Des Moines Alumnae Chapter Biographies A - J
Lori (Dearth) Bees
Birthday: March 20, 1961
Education: Youngstown State University, Bachelor of Music Education, March 1985. Alpha Nu Chapter
Musical Talent: Clarinet (Major), oboe, alto & tenor saxohone, alto clarinet, some trumpet, French horn and trombone.
Lori is originally from the Warren/Youngstown area of Ohio. She has been married 26 years. She enjoys playing in community bands in the area and hopes to start a community concert band in Waukee soon. Lori is a Disney fan/freak and loves everything that is Disney and, of course, her favorite vacation spot is, you guessed it, Disney World! Lori keeps threatening to submit her application there. In the meantime, she also likes to read, attend shows at the Civic Center, and watch movies and some television, and she loves animals. Genres that she likes the best are science fiction, comedy, bad horror and British shows. Her family includes husband Robert (Bob), daughter Morgan Bees, who recently turned 16, and Bella, a black lab who is afraid of water.
Lori is currently finishing up training to be a tax preparer for H&R Block and was a receptionist for Block last year. After working in a variety of positions over the years between here and Ohio, her two favorite jobs have been Project Coordinator for Sprint PCS in Columbus, Ohio and timekeeper in the payroll department at Wean Incorporated in Youngstown, Ohio. Lori enjoys collecting things that are Disney, Depression Glassware, and Longaberger baskets. When her knees work, she likes to walk the dog, ride her bike and go bowling. Lori belongs to a Professional Secretaries Group and plays in the following community bands: West Des Moines Community Band, Greater Des Moines Community Band, New Horizons Community Band and Urbandale Adult Community Concert & Swing Band
Education: Youngstown State University, Bachelor of Music Education, March 1985. Alpha Nu Chapter
Musical Talent: Clarinet (Major), oboe, alto & tenor saxohone, alto clarinet, some trumpet, French horn and trombone.
Lori is originally from the Warren/Youngstown area of Ohio. She has been married 26 years. She enjoys playing in community bands in the area and hopes to start a community concert band in Waukee soon. Lori is a Disney fan/freak and loves everything that is Disney and, of course, her favorite vacation spot is, you guessed it, Disney World! Lori keeps threatening to submit her application there. In the meantime, she also likes to read, attend shows at the Civic Center, and watch movies and some television, and she loves animals. Genres that she likes the best are science fiction, comedy, bad horror and British shows. Her family includes husband Robert (Bob), daughter Morgan Bees, who recently turned 16, and Bella, a black lab who is afraid of water.
Lori is currently finishing up training to be a tax preparer for H&R Block and was a receptionist for Block last year. After working in a variety of positions over the years between here and Ohio, her two favorite jobs have been Project Coordinator for Sprint PCS in Columbus, Ohio and timekeeper in the payroll department at Wean Incorporated in Youngstown, Ohio. Lori enjoys collecting things that are Disney, Depression Glassware, and Longaberger baskets. When her knees work, she likes to walk the dog, ride her bike and go bowling. Lori belongs to a Professional Secretaries Group and plays in the following community bands: West Des Moines Community Band, Greater Des Moines Community Band, New Horizons Community Band and Urbandale Adult Community Concert & Swing Band
Aimee Beilgard
Birthday : February 24
Education: Drake University, Oboe Performance. Pi Chapter
Awards: Sword of Honor and Kathleen Davidson Scholarship
Musical Talent: Oboe and piano
Aimee grew up in Wisconsin and “moved” to Iowa when she started college at Drake University. She graduated in 2003 with a major in oboe performance and a minor in business. Aimee completed a Master’s of music degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Music was a part of her life at a very early age – she began playing the piano at age 5 and oboe at age 10. Aimee lives in West Des Moines with her husband of seven years, Adam, her son, Shae, and dog, Lucy.
Aimee is a Negotiations Work Director for Wells-owned liquidation at Wells Fargo Home. Before that, she was the Office Manager for Helzberg Diamonds. Aimee is currently a freelance musician and substitute for the Des Moines symphony. She enjoys reading, gardening and relaxing and spending time with family.
Education: Drake University, Oboe Performance. Pi Chapter
Awards: Sword of Honor and Kathleen Davidson Scholarship
Musical Talent: Oboe and piano
Aimee grew up in Wisconsin and “moved” to Iowa when she started college at Drake University. She graduated in 2003 with a major in oboe performance and a minor in business. Aimee completed a Master’s of music degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Music was a part of her life at a very early age – she began playing the piano at age 5 and oboe at age 10. Aimee lives in West Des Moines with her husband of seven years, Adam, her son, Shae, and dog, Lucy.
