SHELDON—Jeana Larson is never one to toot her own horn, but the Sheldon Middle School band director is pretty proud of her latest honor.
Larson was elected to be president-elect of the Iowa Bandmasters Association, a 93-year-old organization that promotes “excellence in bands through professional development, mentorship, performance and advocacy.”
This honor has been a long time coming for the 41-year-old Humboldt native.
“I first became apart of the Iowa Bandmasters Association my senior year of high school when my high school band director, Russ Kramer, took me to the conference that spring,” Larson said.
“I’ve been a full-fledged member since my freshman year of college in 1997, so 23 years.”
Larson described becoming president-elect of the statewide organization that has 1,100-1,200 members akin to a political process.
“Each of the six IBA districts has the opportunity to select a candidate — typically in the fall — to represent them in the IBA statewide election,” she said. “So the district election would be similar to a primary and the statewide election like a general election.
“Each of the candidates submits biographical information and a campaign statement to be included in the winter issue of the Iowa Bandmasters Magazine. The statewide election is held for two weeks in March with the winner being announced in early April.”
Larson was selected in September to be the candidate of choice for Northwest Iowa Bandmaster Association, which encompasses 15 counties in this corner of the state, including Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux.
As president-elect, Larson will primarily assist president Jayson Gerth, band director for Southeast Polk High School based in Pleasant Hill, in carrying out his duties.
“They attend all meetings, submit reports and write quarterly articles for the IBA Magazine,” Larson said. “They are also responsible for organizing and collecting auditions of bands to perform at the annual conference as well as organizing the past presidents’ luncheon held at the conference. Most importantly the president-elect starts gathering ideas and planning for the following year’s conference.”
Like many events, this year’s conference — slated for May 14-16 in Des Moines — was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic although the organization is looking into virtual options.
When she becomes president, Larson will inherit additional responsibilities.
“The president oversees the operation of the Iowa Bandmasters Association,” she said. “They run all meetings and like the president-elect, they submit reports and write a quarterly article. The biggest task for the president is to plan and organize all of the details of the annual conference. This includes facilities, scheduling, acquisition of clinicians and performers, getting sponsorships, and even meal planning.
“The other important role of the president is to advocate for music education in the state. Education is an ever-changing field, and the president helps the IBA membership navigate any issues that may arise and offer support.”
Larson considers being chosen as the next IBA to be a great honor for multiple reasons.
She is only the fifth woman to hold the title and first woman from Northwest Iowa.
“Consequently, I take very seriously the responsibilities that come with this honor,” she said. “I am most looking forward to helping our music education students and young teachers. I had some great mentors and teachers in my life: Russ Kramer, Dr. Craig Hancock, and most recently Cliff St. Clair.”
Hancock is the longtime professor of music at Wartburg College in Waverly while St. Clair is the longtime Sheldon High School instrumental music director.
“I am keenly aware of how much my role models shaped me and helped me grow as an instrumental music educator,” Larson said. “I cannot think of a better way to honor them by helping the next generation of band directors in our state.”