Fine Arts

Fine Arts at Simpson College

Come visit Simpson and discover the arts. Whether you become an active participant, majoring in one of Simpson’s fine arts, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, the campus is alive with creative energy. Use the links on the right to go to the music, art and theatre calendar of events.

Theatre Art and Music students

The theatre department presents four productions throughout the academic year and covers the spectrum from classical to contemporary to musicals. Whether you simply enjoy catching a play or have an academic interest in theatre, there truly is something for everyone. Tickets available via the Theatre Simpson Box Office.

Upcoming Fall Shows:

Henry 5 (In 90 Minutes or Less!)
By William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Tom Woldt

In conjunction with the 13th Annual High School Theatre Festival

November 20 and 21 at 7:30 pm, November 22 at 1:00 pm
Dinner Theatre Event November 21

Explore the visual arts at Simpson through painting, graphic design or photography. Our own Farnham Galleries showcase senior student work and visiting artists’ exhibits throughout the year

Farnham Galleries Fall exhibits:

September 23 – October 16
Paintings by George Rose
 Reception: September 24 at 5 p.m.

October 21 – October 29
Chrysalis Art Exhibition 

The Chrysalis Exhibition is Simpson College Art Department's area high school art exhibition.

November 10 – December 4
Paintings by Lee Rainboth
Reception: November 10 at 5 p.m.

Music at Simpson is multi-faceted. If you have a passion for performing, we will guide you. Not sure if you want to major? You don’t have to. Most of our music programs are open to non-majors. Discover what you like, where you excel and we’ll mold the curriculum to fit your needs. Simpson’s reputation for vocal and instrumental music is one of the best. All concerts are free and open to the public unless admission fees are noted.

Fall Choral Festival:  The 5th annual Festival for high school choirs from around the state.  The day will feature events for directors, rehearsals of choral repertoire of the highest quality, and will culminate with a concert featuring the Festival Chorus and the College's Choral Ensembles.  The Festival is under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.  The public is invited to the evening concert.
Tuesday, October 13, 7 pm, Smith Chapel

Fall Opera Production:  Mozart's elegant comedy The Marriage of Figaro.
Sung in English featuring a student cast and chorus. Presented with piano under the direction of Cara Chowning.
Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m.  Barnum Studio Theatre;  Blank Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $12.00 each for all General Reserved Seating.
Call 515-961-1637 for reservation information beginning September 25.

Master Class:  Michele Gingras, Professor of Clarinet from Miami University in Ohio, presents an Instrumental Master Class.
Saturday, October17;  2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Lekberg Hall;  Amy Robertson Music Center

The Simpson College Symphonic Band under the baton of director Michael Eckerty and the College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dave Camwell will present a special joint concert. Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.;  Great Hall

The Simpson College Choral Ensembles present their Fall concert under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.
Sunday, November 1 at 2:30 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

Dave Camwell, faculty saxophonist, in recital assisted by Ron Albrecht and Kimberly Helton.  The recital will feature works by Gotkovsky, Paganini, Bozza, Noda, and Maurice.
Monday, November 2 at 7:30  p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Dave Camwell and the Jazz Addicts:  Some of Iowa's finest jazz musicians join Simpson College faculty members Dave Camwell and John Benoit in a dazzling and high-energy evening of jazz.  They will perform "Skunk Funk" by Randy Brecker, "It's Only Music" by Gary Willis, "You're the One" by Hank Crawford,  and more.
Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30  p.m.;  Great Hall

Aaron Powell, faculty guitarist, in a recital featuring works by Alonso Mudarra, Gaspar Sanz, Luigi Boccherini, Fernando Sor, and Francisco Tarrega.
Sunday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Guest Artist:  Jillian Camwell, oboe and English horn, in a recital featuring works by Vaughan Williams and a Bimstein work for oboe, frogs, crickets and coyote.
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30  p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

Fall Music Weekend and Scholarship Auditions for Prospective Students: A series of sample classes, lessons and informal performances as well as auditions for Simpson music scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year.
(Phone the Department of Music, 515-961-1637, for information.)
Friday and Saturday, November 13 & 14, Amy Robertson Music Center

Faculty-Student Concert featuring Simpson Music Faculty in solo performances and the Madrigal Singers and Jazz Ensemble in a special evening of music for prospective students and their families. The public is invited.
Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall

Visiting Artists:  The Rampart Winds Woodwind Quintet from the United States Air Force Academy Band in a special evening of music.
Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.;  Great Hall

Visiting Artist: Corey Bix, '02, tenor, a recent winner of the George London Wagner Competition, in recital.
Sunday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Great Hall

The 4th Annual Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival: The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high school students nominated by their band director. Masterclasses in instruments and improvisation will also be offered. The evening concert will feature the College's Jazz Ensemble directed by Dave Camwell, followed by the Honor Band with special guest conductor Chad Eby. The public is invited to the concert.
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.;  Lekberg Hall (Amy Robertson Music Center)

Handel's Messiah:   Presented by the Simpson College Choral Ensembles with orchestra under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin, featuring student and alumni soloists.
Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

The Simpson College Symphonic Band, under the direction of Michael Eckerty, presents their Fall concert.
Thursday, December 10 at 7:00  p.m., Pote Theatre;  Blank Performing Arts Center

Lessons and Carols:  This traditional English carol service with readings and anthems features the music of the Simpson College Choral Ensembles and the Brass Ensemble. An all-college event and a holiday card to the entire community.
Sunday, December 13  at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.;  Smith Chapel

Last Updated: 10/7/09