Aimee is a Negotiations Work Director for Wells-owned liquidation at Wells Fargo Home. Before that, she was the Office Manager for Helzberg Diamonds. Aimee is currently a freelance musician and substitute for the Des Moines symphony. She enjoys reading, gardening and relaxing and spending time with family.
Stacie Bendixen
Birthday: June 22, 1987
Education: Drake University, Bachelors in Writing, 2009. Pi chapter
Offices: Editor and Pi Liaison
Awards: Sword of Honor and Scholastic Award (Pi Chapter, 2009)
Musical Talent: Clarinet
Stacie was born in Bettendorf, Iowa, then moved to Urbandale at age 7, attended Johnston schools, and graduated from Drake in 2009. She started playing clarinet in 5th grade and stuck with it through college. In addition to concert bands, she enjoyed marching band all the way through high school and college, and still loves to go to high school marching band competitions and drum corps shows. Stacie sang in school choirs through 9th grade, then picked it back up by joining the Drake University/Community Chorus as a student, and has continued as a community member. Her family includes her parents, Dave and Mary; younger sister, Megan; and a cat named Elphie
Stacie is a Program Coordinator at State Public Policy Group, a public policy consulting firm. She has also been the Press Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary in the Office of Governor Culver and at the 2010 Culver/Judge campaign; Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation communications intern; and Times-Delphic (Drake newspaper) copy editor and features writer. Stacie keeps busy with the Rose Petals clarinet ensemble, Drake University/Community Chorus, and volunteering with the Animal Rescue League. Some of her other passions include reading, musicals, and language (she’s a self-proclaimed grammar nerd).
Education: Drake University, Bachelors in Writing, 2009. Pi chapter
Offices: Editor and Pi Liaison
Awards: Sword of Honor and Scholastic Award (Pi Chapter, 2009)
Musical Talent: Clarinet
Stacie was born in Bettendorf, Iowa, then moved to Urbandale at age 7, attended Johnston schools, and graduated from Drake in 2009. She started playing clarinet in 5th grade and stuck with it through college. In addition to concert bands, she enjoyed marching band all the way through high school and college, and still loves to go to high school marching band competitions and drum corps shows. Stacie sang in school choirs through 9th grade, then picked it back up by joining the Drake University/Community Chorus as a student, and has continued as a community member. Her family includes her parents, Dave and Mary; younger sister, Megan; and a cat named Elphie
Stacie is a Program Coordinator at State Public Policy Group, a public policy consulting firm. She has also been the Press Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary in the Office of Governor Culver and at the 2010 Culver/Judge campaign; Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation communications intern; and Times-Delphic (Drake newspaper) copy editor and features writer. Stacie keeps busy with the Rose Petals clarinet ensemble, Drake University/Community Chorus, and volunteering with the Animal Rescue League. Some of her other passions include reading, musicals, and language (she’s a self-proclaimed grammar nerd).
Jan Boehm
Birthday: January 5, 1956
Education: Drake University, Bachelor of Music Education, 1978. Pi Chapter
Offices: President (there were probably others, but I’ve forgotten)
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Oboe and piano
Jan was born and raised in Anthon, Iowa (near Sioux City). She became church organist in 7th grade and played oboe in the Siouxland Youth Symphony during her high school years. She attended Drake University as an oboe major/piano minor. Her family includes her husband, John, recently retired from his position as English Lecturer at Iowa State University; son, Blair (who got married in September 2010 to Megan), graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration in May 2011; and daughter, Ana, is a senior at Iowa State majoring in Biology, with plans to go to medical school.
Jan’s first teaching job after graduation was at Twin Cedars, of Bussey, and she then taught in the Parochial School system in Des Moines for 2 ½ years. During that time, she also sang professionally for a few years with a group called “Champaign Taste.” Jan landed a job as Administrative Assistant to two of Governor Ray’s aides in the Office of the Governor in the last year of his administration. She was hired by the Branstad Administration after his election the first time. After his election to a second term, she left to be a “stay-at-home-mom.” After both children were in school, she re-entered the workforce doing part-time jobs. These included substitute teaching in the Ankeny School District, organist with Hamilton Funeral Homes, and directing choirs at her church. She is now working full-time as Director of Worship Ministry at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. Jan’s hobbies include crocheting and quilting.
Education: Drake University, Bachelor of Music Education, 1978. Pi Chapter
Offices: President (there were probably others, but I’ve forgotten)
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Oboe and piano
Jan was born and raised in Anthon, Iowa (near Sioux City). She became church organist in 7th grade and played oboe in the Siouxland Youth Symphony during her high school years. She attended Drake University as an oboe major/piano minor. Her family includes her husband, John, recently retired from his position as English Lecturer at Iowa State University; son, Blair (who got married in September 2010 to Megan), graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration in May 2011; and daughter, Ana, is a senior at Iowa State majoring in Biology, with plans to go to medical school.
