Perry Performing Arts Center
Upcoming EventS
Jukebox Variety Show
P.H.S. Vocal Music Department
February 28, 2025
Perry High School Vocal Music Department presents Jukebox Variety Show Friday, February 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Enjoy an evening of great music from our talented Perry High School singers. The show will feature several student soloists, PHS Choirs, PHS student band, MS student singers, PK-5 Kid's Camp, and Stranger Than Fiction.
Tickets are $6.00 and will be available at the door (CREDIT/DEBIT CARD ONLY - NO CASH OR CHECKS).
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
P.H.S. Vocal Music Department
February 28, 2025
Perry High School Vocal Music Department presents Jukebox Variety Show Friday, February 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Enjoy an evening of great music from our talented Perry High School singers. The show will feature several student soloists, PHS Choirs, PHS student band, MS student singers, PK-5 Kid's Camp, and Stranger Than Fiction.
Tickets are $6.00 and will be available at the door (CREDIT/DEBIT CARD ONLY - NO CASH OR CHECKS).
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
South Central I.C.D.A. 7th & 8th Grade Honor Choirs
March 3, 2025
The South Central Iowa Choral Directors Association 5th & 6th Grade Honor Choirs will perform in concert on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Guest directors for the evening will be ? conducting the 7th Grade Choir and ? conducting the 8th Grade Choir.
Tickets will be available at the door (Adults $5.00, Students FREE - CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ONLY), and the concert is open to the public. A capacity crowd is expected, so please consider arriving early for this event. Tickets will be on sale in the lobby beginning at 6:15 p.m. and seating will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
March 3, 2025
The South Central Iowa Choral Directors Association 5th & 6th Grade Honor Choirs will perform in concert on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Guest directors for the evening will be ? conducting the 7th Grade Choir and ? conducting the 8th Grade Choir.
Tickets will be available at the door (Adults $5.00, Students FREE - CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ONLY), and the concert is open to the public. A capacity crowd is expected, so please consider arriving early for this event. Tickets will be on sale in the lobby beginning at 6:15 p.m. and seating will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
MS/HS Jazz Concert
March 4, 2025
Perry Middle School & High School Jazz groups will perform on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. in the Perry High School Performing Arts Center.
This concert is free and open to the public.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
Senior Send-Off
March 6, 2025
Perry High School Seniors & their parents/guardians are encouraged to attend the Senior Send-Off scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center. End of the year information will be presented. This event takes place of senior conferences. Spanish presentation will be held in the HS library.
This event is free and open to the public.
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
March 6, 2025
Perry High School Seniors & their parents/guardians are encouraged to attend the Senior Send-Off scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center. End of the year information will be presented. This event takes place of senior conferences. Spanish presentation will be held in the HS library.
This event is free and open to the public.
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
Perry Fine Arts Series - Greater Des Moines Community Band
March 16, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
The Perry Fine Arts Series will be presenting the Greater Des Moines Community Band in concert on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
The Greater Des Moines Community Band is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ensemble of 65 plus voluntary musicians ages 16 to 80+ love to share their lifetime love of music by performing Fall, Holiday and Spring concerts on the week-ends at Merle Hay Mall, First Christian Church and Retirement Homes as well as performing in parades and at senior living centers from Memorial Day to the end of the Iowa State Fair.
The Greater Des Moines Community Band was established in October 1987 by Dr. Carroll Childs who was then Supervisor of Music for the Des Moines Public Schools. The second conductor as Jimmy Selland, retired Coordinator of Music for the West Des Moines Community Schools. In the fall of 1991, Vic Anderson became Music Director and in 2011, David Lilijedahl became our next Music Director with our assistant conductor, Ms. Christa Miller, a member of the euphonium section. Christa Miller now serves as our director.
About Our Director
Christa Miller is an active music educator teaching Middle School Band and Choir at St. Theresa in Des Moines. Her professional affiliations include SCIBA, IBA, and IHSMA. She serves on the IBA MS Affairs Committee and is SCIBA MS Affairs and MS Honor Band Chair and Commission Project Chair. Christa’s service also includes adjudication for SCIBA and IHSMA. In addition to her directing duties with Greater Des Moines Community Band, she plays euphonium in Sax ‘N Brass.
