LAMONI, IOWA (November 7, 2012)—The Graceland University Music Department hosted the 2012 Pride of Iowa Conference Honor Choir on Tuesday, November 6. The Guest Conductor was Lisa Evans, Director of Parkview and Prairie Middle Schools in Ankeny, Iowa. The day culminated with a well-attended concert, which also featured the Graceland Choir.
More than 80 students from 12 public schools in the Pride of Iowa Conference gathered for a day of workshops and rehearsals on Graceland’s Lamoni, IA campus. High schools from Bedford, Central Decatur (Leon), Corning, East Union (Afton), Interstate 35 (Truro), Lenox, Mt. Ayr, Nodaway Valley, Pleasantville, Wayne (Corydon), Martensdale-St. Mary’s and Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) school districts were represented.
The day featured workshops and rehearsals in Graceland’s just-dedicated performing arts venue, the Shaw Center. The $16 million expanded Shaw Center now includes the acoustically-perfect recital facility, Carol Hall, where the high school students had a chance to experience a world-class performance venue. The students enjoyed the day’s activities and had many opportunities to meet with Graceland’s excellent music faculty members, including Maestro Jack Ergo, Director of Orchestras and Frank Perez, Director of Bands. Several GU adjunct instructors and Graceland choral students were also busy working with the students throughout the day.
Ergo said, “This was a tremendous opportunity for the best of the best high school choir members from around our region to learn and perform together as a group. We are glad they had a chance to experience our amazing new Shaw Center. Graceland University was honored to host this event.”
Pride of Iowa Honor Choir members are carefully selected as some of the top student musicians in their program by their high school musical directors. Lisa Evans did an excellent job working with the students and she served as guest conductor and clinician.
For more information, contact
Frank Perez, Director of Bands
Graceland University
641-784-5273
fperez@graceland.edu
https://www.graceland.edu/music
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
