Live Music Trivia

Get ready for a concert experience like no other with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble! Join us for an afternoon of thrilling music, brain-teasing trivia, and exciting contests that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

What’s in Store:

  • Musical Marvels: Hear our talented musicians bring to life a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, modern hits, and everything in between. From soul-stirring ballads to energetic marches, our band’s performance promises to dazzle and delight.
  • Trivia Challenges: Think you know your band trivia? Test your knowledge with our interactive trivia segments sprinkled throughout the concert. Answer questions about composers, historical facts, and musical tidbits for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights!
  • Contest Extravaganza: Feeling lucky? Participate in our fun-filled contests where audience members can showcase their musical talents or engage in entertaining challenges related to the pieces being performed. Prizes await the winners!
  • Engaging Insights: Gain deeper insights into the music as our conductor shares behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes, and interesting facts about the pieces being played. Discover the rich history and significance behind each composition.

Don’t miss out on this unique fusion of music and entertainment! Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or a newcomer, our concert promises an afternoon of laughter, learning, and extraordinary music-making.

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!”

Deck the Halls – Des Moines

Join us for an enchanting evening of festive melodies and emotional resonance as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents a special holiday concert that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

  • Beloved Holiday Classics: Experience the magic of the season with timeless favorites like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Silent Night” performed by our talented musicians. From joyful carols to soulful hymns, each piece is carefully chosen to evoke the true essence of the holidays.
  • Musical Brilliance: Be mesmerized by the impeccable skill and passion of our ensemble as they bring Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music to life. Let the music transport you to a place of nostalgia and joy, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  • Emotional Journey: Prepare to be moved as the concert weaves a tapestry of emotions through music. Feel the warmth of community, the beauty of tradition, and the spirit of togetherness that defines this special time of year.
  • Memorable Moments: Whether you’re singing along to familiar tunes or discovering new favorites, our holiday concert promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Deck the Halls – Ames

Join us for an enchanting evening of festive melodies and emotional resonance as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents a special holiday concert that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

  • Beloved Holiday Classics: Experience the magic of the season with timeless favorites like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Silent Night” performed by our talented musicians. From joyful carols to soulful hymns, each piece is carefully chosen to evoke the true essence of the holidays.
  • Musical Brilliance: Be mesmerized by the impeccable skill and passion of our ensemble as they bring Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music to life. Let the music transport you to a place of nostalgia and joy, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  • Emotional Journey: Prepare to be moved as the concert weaves a tapestry of emotions through music. Feel the warmth of community, the beauty of tradition, and the spirit of togetherness that defines this special time of year.
  • Memorable Moments: Whether you’re singing along to familiar tunes or discovering new favorites, our holiday concert promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

A Sousa Spectacular

Step into a bygone era of pomp and pageantry with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble as we present “A Sousa Spectacular” – an exhilarating concert celebrating the timeless legacy of John Philip Sousa and the golden age of American marches.

Highlights Include:

  • Sousa’s Greatest Hits: Immerse yourself in the iconic sound of the “March King” himself as we perform some of John Philip Sousa’s most beloved compositions, including “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and more.  Let the lively rhythms and stirring melodies transport you to a patriotic realm of grandeur and pride.
  • Classic Marches: Beyond Sousa, discover the brilliance of other renowned composers of the era who contributed to the rich tapestry of American band music. From rousing military marches to elegant concert pieces, each selection captures the spirit of a bygone era with its own unique charm and character.
  • Timeless Appeal: Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sousa’s music or new to the genre, “A Sousa Spectacular” promises an evening of musical excellence and nostalgic delight. Our ensemble of talented musicians will showcase their virtuosity and passion, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
  • “Everyone Loves a March”: Explore marches from other eras and cultures including the epic March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith and Percy Grainger’s Children’s March.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the spirited world of John Philip Sousa and classic American marches. Celebrate the artistry and tradition of band music with us at “A Sousa Spectacular” – a concert that promises to leave you exhilarated and inspired.