Introducing our faculty
Arla Clausen
Program Chair
Director of Vocal Music
Phone: (712) 325-3726
Office: Arts Center 113
Email: aclausen@iwcc.edu
Arla Clausen received her degree from N.W.M.S.U. in Maryville, Missouri. She taught 28 years as the vocal director for the Tri-Center High School. Arla has served on the executive board of the I.C.D.A., the District Advisory Board for the I.H.S.M.A., has adjudicated and been a guest director for many competitions and festivals in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. Arla is currently serving on the liaison committee for the I.H.S.M.A.
Arla also is a co-founder and director for the SWI Honor Touring Choir of a selected 72 voices, which travel to New York City every other year. This last November, Arla directed the Opus 7th and 8th grade choir, which was opening concert for the Iowa All-State Music Festival.
Arla is currently the Program Chair of Music at Iowa Western Community College. Arla also teaches Applied Voice, Concert Choir and Show Choir.
Christine Hitt
Director of Instrumental Music
Phone: (712) 388-7147
Office: Arts Center 112
Email: chitt@iwcc.edu
Christine Hitt earned her MM in piano performance at the University of Arizona, Hitt began performing as a jazz pianist after joining the USAF Band. While based in St. Louis, Christine had the opportunity to perform and record with bassist Tom Kennedy. Since then she has performed with Nick Brignola, Curtis Fuller, Steve Smith, Slide Hampton and Hubert Laws. In 2007 she co-produced and played on vocalist Susie Thorne’s release Blue Skies, Clear Day. Her recording on the MAXJAZZ label also features world-renown drummer Jeff Hamilton. Hitt’s follow up recording on the compilation CD MAXJAZZ Holiday 2001 features her with fellow MAXJAZZ artists Bruce Barth and Ugonna Okegwo.
As an educator, Christine put the jazz vocal curriculum in place at Webster University in St. Louis. Under her direction, the Webster Jazz Singers performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Conference in 2001. Hitt has also taught at Washington University, Concordia College, North Dakota State University and Minnesota State University. Her commercial studio recordings can be heard across the U.S. and internationally. Hitt is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Iowa Western Community College.
Charles Larish
Instructor, Technical Music Program
Phone: (712) 388-7145
Office: Kanesville, Room 2003
Email: clarish@iwcc.edu
Charles Larish received his B.S. in Music Education from Slippery Rock University, specializing in saxophone under the tutelage of Professor Terry Steele and his M.M. in Music Technology from Northwestern University under the tutelage of Drs. Virgil Moorefield and Gary Kendall where he studied audio synthesis and production, computer programming, video game design, and website design.
Charles has worked professionally for clients such as Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, HIT Entertainment, Lucasfilm, and Hasbro through Publications International, Ltd., a children’s electronic book publisher where he composed music, designed sound effects, recorded and edited voice-over, and aided the graphic arts department with music layout and notation. While with Publications International, he directed voice-over sessions with such talents as Tom Kenny, Tara Strong, Alexander Gould, and Kevin Clash.
Charles has also worked as a voice-over editor for Rosetta Stone, Ltd., the makers of the popular language-learning software “Rosetta Stone”, music director for Northwest Baptist Church, and freelance musician with such artists as The Temptations, the Butler Symphony Orchestra, Bud Hundenski and The Corsairs, and Bill Menk’s Big Band.
Charles is on faculty at Iowa Western Community College directing the Technical Music program.
Douglas Babic
Director of Marching & Athletic Bands
Phone: (712) 325-3430
Office: Arts Center 110
Email: dbabic@iwcc.edu
Douglas Babic assumed the position of Director of Athletic and Concert Bands at Iowa Western Community College in 2009. His responsibilities include serving as Director of the “Pride of Western Iowa” Reiver Marching Band, Director of the Reiver Pep Band, conducting the Campus Concert Band, and teaching courses in music appreciation. Prior to coming to Iowa Western Community College, Babic completed his Master of Music degree in music education at the University of Nebraska, Omaha where he studied conducting with James Saker.
Babic taught World Music and assisted with The History of Rock and Pop at the University of Nebraska, Omaha for two years while pursuing his degree. During this time Babic was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship to assist with the University’s Athletic and Concert Bands, including the Marching “Maverick” Band and the top concert band, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and University Band. Babic was also the Director of the Division I Hockey Band “Power Play”. His other duties included assisting with undergraduate conducting lessons and classroom instruction.
Babic received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, where he studied with James Saker and Timothy Yontz. Babic has attended conducting workshops and is a member of Music Educators National Conference, Southwest Iowa Band Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. Babic has also toured the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia numerous times and most recently completed the first ever Marching Band drill design for the Lithuanian Armed Forces Orchestra.
Shelby VanNordstrand
Instructor
Phone: (712) 388-7153
Office: Arts Center 205
Email: svannordstrand@iwcc.edu
Shelby VanNordstrand holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Iowa State University.