Jan’s first teaching job after graduation was at Twin Cedars, of Bussey, and she then taught in the Parochial School system in Des Moines for 2 ½ years. During that time, she also sang professionally for a few years with a group called “Champaign Taste.” Jan landed a job as Administrative Assistant to two of Governor Ray’s aides in the Office of the Governor in the last year of his administration. She was hired by the Branstad Administration after his election the first time. After his election to a second term, she left to be a “stay-at-home-mom.” After both children were in school, she re-entered the workforce doing part-time jobs. These included substitute teaching in the Ankeny School District, organist with Hamilton Funeral Homes, and directing choirs at her church. She is now working full-time as Director of Worship Ministry at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. Jan’s hobbies include crocheting and quilting.
Linda Robbins Coleman
Birthday: January 1
Education: Drake University
Awards: National Honorary Member
Musical Talent: Piano/Composition
Linda Robbins Coleman is an internationally acclaimed composer especially in the areas of orchestra, chamber, and theatre music. A native of Des Moines, she is a graduate of Drake University and has studied with the Greek National Theatre. She served as the Composer-in-Residence with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra for the 1994-96 seasons, the first Iowa woman to hold this position with any orchestra, and Composer-in-Residence with the Wartburg Community Symphony for the 1995-97 seasons. From 1977-97 Coleman was Composer-in-Residence for Drake Theatre, scoring thirty-five plays ranging from the ancient Greeks to the moderns.
She received more than 70 commissions for compositions ranging from chamber to symphonic music, and from jazz to theatre and film. To date her music has been performed and broadcast in 27 states, as well as Great Britain, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Her music has been performed by more than 70 organizations ranging from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to regional and local professional, community, and university ensembles and individuals. She is one of the few people to receive two commissions from the Iowa Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. She is currently working on commissions for orchestra, wind ensemble, and a chamber ensemble. Her music is listed in the fifth edition of “Orchestral Music, A Handbook” by David Daniels and published by Scarecrow Press.
In 2008 Coleman received Drake University’s distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. She has been awarded grants and honors from the American Music Center, Meet the Composer, Inc., WORLDFEST - The Houston International Film Festival, the Iowa Library Association, the Iowa Arts Council, Minnesota Composers Forum, Minnesota Arts Council, Arts Midwest, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1999 Sigma Alpha Iota awarded her the status of Member Laureate, which is given “for Professional National Reputation in the field of Music.” In 2000 Coleman was the eighth person in its history to be inducted into the Hoover High School Hall of Fame in Des Moines, for “outstanding life achievements” by a graduate of that school.
In 1987, Coleman co-founded the Iowa Composers Forum, where she served as its original Executive Secretary and chief administrator for ten years. In 1981 she founded the Friends of Drake Arts and worked with promotion and community outreach for 15 years at the university. As an educator, Coleman spent five years as a visiting artist teaching music composition at a magnet elementary school in Des Moines’ inner city. She was on the Iowa Arts Council's Artist in the Schools/Communities roster for 15 years and provided residencies in many Iowa communities. She has been performing since childhood, and has worked as a jazz and classical pianist and accompanist. When she is not working on something musical or historical, Coleman can be found digging in her gardens, creating a new recipe in her kitchen, or doing repair and renovation (including drywall, brick laying, and floor refinishing) on the 1910 home she shares with her husband, William, and their four cats.
Education: Drake University
Awards: National Honorary Member
Musical Talent: Piano/Composition
Linda Robbins Coleman is an internationally acclaimed composer especially in the areas of orchestra, chamber, and theatre music. A native of Des Moines, she is a graduate of Drake University and has studied with the Greek National Theatre. She served as the Composer-in-Residence with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra for the 1994-96 seasons, the first Iowa woman to hold this position with any orchestra, and Composer-in-Residence with the Wartburg Community Symphony for the 1995-97 seasons. From 1977-97 Coleman was Composer-in-Residence for Drake Theatre, scoring thirty-five plays ranging from the ancient Greeks to the moderns.
She received more than 70 commissions for compositions ranging from chamber to symphonic music, and from jazz to theatre and film. To date her music has been performed and broadcast in 27 states, as well as Great Britain, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Her music has been performed by more than 70 organizations ranging from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to regional and local professional, community, and university ensembles and individuals. She is one of the few people to receive two commissions from the Iowa Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. She is currently working on commissions for orchestra, wind ensemble, and a chamber ensemble. Her music is listed in the fifth edition of “Orchestral Music, A Handbook” by David Daniels and published by Scarecrow Press.
