The Beta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has been serving the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa for over 85 years, bringing musicians together as brothers in a way that no other fraternity could match. The chapter currently has 40 active members, consisting of both music majors and non-music majors. Since the days of the chapter’s inauguration, the Beta Nu brothers have gone on to serve as valuable members of the music community in the Cedar Valley, Iowa, and across the nation. Beta Nu has initiated over 500 members in it’s history, including those brothers who have graduated on to advance music in the realms of orchestras, military bands, jazz, choruses, and operas around the globe, as well as being active in building a strong foundation in music education. Activities sponsored by the Beta Nu chapter include but are not limited to:
Tallcorn Jazz Festival (3rd weekend of February): The longest-running jazz gathering west of the Mississippi. This year marks the festival’s 65th consecutive year in existence, and it will take place on February 20th and 21st, 2020. The festival takes place in Russell Hall and the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa and is put on by the brothers of the Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
The goal of our festival is to offer an educational and musically rewarding experience for all of our participants. Each band in attendance receives a 25-minute clinic from one of our experienced jazz adjudicators and clinicians in addition to receiving ballots, recorded comments, and a recording of the band’s performance. The SDIJ concerts, featuring our guest artist with UNI Jazz Band One, will take place in Bengtson Auditorium at 7:15 p.m. on both nights of the festival. If a school has a group of five or more students attending one of the nightly concerts, a special ticket code will be given to receive 15% off the total cost! This is just another reason to take advantage of all of the opportunities the Tallcorn Jazz Festival offers. We hope to see your band there!
Sinfonia Dimensions in Jazz concerts (3rd weekend of February): Each year, both days of the Tallcorn Jazz Festival are concluded with a concert featuring UNI Jazz Band One and Two and the festival’s guest artist. With world-class music played by world-class musicians, the concerts showcase some of the best live jazz heard in Iowa. Past guest artists have included Myra Melford, Alexa Tarantino, Donny McCaslin, Luis Bonilla, Dave Douglas, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ben Wendel, and Carl Allen.
2020 marks the 69th annual Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concert, featuring world-renowned pianist Myra Melford. UNI’s Jazz Band One will perform some of Melford’s original music, including some big band arrangements by UNI students and faculty. These concerts will be at 7:15 pm on both Thursday, February 20, and Friday, February 21, in Bengtson Auditorium in Russell Hall.
Doran Espe Chamber Music Festival (Fall semester):
In 2008, a brother of Beta Nu – Robert Espe – lost his father Dr. R. Doran Espe to cancer. As Dr. Espe was an avid supporter of the arts, this concert has been held each year since his passing in celebration of his life. Active members of Beta Nu and guests will present chamber choral and instrumental pieces that will not only honor Dr. Espe’s memory, but also honor the principles of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s object which Dr. Espe exemplified throughout his life – the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit, the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students, the advancement of music in America, and a loyalty to the alma mater. We hope you enjoy this special evening of remembrance and music-making.American Composers Concert (Spring semester)The Beta Nu Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha will coordinate an end-of-year concert at the outdoor mosaic behind Russell Hall with works by American composers featured.
Mills Music Missions/Step-Sings (several throughout the year)The Beta Nu Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia visit hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers all over the country to play instruments or sing songs to help lift the spirits of those in need. We call this the Ossian Everett Mills Music Mission, named after our founder who began the practice around 1886 in Boston, Massachusetts. The men of Phi Mu Alpha use music’s ability to heal and uplift others. When Brothers go out on a Mills Music Mission they have the ability to bring smiles to those they visit, to bring comfort to those in pain, and music that sparks a meaningful memory. Depending on the facility, Brothers may bring flowers, toys, books, or other gifts to help brighten someone’s day. Often, Brothers will stay and chat, play a game, or read to those they visit. These extra efforts to make a connection can create special moments and more memorable experience for all. The map located on the right is a glance at the impact of Mills Music Mission efforts across the country. Click on a map marker for a closer look at where the Brothers have visited and made a difference in the lives of others.
