Invitation to Join Perry Commission Consortium

The Iowa Bandmasters Association has approved a band composition commission project to honor the resilience of the people of Perry, Iowa, as they continue to grieve and recover from the tragic events of January 4, 2024. The project goal is to sponsor an instrumental music composition that commemorates and honors the memories of Ahmir Joliff (student) and Dan Marburger (principal), who lost their lives on that day, and extend a spirit of support and hope from the entire Iowa instrumental music community.

In support of this project, we invite groups and organizations to become members of the Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commissioning Project Consortium to help fund the commission.  So that the consortium membership is accessible to many different budgets, the membership honorarium has been set at $175.00.  We invite school bands, community bands, collegiate bands, and other interested organizations to become members.  Consortium membership will have six months of exclusive access to the score and a set of parts before the work is released for publication.   Additionally, consortium members will be recognized on our website and listed in the score.  This newly commissioned work will premiere in Perry in April 2025, with consortium member PDF score and parts released in May.

We are excited to announce Michele Fernandez as our commissioned composer!  Michele comes with a national reputation and writes powerful music for young bands.  More on Michele Fernandez and her music can be found on her website.  The work will reflect the resilience of the people of Perry, the community’s diverse culture, and its history as a hardworking railroad town. The work will be written as an accessible Grade 3.  

Through our combined fundraising initiatives, our goal is to raise $9,000.00 for this project.  Any funds received that exceed our expenses will be given directly to the Perry Community Schools Instrumental Music Department.

We would be honored if you would join the Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commissioning Project Consortium.   With our thanks, please visit our webpage to donate online (donation links have been disabled 2/1/2025). You may also send a check to IBA Treasurer Tiffany Nelson at the address below. 

Tiffany Nelson, Treasurer
Iowa Bandmasters Association
208 Main Street
Dakota City, IA  50529. 

Checks should be made out to the Iowa Bandmasters Association.  Please specify Consortium Membership in the memo line.

Sincerely,

Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commission Project Team

Steve Cook, Tony Garmoe, Patrick Kearney, Steve Shanley

Join Consortium

Last Updated: May 9, 2024