I’m so grateful for the opportunity to visit my alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, and spend a couple of days in Cedar Falls as a guest artist for a truly memorable concert in the Great Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
One of the highlights of the trip was performing on piano alongside the combined Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra and UNI’s Jazz Band One for my composition, “Free Flight.” Originally written in 2016, during my studies at the Manhattan School of Music, this was the first time the piece was performed in concert. Sharing the stage with these talented students and my former mentor and collaborator, Chris Merz—who performed as a guest soloist on alto sax—made the experience even more meaningful.
A huge thank you to Chris and conductor Dr. Erik Rohde for leading these incredible ensembles and for all the work that went into making this happen. And thank you, as always, to Tom Barry for making everything sound amazing!
It was also inspiring to hear outstanding music from UNI faculty, alumni, and students, including Dr. Mike Conrad, Dr. Jonathan Schwabe, Dakota Andersen, and Sean Keifer. Knowing this was the first collaboration between these two ensembles made the concert even more special—hopefully, it’s the first of many more to come!
I loved reconnecting with so many familiar faces I haven’t seen in years. For those I didn’t get to see this time around, I’m hopeful there’s another chance soon!
It’s clear that UNI continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity and talent in the Midwest, and I’m proud to call myself an alum. GO PANTHERS!!! 💜💛
Jon Snell 