While at Michigan State, Shelby appeared in MSU Opera Theatre productions of The Marriage of Figaro (Cherubino) and Candide (Cunegonde). She won the Lansing State Journal’s Thespie award in the category of ‘best actress in a musical’ for her portrayal of Cunegonde. Prior to attending Michigan State, Shelby taught at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, IA, where she co-directed and co-taught nine ensembles. In 2005, she was the first place winner of the National ACDA Student Conducting Competition in Los Angeles, California.
Stacie Haneline
Stacie Haneline earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Converse College, where she studied under Doug Weeks. She received her Master of Music in Performance from Manhattan School of Music in New York City where she studied with Marc Silverman and Arcady Aranov. Following graduate studies she continued her education at Juilliard with the late Joseph Raieff, and later with Marilyn Neeley. She is a professional accompanist who has performed with artists from the New York Philharmonic, New York City and Metropolitan Operas, Boston Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Opera, Honolulu Symphony and Opera, Cleveland Orchestra, Sydney (Australia) Orchestra and more. As a staff accompanist she has worked at Brooklyn Academy of Music, Columbia University, Barnard University, University of Maryland, Hawaii University, Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble and Symphony Chorus, Opera Australia, and Canberra (Australia) University. She worked as a repetiteur the Director of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Conservatory, Sharolyn Kimmorley.
Now residing in Omaha, NE, Ms. Haneline is the Executive Director of the Omaha Chamber Music Society. She has served as a board member for the past five years, as well as performing for many Omaha Chamber Music Society performances. In addition, Ms. Haneline is Professor of piano and collaborative pianist at Iowa Western Community College. She is the Music Director and Organist for the Augustana Lutheran Church, and is on the accompanying staff for Opera Omaha. Ms. Haneline performs with the Omaha Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, and is an active chamber music player throughout the Omaha area.
Gary Fiscus
Gary Fiscus received his B.M.E. and B.M. from Drake University. Gary retired from teaching at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs where he taught music for 31 years. He guided the department's expansion from 3 choirs to a 7-choir program. Gary is currently the Director of Music at Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
Gary was the conductor and organist for the Mid American Music Tours to Europe in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Gary is the co-founder of the Iowa Choral Directors Association Weston Nobel Endowment Fund, which benefits first year choral directors in Iowa.
He has been a recipient of numerous awards including: Lewis Central Educator of the Year, Council Bluffs Sertoma Educator of the Year, and Governor's Recognition for Teaching Excellence.
Gary has written an article for the Choral Journal entitled Jazz in the Choral Music Rehearsal. He has also co-published a book, I've Learned to Chop Wood and Carry Water.
Gary is currently an adjunct faculty for voice at Iowa Western Community College.
Mark Haar
Mark Haar received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA and a Masters of Music degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In and around Nebraska, Mark has played with the Omaha Symphony, the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra and was the Principal Bassist of the Sioux City Symphony. Currently, he is a member of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and the Fontenelle Trio.
Mark has performed in master classes for such renowned bassists as Gary Karr and James VanDemark of the Eastman School of Music. He has performed with many different jazz ensembles, everything from duos to big band jazz ensembles. Some of the groups with which he has performed include the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, the Bluffs Big Band, the Las Vegas Lab Band, the Omaha Big Band, the Matt Wallace Quartet, and the Darryl White Quartet.
He has also played with blues bands, worship bands and musical theater pit orchestras including the pit orchestras of Broadway touring productions of Grease and Big, as well as for many different stage productions at the Omaha Community Playhouse. With Mark's current jazz group, Novak & Haar, he has recorded “A Summer’s Carol,” and “A Winter’s Carol," and “Old Friends." All three of these albums have received both national and international attention.
Along with his performing, Mark teaches double bass both at Iowa Western Community College and privately.
Phyllis Hamling
Phyllis Hamling received her Masters of Arts degree from Nova Southeastern University; majoring in Teaching and Learning. Phyllis is currently an adjunct faculty member for voice at Iowa Western Community College.
Christopher Hammiel
Chris Hammiel received his Bachelor of Music degree from the School of Music at the University of Oklahoma and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree. His influential teachers include Mr. Bill Adam, Dr. Karl Sievers, and Mr. Steve Erickson.
Chris is currently a member of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band located at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE. Chris is an active clinician and private instructor. Artists that Chris has performed with include: the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Enid Symphony Orchestra, Pam Tillis, The Lettermen, Steve Allen, Jim Nabors, Lee Greenwood, The Mills Brothers, The Four Freshmen, Kathy Rigby in the touring Broadway show Peter Pan, the O Jays, and two summers as lead trumpet at the Cedar Point amusement park.
Chris is a busy freelance trumpet player performing with many groups around the Omaha metro area such as the Omaha Symphony, Lonny Lynn Orchestra, Omaha Jazz Orchestra, Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble, Boardwalk Party Band, and the Steve Shininger Little Big Band.
Chris is currently adjunct faculty for trumpet at Iowa Western Community College.
