, flight, or sheer musical virtuosity, every selection is designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Join us as we celebrate the thrill of the chase and bring an exciting season to a spectacular finish.

The Sounds of Stories

THE SOUNDS OF STORIES
Great Literature Comes to Life Through Music
Some of the world’s greatest stories have inspired equally extraordinary music. The Sounds of Stories explores the rich connection between literature and the performing arts, bringing beloved books and legendary characters to life through powerful musical storytelling.
This unique concert also celebrates the importance of reading and lifelong learning through a community-wide reading challenge that encourages audiences to rediscover classic works and explore new literary adventures. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply love a great story, you’ll experience how music can capture the drama, wonder, mystery, and imagination found within the pages of literature’s most enduring masterpieces.

 

 

Memories, Music and Mistletoe

MEMORIES, MUSIC AND MISTLETOE
A Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family
Celebrate the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with an evening filled with beloved Christmas music and cherished memories. Memories, Music and Mistletoe brings together festive favorites, seasonal classics, and heartwarming musical moments designed to capture the spirit of togetherness that defines this special time of year.
A highlight of the program will be a presentation of The Snowman, the beloved animated film whose timeless story of friendship and imagination has become a treasured holiday tradition for generations. Gather your family and friends for an evening of music that celebrates the joy, nostalgia, and magic of the season.

Under the Big Top

UNDER THE BIG TOP
A Spectacular Circus Celebration
Step right up! The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble kicks off the season with a colorful musical journey into the exciting world of the circus. Under the Big Top features a collection of spirited, playful, and delightfully zany works that capture the wonder, laughter, and larger-than-life energy of the greatest show on earth.

From dazzling fanfares and high-flying melodies to musical surprises around every corner, this family-friendly concert promises thrills for audience members of all ages. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where imagination reigns and anything is possible.

EPIC!

Embark on a thrilling musical odyssey with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble at our upcoming concert, “EPIC!” Join us for an evening filled with the most iconic and breathtaking pieces from the world of band and orchestral literature, carefully curated to showcase the depth and diversity of our musical heritage.

Under the dynamic direction of Dr. Christian Carichner, our talented ensemble will captivate you from the first note to the last with a repertoire that spans stirring marches, lyrical symphonies, and exhilarating contemporary compositions.

Feel the power and precision of The Overture to Candide, a powerful overture by Leonard Bernstein that sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the classics. Lose yourself in the haunting melodies of John Mackey’s moving Some treasures are heavy with human tears, renowned for its emotional depth and intricate harmonies.

Be swept away by the rhythmic intensity and virtuosic brilliance of Michael Daugherty’s Raise the Roof, a timpani concerto featuring CIWE Timpanist Harris Rogerson. And finally, experience the grandeur and complexity of Shostakovich’s monumental Finale from Symphony No. 5, a masterpiece that has defined the very essence of classical music.

Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic of live band music at its finest. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or new to the genre, “EPIC” promises an evening of unparalleled musicality and passion that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and saying “That was EPIC!”

FEAST!!

Join us as we close our season with a musical feast—literally! Our final concert, FEAST!, pairs amazing music with the flavors of the metro. With spicy selections like Wine Dark Sea, Party Potatoes (yes, you heard that right — a tuba concerto about potatoes), and Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, we’re serving up a musical menu like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

Following the concert, join us in the lobby to sample our complimentary After Show Menu.

Global Dance Atlas

Get ready for a pulse-pounding celebration of dance music from across the globe! This vibrant program features music by Philip Sparke (Great Britain), Jacques Press (Russia), and Jan Van der Roost (Belgium), bringing rhythms and traditions from around the world to life on one unforgettable concert.

From the fiery drive of the Russian Sailors Dance to the spirited snap of a Scottish Reel and the joyful exuberance of the Wedding Dance, this high-energy performance is packed with motion, color, and excitement. You’ll be on the edge of your seat—and you might even find yourself dancing in the aisles!

Join us for an evening where music moves you—literally.

Holiday Spectacular – Des Moines

We can’t wait for you to join us for our annual Holiday Spectacular—a joyful, hilarious, and heartwarming celebration of the season! We’re bringing this show to both the Staplin Performing Arts Center and Iowa State’s Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in Ames. Whether you like your holidays cozy or comical, this is your new favorite tradition.

Holiday Spectacular – Ames

We can’t wait for you to join us for our annual Holiday Spectacular—a joyful, hilarious, and heartwarming celebration of the season! We’re bringing this show to both the Staplin Performing Arts Center and Iowa State’s Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall in Ames. Whether you like your holidays cozy or comical, this is your new favorite tradition.