Perry Fine Arts concerts are free, donations accepted, and open to all.
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
March 16, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
The Perry Fine Arts Series will be presenting the Greater Des Moines Community Band in concert on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
The Greater Des Moines Community Band is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ensemble of 65 plus voluntary musicians ages 16 to 80+ love to share their lifetime love of music by performing Fall, Holiday and Spring concerts on the week-ends at Merle Hay Mall, First Christian Church and Retirement Homes as well as performing in parades and at senior living centers from Memorial Day to the end of the Iowa State Fair.
The Greater Des Moines Community Band was established in October 1987 by Dr. Carroll Childs who was then Supervisor of Music for the Des Moines Public Schools. The second conductor as Jimmy Selland, retired Coordinator of Music for the West Des Moines Community Schools. In the fall of 1991, Vic Anderson became Music Director and in 2011, David Lilijedahl became our next Music Director with our assistant conductor, Ms. Christa Miller, a member of the euphonium section. Christa Miller now serves as our director.
About Our Director
Christa Miller is an active music educator teaching Middle School Band and Choir at St. Theresa in Des Moines. Her professional affiliations include SCIBA, IBA, and IHSMA. She serves on the IBA MS Affairs Committee and is SCIBA MS Affairs and MS Honor Band Chair and Commission Project Chair. Christa’s service also includes adjudication for SCIBA and IHSMA. In addition to her directing duties with Greater Des Moines Community Band, she plays euphonium in Sax ‘N Brass.
Perry Fine Arts concerts are free, donations accepted, and open to all.
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee!
P.H.S. Music & Drama Departments Present
April 4, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
April 5, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
April 5, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
Perry High School Music & Drama Departments present The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee in the Perry Performing Arts Center for three performances on April 4, 2025 (7:00 p.m.) and April 5, 2025 (7:00 p.m.), and April 6, 2025 (2:00 p.m.). Reserved seating tickets will be on sale soon. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commission Project
April 7, 2025
The Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commission project premier concert on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Composer Michele Fernandez has completed the commissioned work, titled “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Remembrance.” The music has been delivered to the respective individuals Brad Lampe, Blaine Schmidt, and Lisa Christensen prior to the Christmas Break, ensuring that all materials are in place for the next phase of the project.
The performance will feature Perry band students, in collaboration with the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Brad Lampe, Director of Bands at Central College. We hope you will be able to join us for this special and meaningful event.
This project was initiated to honor the resilience of the Perry community following the tragic events of January 4, 2024, when Ahmir Joliff, a student, and Dan Marburger, principal, lost their lives. The composition serves as a tribute to their memories, and as a gesture of support and healing from the Iowa instrumental music community. “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Remembrance” reflects the strength, resilience, and unity of Perry’s people as they continue to process their grief and recovery.
As we transition the project into the capable hands of those it who will lead it forward composer Michele Fernandez, Perry Band Directors Lisa Christensen and Blaine Schmidt, Central College Director of Bands Brad Lampe, the Perry High School Band, and the entire Perry community it is both reassuring and inspiring to see this endeavor being embraced so fully.
The following words, shared by many involved, speak to the deep empathy, sensitivity, and powerful resonance of this project. It is evident that “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Rememberance” will not only be a wonderful composition, but also a lasting testament to the enduring spirit of Perry and its people.
Michele Fernandez, Commissioned Composer
“If I never write another concert work again, I would feel blessed at this being the last one. Ahmir Jolliff was only 11 years old when he perished in the Perry, Iowa school shooting on Jan 6, 2024. He played Tuba in the school band.
His nickname was “Smiley”.
The principal, Dan Marburger, lost his life as well, literally, shielding the kids even after he was already wounded. When anyone else would have staggered away, he ran straight into the hail.
I almost declined this commission for several reasons (iykyk), but when the title, “A Mere Moment”, came to mind literally out of nowhere, I knew it had to be written because it fit on just many levels.
The request was a Gr. 3 lyrical for Concert Band (@ 4 min), poignant but not sad, somehow inspiring, and of course, to add in cultural diversity & rhythmic interest.
And so, a gentle, multi-ethnic groove with a childlike innocence and sweeping lines, all woven into a Bolero tapestry- seemed fitting.
