During the COVID-19 pandemic, many longstanding traditions at the University of Iowa were forced into hiatus, including the School of Music’s annual performance for all fourth graders in the Iowa City Community School District. But in October, Voxman Music Building opened its doors to these young students for the first time in two years.  

Professor Mélisse Brunet, Director of Orchestral Studies at the School of Music, says she and her students have been looking forward to the return of this opportunity for local youth as they benefit from coming and hearing the music.  

“Learning about the arts really helps kids with their development and for helping them to be happier later in life,” she explains.

Brunet led the UI Orchestra during their performance for a crowd of eager young students, and for some, providing a reminder to the performers just how far they have come in their journey with the arts. 

These annual performances assert that the college’s orchestra is not only important to the university, but also holds great significance to the surrounding area.  

“A university needs to be relevant in their community,” says Brunet. “We are performers; we perform not only for the students but for the community. One of the main goals for me is to share classical music with our community.” 

The opportunity to share these experiences wouldn’t be possible without generous donations and support beyond the university.   

“We have generous patrons in the community who care about funding these performances,” Brunet adds. “So, it is both the community giving to the university and the university giving back to the community.” 

For more information on the School of Music and its upcoming events, visit its website and events calendar.