NW Iowa News

(Estherville, Iowa) The Iowa Lakes Music Department will honor the 2020, 2021, and 2023 inductees at the 2023 Music Hall of Fame, with the 2022 and 2024 nominees celebrated next year. A celebratory dinner, induction ceremony, and concert will be held on April 14 at 6:30 pm in the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

“The Iowa Lakes Music Hall of Fame honors the alumni and friends who have gone above and beyond to promote and assist the Iowa Lakes Music Department,” explained Professor of Instrumental Music Carol Ayres Stueven. “All these nominees are superheroes to us in the Music Department, and we are grateful for their time, talent, and commitment to Iowa Lakes.”

The Music Hall of Fame event is open to the public with the purchase of tickets for $25, which includes a dinner with the choice of stuffed chicken breast or pork medallions. To purchase tickets, visit iowa-lakes.ticketleap.com or contact the Iowa Lakes Music Department at 712-362-7902.

2020 Inductees

Trudy Hopton – Innovation (Sforzando)

The Innovation (Sforzando) Award is for a nominee who has broken new ground with originality or creativity, has established new standards, and has broken through boundaries to propel the Iowa Lakes Music Department.

Hopton has been a source of significant innovation for the Iowa Lakes Music Department, bringing her artistic skills as a costume designer, tailor, and organizer to improve the overall appearance of many Iowa Lakes events. She has worked tirelessly organizing the costume shop, bringing costuming standards to a new level, and bringing a collegiate/semiprofessional level to the performances. Hopton has spent many hours repairing and creating costumes for the Madrigal, musicals, and department tuxedos.

Tom Spalding – Commitment (Coda)

The Commitment (Coda) Award is for a nominee who has committed an endless amount of time and energy to the Iowa Lakes Music Department.

Spalding demonstrated considerable commitment to the Music Department for many years. He “sat in” on rehearsals, played in performances, worked in the music library, taught lessons, and more. In addition, he was involved in numerous musicals playing in the pit orchestra. Spalding and his family have significantly contributed to the Iowa Lakes Music Department.

2021 Inductees

Tony Gulizia, Joey Gulizia, and Andy Hall – Impact (Virtuoso)

This jazz trio has made an extraordinary impact on the development and growth of the Iowa Lakes Music Department through their dedication to the Reggie Schive Jazz Camp and the Iowa Lakes Jazz Festival for over 30 years, teaching area students and providing outstanding performances. During COVID, they gladly participated in the first-ever online Jazz Festival. They came to campus, recorded their sessions, and gave clinics over Zoom to help keep the festival going. They always encourage Iowa Lakes students with their patient and gentle ways and their sense of humor and joy.

2023 Inductees

Dave Petrick – Impact (Virtuoso)

Petrick has spent countless hours behind the lens of his camera documenting every production at Iowa Lakes since he was hired in 1999. Petrick has made an extraordinary impact on the development and growth of Iowa Lakes Community College music through the generous use of his photos in all our social media posts and marketing material. He is always happy and encouraging to students at Iowa Lakes.

Barb Nissen – Commitment (Coda)

Nissen, also known as “Queen,” has demonstrated considerable commitment to the Iowa Lakes Music Department for many years. She has been involved in numerous musicals. Nissen has contributed significant time and energy to make the Iowa Lakes Music Department thrive.

About the Iowa Lakes Music Hall of Fame

The Iowa Lakes Music Hall of Fame recognizes a select group of music luminaries, visionaries, leaders, and entities that have made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of the Iowa Lakes Music Department.

Nominations for these awards are based on the following criteria:

1. Impact: The nominee has made an extraordinary impact on the development or growth of the Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department.
2. Influence: The nominee has significantly influenced the work of musicians, music lovers, and/or society at large.
3. Innovation: The nominee has broken new ground with originality or creativity, has established new standards, and/or has broken through boundaries to propel the Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department.
4. Commitment: The nominee has committed an endless amount of time and energy to the Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department.

Original source can be found here.