The climax is intensely anguished, but also intensely hopeful, and the end is an upward float to peace that just flowed that way on its own, unplanned.
An angelic child-angel holds both of their hands on the way up, the solo tuba being first (Ahmir), followed by the solo euphonium (Dan).
I feel so grateful for the trust, and I hope Ahmir and Dan’s families will all feel this writer’s understanding, and reverence- in every measure.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
April 7, 2025
The Iowa Bandmasters Association Perry Commission project premier concert on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Composer Michele Fernandez has completed the commissioned work, titled “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Remembrance.” The music has been delivered to the respective individuals Brad Lampe, Blaine Schmidt, and Lisa Christensen prior to the Christmas Break, ensuring that all materials are in place for the next phase of the project.
The performance will feature Perry band students, in collaboration with the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Brad Lampe, Director of Bands at Central College. We hope you will be able to join us for this special and meaningful event.
This project was initiated to honor the resilience of the Perry community following the tragic events of January 4, 2024, when Ahmir Joliff, a student, and Dan Marburger, principal, lost their lives. The composition serves as a tribute to their memories, and as a gesture of support and healing from the Iowa instrumental music community. “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Remembrance” reflects the strength, resilience, and unity of Perry’s people as they continue to process their grief and recovery.
As we transition the project into the capable hands of those it who will lead it forward composer Michele Fernandez, Perry Band Directors Lisa Christensen and Blaine Schmidt, Central College Director of Bands Brad Lampe, the Perry High School Band, and the entire Perry community it is both reassuring and inspiring to see this endeavor being embraced so fully.
The following words, shared by many involved, speak to the deep empathy, sensitivity, and powerful resonance of this project. It is evident that “A Mere Moment, Bolero in Rememberance” will not only be a wonderful composition, but also a lasting testament to the enduring spirit of Perry and its people.
Michele Fernandez, Commissioned Composer
“If I never write another concert work again, I would feel blessed at this being the last one. Ahmir Jolliff was only 11 years old when he perished in the Perry, Iowa school shooting on Jan 6, 2024. He played Tuba in the school band.
His nickname was “Smiley”.
The principal, Dan Marburger, lost his life as well, literally, shielding the kids even after he was already wounded. When anyone else would have staggered away, he ran straight into the hail.
I almost declined this commission for several reasons (iykyk), but when the title, “A Mere Moment”, came to mind literally out of nowhere, I knew it had to be written because it fit on just many levels.
The request was a Gr. 3 lyrical for Concert Band (@ 4 min), poignant but not sad, somehow inspiring, and of course, to add in cultural diversity & rhythmic interest.
And so, a gentle, multi-ethnic groove with a childlike innocence and sweeping lines, all woven into a Bolero tapestry- seemed fitting.
The climax is intensely anguished, but also intensely hopeful, and the end is an upward float to peace that just flowed that way on its own, unplanned.
An angelic child-angel holds both of their hands on the way up, the solo tuba being first (Ahmir), followed by the solo euphonium (Dan).
I feel so grateful for the trust, and I hope Ahmir and Dan’s families will all feel this writer’s understanding, and reverence- in every measure.
The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
Perry Fine Arts Series - Jake Doty and the Swensongs
April 27, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
Perry Fine Arts Series will be presenting the Jake Doty and the Swensongs on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Perry Performing Arts Center.
Jake Doty and the Swensongs are a dynamic group of musicians playing a wide variety of your favorite songs from classic rock, pop and country artists. The group features Jake Doty on acoustic guitar and vocals; Dave Swenson on electric guitar, keyboards, fiddle and vocals; Austin Lutes-Swenson on bass and vocals; and Paul Navara on drums. The members of the band are all connected through Luther College in Decorah. Paul and Dave played together in the jazz band at Luther back in the late 1970s. Paul went on to be a band educator in Iowa, along with playing with municipal bands, jazz bands and over 35 rock and pop groups. Dave became a string teacher in Boone, teaching orchestra and music theory for 35 years, along with playing in community symphony, musical shows, jazz bands and rock bands, as well as doing solo violin work at weddings and other events. Paul and Dave played together for 20 years with the Bill Martin Group.
Perry Fine Arts concerts are free, donations are accepted, and the performance is open to all.
The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.
