
LAMONI, IOWA (December 24, 2012)—The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band’s Brass in Blue, a pioneering symphonic brass ensemble, presented a free concert in the Shaw Center Family Auditorium at Graceland University on Feb. 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. The concert was free and open to the public.
This 13-piece brass, percussion and vocal ensemble presented a diverse and exciting program that had audiences agreeing the group is “once heard, never forgotten.”
Representing more than 325,000 Air Force professionals, Brass in Blue showcases the service’s excellence and precision in every performance. Comprised of ten brass players, one percussionist and a vocalist, the ensemble maintains a rigorous performance schedule presenting a diverse repertoire featuring orchestral transcriptions, patriotic favorites, jazz standards, new compositions and arrangements.
Frank Perez, Director of Bands at Graceland University, says: “Brass in Blue is a tremendous group of musicians as well as ambassadors. The concert is inspirational and extremely well performed. In addition, the time the audience gets to spend visiting with the band members after the performance adds a personal touch that they will not soon forget.”
Brass in Blue’s diversity and flexibility make it well-suited for all types of events and audiences. The group was selected to open the 2008 Grand Teton Music Festival, has performed the National Anthem for a Minnesota Timberwolves game, performs educational master classes for many Midwestern colleges, and regularly receives rave reviews from audiences across the Heartland.
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.