In 2008 Coleman received Drake University’s distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. She has been awarded grants and honors from the American Music Center, Meet the Composer, Inc., WORLDFEST - The Houston International Film Festival, the Iowa Library Association, the Iowa Arts Council, Minnesota Composers Forum, Minnesota Arts Council, Arts Midwest, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1999 Sigma Alpha Iota awarded her the status of Member Laureate, which is given “for Professional National Reputation in the field of Music.” In 2000 Coleman was the eighth person in its history to be inducted into the Hoover High School Hall of Fame in Des Moines, for “outstanding life achievements” by a graduate of that school.
In 1987, Coleman co-founded the Iowa Composers Forum, where she served as its original Executive Secretary and chief administrator for ten years. In 1981 she founded the Friends of Drake Arts and worked with promotion and community outreach for 15 years at the university. As an educator, Coleman spent five years as a visiting artist teaching music composition at a magnet elementary school in Des Moines’ inner city. She was on the Iowa Arts Council's Artist in the Schools/Communities roster for 15 years and provided residencies in many Iowa communities. She has been performing since childhood, and has worked as a jazz and classical pianist and accompanist. When she is not working on something musical or historical, Coleman can be found digging in her gardens, creating a new recipe in her kitchen, or doing repair and renovation (including drywall, brick laying, and floor refinishing) on the 1910 home she shares with her husband, William, and their four cats.
Sara Danielson
Birthday: October 30, 1979
Education: University of Northern Iowa, Music Education and Flute Performance, 2003. Alpha Upsilon
Offices: Vice President Program and President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Flute
Sara was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa graduating from Linn-Mar High School in 1998. She then went to the University of Northern Iowa, where she graduated in 2003 with bachelor of music degrees in music education and music performance. Upon graduating from UNI, she married Jason Danielson and taught elementary music for two years in the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids. They welcomed their first son, Carter, in August 2005 and moved to the Des Moines area just a few weeks after he was born. Sara stayed home with him for one year, and then taught elementary music part-time for three years in the Urbandale Community School District. After the birth of their twin sons, Maxwell and Isaac, in 2009, Sara became a full-time stay-at-home mom. She has also been teaching private flute lessons out of her home since 2003. Her family: Husband Jason; sons Carter, 6, Maxwell, 2, and Isaac, 2.
Sara worked from 2003-2005 at Cedar Rapids Prairie, K-5 Music; 2006-2009 at Rolling Green Elementary in Urbandale as K-5 Music; and currently is a private flute instructor. Her hobbies include playing piccolo and flute in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.
Education: University of Northern Iowa, Music Education and Flute Performance, 2003. Alpha Upsilon
Offices: Vice President Program and President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Flute
Sara was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa graduating from Linn-Mar High School in 1998. She then went to the University of Northern Iowa, where she graduated in 2003 with bachelor of music degrees in music education and music performance. Upon graduating from UNI, she married Jason Danielson and taught elementary music for two years in the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids. They welcomed their first son, Carter, in August 2005 and moved to the Des Moines area just a few weeks after he was born. Sara stayed home with him for one year, and then taught elementary music part-time for three years in the Urbandale Community School District. After the birth of their twin sons, Maxwell and Isaac, in 2009, Sara became a full-time stay-at-home mom. She has also been teaching private flute lessons out of her home since 2003. Her family: Husband Jason; sons Carter, 6, Maxwell, 2, and Isaac, 2.
Sara worked from 2003-2005 at Cedar Rapids Prairie, K-5 Music; 2006-2009 at Rolling Green Elementary in Urbandale as K-5 Music; and currently is a private flute instructor. Her hobbies include playing piccolo and flute in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.
Anna Marie Deskin
Birthday: December 6, 1947
Education: Moorhead State University, Vocal Music, Mathematics, Elementary Education, 1969. Gamma Xi . University of Northern Iowa, Computer Programming Minor, 1986
Offices: She held several offices however, she cannot remember the specifics.
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Vocal, organ and piano
Anna Marie was born in North Dakota. She was an organist at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota while in college, and had the privilege of singing for the investiture of Prince Charles in London. Later, Anna Marie was the organist and children’s choir director at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines for 20 years. She is now director of music at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where she has also been an organist, directed 10 vocal and handbell choirs, and managed the music program over the past 22 years. She retired in 2010 after 41 years of teaching math, elementary education and computer classes in the Des Moines Schools (Windsor, Longfellow, Brody and Meredith). Anna Marie's family includes husband Bill (a manager at Mediacom and a part-time visitation pastor) and daughters Dianna, 29 (a technical analyst at Nationwide), and Bethany, 27 (a music teacher at Stowe Elementary). She enjoys scrapbooking, making greeting cards, sewing and using her embroidery machine.
Education: Moorhead State University, Vocal Music, Mathematics, Elementary Education, 1969. Gamma Xi . University of Northern Iowa, Computer Programming Minor, 1986
Offices: She held several offices however, she cannot remember the specifics.
