2010 Iowa Makes Music Arts Leaders

The Iowa Makes Music Arts Leader Program provides high school age classical musicians with intensive arts leadership training and one-on-one mentoring that empowers students to develop and lead their own arts leadership project in their home communities. Meet the 2009-2010 Iowa Makes Music Arts Leaders. Learn more about their projects on their blog. 

Thomas Burrill 15, of Coralville, is a pianist and freshman at Iowa City West High School. He collaborated with Linda Xiong (below) to organize a large benefit concert to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. The concert was held May 21, 2010 at Iowa City’s Englert Theater and included a performance by Thomas.

Hayley Graham, 17, of Cedar Rapids, is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School. She believes providing individualized, one-on-one attention is a crucial part of getting young people excited about their instruments and inspiring them to improve. Hayley did a 6-week series of free small-group lessons with seven clarinet students.

DaRin Lee, 17, of Coralville, is a junior at Iowa City West High School. She researched the Venezuelan music education program El Sistema in hopes of inspiring organizations in her community to encourage and promote youth participation in classical music. DaRin shared her learning with the community through a letter to the editor.

Harin Lee, 15, of Coralville, is a freshman at Iowa City West High School. Weekly, he visited Emerson Point, a local retirement community, to conduct and accompany a chorus/chimes ensemble and play the piano and violin. In early June he organized a final concert for residents and their families to showcase the group’s musical achievements.

Kelsey Qu, 14, of Bettendorf, is a freshman at Rivermont Collegiate. A cellist, Kelsey performed a program she designed of Chinese repertoire through a series of concerts throughout the Quad Cities. Venues ranged from retirement homes to community centers.

Linda Xiong, 16, of Coralville, is a sophomore at Iowa City West High School. A pianist and clarinetist, Linda worked with Thomas Burrill (above) to organize a large benefit concert at the Englert Theater. Proceeds went to support Alzheimer’s research.