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Vocal, organ and piano
Anna Marie was born in North Dakota. She was an organist at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota while in college, and had the privilege of singing for the investiture of Prince Charles in London. Later, Anna Marie was the organist and children’s choir director at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines for 20 years. She is now director of music at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where she has also been an organist, directed 10 vocal and handbell choirs, and managed the music program over the past 22 years. She retired in 2010 after 41 years of teaching math, elementary education and computer classes in the Des Moines Schools (Windsor, Longfellow, Brody and Meredith). Anna Marie's family includes husband Bill (a manager at Mediacom and a part-time visitation pastor) and daughters Dianna, 29 (a technical analyst at Nationwide), and Bethany, 27 (a music teacher at Stowe Elementary). She enjoys scrapbooking, making greeting cards, sewing and using her embroidery machine.
Arlene DeVries
Birthday: January 24, 1941
Education: Drake University, BME in Music Education, 1962. Drake University, MSE, Guidance & Counseling, 1985
Offices: President, Vice President, Treasurer
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication
Other Alumnae Chapters: Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas
Musical Talent: Vocal
Arlene taught Public School Music K-12 in Dallas, Texas; Springdale, Arkansas; and Des Moines, Iowa. She was the Des Moines Schools’ gifted/talented community resource consultant for 24 years. She is currently retired as a gifted/talented consultant and adjunct professor for Drake University. Arlene has served on the national boards of Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (also as their president) and the National Association of Gifted Children. She was president of the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association and received their Distinguished Service Award, the SENG Exceptional Leadership Award, and the Drake University School of Education Outstanding Alumnae Award. For many years, she was on the board of Civic Music Association and was their volunteer executive secretary. Since 1991, Arlene has presented the pre-concert lectures for the Des Moines Symphony. She is the co-author of two books, “Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children” and “Gifted Parent Groups: the SENG Model,” and has led 70 ten-week series of parent discussion groups based on that model and has trained other facilitators around the world. Her family includes two grown children and five grandchildren.
In the meantime, Arlene is a member of the Alumnae Chapter Singing Grannies and sings in the Immanuel United Methodist church choir. She has done four European choir trips with other choirs. She and her husband enjoy traveling. She has visited Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Budapest, Austria, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Peru, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Nova Scotia.
Education: Drake University, BME in Music Education, 1962. Drake University, MSE, Guidance & Counseling, 1985
Offices: President, Vice President, Treasurer
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication
Other Alumnae Chapters: Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas
Musical Talent: Vocal
Arlene taught Public School Music K-12 in Dallas, Texas; Springdale, Arkansas; and Des Moines, Iowa. She was the Des Moines Schools’ gifted/talented community resource consultant for 24 years. She is currently retired as a gifted/talented consultant and adjunct professor for Drake University. Arlene has served on the national boards of Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (also as their president) and the National Association of Gifted Children. She was president of the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association and received their Distinguished Service Award, the SENG Exceptional Leadership Award, and the Drake University School of Education Outstanding Alumnae Award. For many years, she was on the board of Civic Music Association and was their volunteer executive secretary. Since 1991, Arlene has presented the pre-concert lectures for the Des Moines Symphony. She is the co-author of two books, “Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children” and “Gifted Parent Groups: the SENG Model,” and has led 70 ten-week series of parent discussion groups based on that model and has trained other facilitators around the world. Her family includes two grown children and five grandchildren.
In the meantime, Arlene is a member of the Alumnae Chapter Singing Grannies and sings in the Immanuel United Methodist church choir. She has done four European choir trips with other choirs. She and her husband enjoy traveling. She has visited Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia, Budapest, Austria, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Peru, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Nova Scotia.
Ann Gerdom
Birthday: May 25, 1953
Education: Iowa State, Music Education. Sigma Lambda
Musical Talent: Organ, piano and flute
Ann Gerdom is the Director of Music Ministries and Organist at West Des Moines United Methodist Church. She received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in church music/organ from Northwestern University. In 2007, Ann moved back to Iowa after living in the Chicago area for 30 years, where she worked in public relations/communications for the Ravinia Festival and Evans Scholars Foundation while also serving as organist and/or choir director for Methodist, Lutheran and Episcopal churches. She also volunteered for many years as general manager of Bach Week in Evanston and started a concert series, “Music at St. James,” at St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Ann is active in the American Guild of Organists, having served as dean, sub-dean, newsletter editor and membership coordinator for the North Shore Chapter, and is the sub-dean of the Central Iowa AGO. She is also a member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, Kodaly Educators of Iowa, MENC, and PEO (Chapter NC). Before moving back to Iowa, Ann completed a master’s degree in teaching reading from Northeastern Illinois University. She teaches music to 240 students in grades Pre-K through 8 at Holy Family Catholic School in Des Moines.
Education: Iowa State, Music Education. Sigma Lambda
Musical Talent: Organ, piano and flute
Ann Gerdom is the Director of Music Ministries and Organist at West Des Moines United Methodist Church. She received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in church music/organ from Northwestern University. In 2007, Ann moved back to Iowa after living in the Chicago area for 30 years, where she worked in public relations/communications for the Ravinia Festival and Evans Scholars Foundation while also serving as organist and/or choir director for Methodist, Lutheran and Episcopal churches. She also volunteered for many years as general manager of Bach Week in Evanston and started a concert series, “Music at St. James,” at St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Ann is active in the American Guild of Organists, having served as dean, sub-dean, newsletter editor and membership coordinator for the North Shore Chapter, and is the sub-dean of the Central Iowa AGO. She is also a member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, Kodaly Educators of Iowa, MENC, and PEO (Chapter NC). Before moving back to Iowa, Ann completed a master’s degree in teaching reading from Northeastern Illinois University. She teaches music to 240 students in grades Pre-K through 8 at Holy Family Catholic School in Des Moines.
Jennie Gervais
Birthday: August 17, 1966
Education: University of Iowa, Music Education, 1986. Zeta Epsilon
Offices: Vice President Program and President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Piano, clarinet, saxophone and flute
Jennie grew up in Bettendorf. Her father was a Mechanical Engineer for Alcoa while her mother did in-home day care and stayed at home with the kids. She has two sisters: Cyndy, who is 10 years older and lives in Kelley, Iowa and Heather, who is 4 years younger, lives in Ankeny, and teaches 10th grade Biology at Ankeny High School. Jennie was very active in her high school music program. Her former band teacher, Mr. Gish, nicknamed her “Jennie Dizzy Fingers Sanders” because she was always playing Ragtime Songs during free periods and each Variety Show. She played clarinet in every ensemble except Jazz Band, where she played piano. Jennie was very fortunate to grow up in a school district that had a different band director for each grade (back when more support was given to music education).
Favorites: Food – anything Italian; sport to watch – soccer; sport to play – tennis; TV show – The Young and the Restless (been watching since 1982); movie – Raiders of the Lost Ark; Bible Scripture – Psalm 150; color – blue; singers – Gloria Estefan and Michael Buble; classical pieces – 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique Piano Sonata and 2nd movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Her family includes husband Andy, kids Bridget, 12, and Camille, 9, dog Emma, and cats Figaro and Clara (Schumann).
Jennie has taught grades 1-6 General Music and 5-8 Band at Rock Falls, Illinois; 6-12 Band at WACO Community Schools; 6-8 Band and Exploratory Music at Colfax-Mingo; 4-8 Band at St. Joseph Catholic School; Home Economics, Vocal Music, and Band at Fairmount Education; and Band, Bells and Piano at St. Joseph Catholic School. She enjoys sewing, video production, scrapbooking, tennis, and drawing.
Education: University of Iowa, Music Education, 1986. Zeta Epsilon
Offices: Vice President Program and President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Piano, clarinet, saxophone and flute
Jennie grew up in Bettendorf. Her father was a Mechanical Engineer for Alcoa while her mother did in-home day care and stayed at home with the kids. She has two sisters: Cyndy, who is 10 years older and lives in Kelley, Iowa and Heather, who is 4 years younger, lives in Ankeny, and teaches 10th grade Biology at Ankeny High School. Jennie was very active in her high school music program. Her former band teacher, Mr. Gish, nicknamed her “Jennie Dizzy Fingers Sanders” because she was always playing Ragtime Songs during free periods and each Variety Show. She played clarinet in every ensemble except Jazz Band, where she played piano. Jennie was very fortunate to grow up in a school district that had a different band director for each grade (back when more support was given to music education).
Favorites: Food – anything Italian; sport to watch – soccer; sport to play – tennis; TV show – The Young and the Restless (been watching since 1982); movie – Raiders of the Lost Ark; Bible Scripture – Psalm 150; color – blue; singers – Gloria Estefan and Michael Buble; classical pieces – 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique Piano Sonata and 2nd movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Her family includes husband Andy, kids Bridget, 12, and Camille, 9, dog Emma, and cats Figaro and Clara (Schumann).
Jennie has taught grades 1-6 General Music and 5-8 Band at Rock Falls, Illinois; 6-12 Band at WACO Community Schools; 6-8 Band and Exploratory Music at Colfax-Mingo; 4-8 Band at St. Joseph Catholic School; Home Economics, Vocal Music, and Band at Fairmount Education; and Band, Bells and Piano at St. Joseph Catholic School. She enjoys sewing, video production, scrapbooking, tennis, and drawing.
Elizabeth Glas
Margaret Gotz
Birthday: April 6, 1934
Education: Drake University, Voice Major, 1952. Pi Chapter
Offices: President and Editor
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Voice
Margaret grew up in Mason City, Iowa and graduated from Holy Family High School in 1952. She went to Drake ad pledged SAI her first year. She married Leonard the August before her senior year of college and graduated from Drake in 1956 with a BME. Her first daughter, Karen, was born about a month after she graduated and the other four followed over the next seven years. After the kids got a little older, Margaret taught private lessons and cantored at her church. When her last two sons were in high school, she stared working part time at Drug Town as a pharmacy tech and a little bit of everything from ordering OTCs to stocking shelves and waiting on customers. She was in charge of third-party insurance for the pharmacy. Leonard died in 1987 of a heart attack. She retired from Drug Town in August 2010.
Margaret’s family includes her late husband, Leonard (pharmacist); five children: Karen, Larry, Kathy, John, and Steve; and pets – all dogs: Chief, Susie, Lokey, Akish, Robbie, Missy and Buddy.
Education: Drake University, Voice Major, 1952. Pi Chapter
Offices: President and Editor
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Voice
Margaret grew up in Mason City, Iowa and graduated from Holy Family High School in 1952. She went to Drake ad pledged SAI her first year. She married Leonard the August before her senior year of college and graduated from Drake in 1956 with a BME. Her first daughter, Karen, was born about a month after she graduated and the other four followed over the next seven years. After the kids got a little older, Margaret taught private lessons and cantored at her church. When her last two sons were in high school, she stared working part time at Drug Town as a pharmacy tech and a little bit of everything from ordering OTCs to stocking shelves and waiting on customers. She was in charge of third-party insurance for the pharmacy. Leonard died in 1987 of a heart attack. She retired from Drug Town in August 2010.
Margaret’s family includes her late husband, Leonard (pharmacist); five children: Karen, Larry, Kathy, John, and Steve; and pets – all dogs: Chief, Susie, Lokey, Akish, Robbie, Missy and Buddy.
Teresa Hein
Birthday: April 11, 1977
Education: University of Northern Iowa, BA in Electronic Media/Broadcasting, 1999. Alpha Upsilon
Offices: Vice President Program, Secretary, Website Editor and Pi Chapter Liaison
Awards: Sword of Honor and Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Saxophone
Teresa grew up on a farm in southeastern Minnesota where she was active in many High School Music programs. She attended the University of Northern Iowa with the interest of being a news and sports reporter. While at UNI, she played in the symphonic band, marching and pep bands. Immediately after college, she worked for Frank N. Magid Associates (7 years in Marion, IA and 3 from home in West Des Moines) where she placed television news, weather and sports talent and newsroom managers to stations across the U.S. She took a few year off of work after having her boys, and recently started her own television talent placement company, My Media Jobs. She is also a current (and one of the original) organizers and a presenter for the UNI Fast Forward Conference, geared for college and high school students in Iowa who are looking for jobs in broadcasting and media-related fields. Her family includes husband Dave and 3 sons Braydon, Jarrett and Collin.
Teresa is a sports fan and enjoys watching college and professional sports, along with her alma mater UNI sports teams. She tries to be active by , doing stairclimbs and running 5ks. Other things she enjoys are photography, video editing, crocheting and sewing, matting pictures, painting, baking and chasing after her boys.
Education: University of Northern Iowa, BA in Electronic Media/Broadcasting, 1999. Alpha Upsilon
Offices: Vice President Program, Secretary, Website Editor and Pi Chapter Liaison
Awards: Sword of Honor and Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Saxophone
Teresa grew up on a farm in southeastern Minnesota where she was active in many High School Music programs. She attended the University of Northern Iowa with the interest of being a news and sports reporter. While at UNI, she played in the symphonic band, marching and pep bands. Immediately after college, she worked for Frank N. Magid Associates (7 years in Marion, IA and 3 from home in West Des Moines) where she placed television news, weather and sports talent and newsroom managers to stations across the U.S. She took a few year off of work after having her boys, and recently started her own television talent placement company, My Media Jobs. She is also a current (and one of the original) organizers and a presenter for the UNI Fast Forward Conference, geared for college and high school students in Iowa who are looking for jobs in broadcasting and media-related fields. Her family includes husband Dave and 3 sons Braydon, Jarrett and Collin.
Teresa is a sports fan and enjoys watching college and professional sports, along with her alma mater UNI sports teams. She tries to be active by , doing stairclimbs and running 5ks. Other things she enjoys are photography, video editing, crocheting and sewing, matting pictures, painting, baking and chasing after her boys.
Mona Holmstrom
Birthday: August 11, 1940
College: Drake University with a Church Music degree, 1981. Pi Chapter
Musical Talent: Organ and vocal
Mona attended the University of Northern Iowa (then Iowa State Teacher’s College) from 1958-1960. She left school to get married and later returned to school at Drake, starting part-time in 1979 and went full time in 1980. Mona plays for her local church and choir and is the music coordinator for her church’s after-school program. Mona has been married for 51 years and has 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She retired from corporate life as an executive secretary in 2003. Mona enjoys antiques and collectibles, cooking, and sewing.
College: Drake University with a Church Music degree, 1981. Pi Chapter
Musical Talent: Organ and vocal
Mona attended the University of Northern Iowa (then Iowa State Teacher’s College) from 1958-1960. She left school to get married and later returned to school at Drake, starting part-time in 1979 and went full time in 1980. Mona plays for her local church and choir and is the music coordinator for her church’s after-school program. Mona has been married for 51 years and has 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She retired from corporate life as an executive secretary in 2003. Mona enjoys antiques and collectibles, cooking, and sewing.
Marcia Isaac
Birthday: July 26, 1949
College: Drake University, Clarinet. BME, Dec 1970. Pi Chapter
Offices: Vice President and also did the yearbook
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Clarinet
Marcia is an only child and has lived in Des Moines almost all her life, and always on the East side, where she graduated from East High. She lived in Rhode Island and Florida while her husband was in the Navy. Her family includes her husband, Gayle (for 42 years), daughter Heather (and husband Tom), son Jeremy (with wife Kristina), along with grandchildren Jacob, Heather, Adam, Caity, Matthew, Jackson and Jordon.
Marcia has worked for the Des Moines Public Schools for 18 years. She is currently at Goodrell Middle School and was a substitute 16 years before that for Des Moines. She also taught at Tiverton Junior/Senior High School in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Her hobbies include reading, sewing and doing cross stitch. She belongs to Eastern Star and has served on the board at Camp Wesley Woods. She held several head of committees at church including worship and pastor parish relations. She was Choir director at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church for 25 years.
College: Drake University, Clarinet. BME, Dec 1970. Pi Chapter
Offices: Vice President and also did the yearbook
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Clarinet
Marcia is an only child and has lived in Des Moines almost all her life, and always on the East side, where she graduated from East High. She lived in Rhode Island and Florida while her husband was in the Navy. Her family includes her husband, Gayle (for 42 years), daughter Heather (and husband Tom), son Jeremy (with wife Kristina), along with grandchildren Jacob, Heather, Adam, Caity, Matthew, Jackson and Jordon.
Marcia has worked for the Des Moines Public Schools for 18 years. She is currently at Goodrell Middle School and was a substitute 16 years before that for Des Moines. She also taught at Tiverton Junior/Senior High School in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Her hobbies include reading, sewing and doing cross stitch. She belongs to Eastern Star and has served on the board at Camp Wesley Woods. She held several head of committees at church including worship and pastor parish relations. She was Choir director at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church for 25 years.
Joan Jamison
Birthday: March 29, 1937
College: Drake University, BME,1959 and MME,1988. Pi Chapter
Offices: President, Vice President Program
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Piano, Kodaly certification
Joan likes to golf, read, play bridge, attend many musical programs, and travel. She helps direct Children’s Choir at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, and plays piano and organ at church. She was married to Bruce for 50 years. He passed away Oct. 24, 2009. Joan has 5 children and 5 grandchildren. She is retired, except for OLIH.
College: Drake University, BME,1959 and MME,1988. Pi Chapter
Offices: President, Vice President Program
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor
Musical Talent: Piano, Kodaly certification
Joan likes to golf, read, play bridge, attend many musical programs, and travel. She helps direct Children’s Choir at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, and plays piano and organ at church. She was married to Bruce for 50 years. He passed away Oct. 24, 2009. Joan has 5 children and 5 grandchildren. She is retired, except for OLIH.
Erin Jensen
Birthday: January 19, 1984
College: Drake University, Music Education, 2004. Pi Chapter
Musical Talent: Clarinet and saxophone
Erin’s family includes her husband, Carl, 20-month-old son, Zachary, and miniature poodle Presto. Erin is a stay-at-home mom, Pampered Chef Consultant and private saxophone and clarinet teacher at Rieman Music. From 2008-2010, she was the 5-12 Band Teacher at Southeast Warren Schools. She is a Central Iowa Wind Ensemble member, playing the baritone saxophone. Her other hobbies include cooking and spending as much time possible in and around a lake.
College: Drake University, Music Education, 2004. Pi Chapter
Musical Talent: Clarinet and saxophone
Erin’s family includes her husband, Carl, 20-month-old son, Zachary, and miniature poodle Presto. Erin is a stay-at-home mom, Pampered Chef Consultant and private saxophone and clarinet teacher at Rieman Music. From 2008-2010, she was the 5-12 Band Teacher at Southeast Warren Schools. She is a Central Iowa Wind Ensemble member, playing the baritone saxophone. Her other hobbies include cooking and spending as much time possible in and around a lake.