Emily Hammiel
Emily Hammiel received her Master of Music degree from University of Nebraska-Omaha. Emily is currently the Vocal Music Specialist at Fontenelle Elementary school in Omaha, Nebraska. Emily is currently adjunct faculty at Iowa Western Community College.
Tim Hillyer
Tim Hillyer received his Bachelor of Music degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tim is currently an adjunct faculty at Iowa Western Community College.
Barry Hitt
Barry Hitt received his B.M. from University of Arizona. Barry is currently adjunct trumpet and brass quintet faculty at Iowa Western Community College
Dianne Lawson
Dianne Lawson is a private piano instructor in Harlan, Iowa and a vocal accompanist for the Harlan Community Schools. She is a nationally certified member of the Music Teachers National Association, and received a Bachelor of Education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and a Master of Music in piano performance degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dianne Lawson received her M.M. degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dianne is currently adjunct piano faculty at Iowa Western Community College.
Ronald Stephen Lawson
Steve Lawson has been involved in jazz education in Iowa since 1968. He was the middle school band instructor, and middle/high school jazz instructor in the Harlan Community Schools for 32 years, earning two Iowa High School Jazz Championships in class 3A during his tenure.
Since retiring in 2002, he continues to be active as an adjudicator and clinician, teaches privately and serves as director of Faith Sound, an ecumenical youth music ministry performing group.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Iowa.
He is currently adjunct faculty for percussion, drum set and trombone Iowa Western Community College.
Kate Roberts
Kate Roberts received her M.M. from University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Kate is currently adjunct voice faculty at Iowa Western Community College.
Jeff Scheffler
Jeff Scheffler received his bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. His professional career as a guitarist and teacher has spanned over 30 years and continues to perform and teach all styles of music.
Jeff has performed as a freelance guitarist in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Omaha which gained performances with Bobby Sherman, Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Gibson, Ndugu Chancellor, Rich Little and Bob Mintzer.
Jeff’ currently performs with the Omaha Big Band; Luigi Waites; Steve Raybine; and also performs with his own jazz trio. He also is a member of the Omaha Musician’s Union Local 70-558. As a freelance guitarist, Jeff has performed with the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, the Omaha Community Playhouse, the Lincoln Symphony along with many other venues.
Jeff currently is the jazz guitar instructor for Iowa Western Community College, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Nebraska Christian College. He also teaches guitar at Russo’s Guitar Center.
Leigh Ann Singer-Martic
Leigh Ann Martic is adjunct professor of flute and saxophone at IWCC. She is a graduate (2007) of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning her Masters of Music in Flute Performance.
She received her Bachelors in Music Education from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, graduating Summa Cum Laude with University Honors. A native of Ottawa, Illinois, Martic has earned many high undergraduate honors such as Honors Scholar, Dean’s List, and Presser Scholar. She was also first place winner of the Flute Society of Kentucky Collegiate Artist Competition (2003), finalist and winner of the Illinois State University Concerto Competition (2004), as well as earning principal positions in the top ensembles at Illinois State. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Leigh Ann Martic was a graduate teaching assistant, and has earned principal flute in UNL’s Symphony Orchestra (2005-2006), Wind Ensemble (2006-2007), and Chamber Orchestra (2006-2007).
Martic’s most recent honors is being accepted as a member of the 2007 International Youth Wind Orchestra at the WASBE Conference in Killarney, Ireland, as well as earning the Student Achievement Recognition Award from the Music Teachers National Association this year, an award recognizing leadership, academic achievement, and excellence in teaching.
Leigh Ann Martic has studied flute with Sue Gillio, Dr. Kimberly McCoul Risinger, and Dr. John Bailey. She has also participated in master classes with many renowned flutists, such as Jimmy Walker, Alexa Still, Thomas Robertello, and Ian Clarke. Martic is currently the band director in Council Bluffs, Iowa teaching junior high school bands.
Dennis Strawn
Dennis Strawn grew up in Topeka, Kansas where he studied saxophone and clarinet with Gary Stroud. After high school, Dennis continued his music education by attending North Texas State, living in New York, studying with Dick Oatts. He eventually toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra 50 weeks a year for four years.
Strawn moved to Omaha and has spent the last 20 years playing, teaching and running his own music business. He has also been a board member of the Omaha Musician’s Union for six years. A few of the musical greats he has performed with include Mel Torme, Skitch Henderson and Frank Sinatra Jr. He has taught woodwinds at Iowa Western Community College since 2008.
Jay Wise
Jay Wise has been the bass trombonist of the Omaha Symphony since 1987. He also performs on tenor and alto trombones and euphonium. For the past several years he has also served as Principal Trombone of the Lincoln Symphony, and has performed with orchestras in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Midland, Texas, and festivals in Flagstaff, Arizona and Fayetteville, Iowa.
He earned his bachelor and masters of music from Northern Arizona University, and his doctorate from the University of Iowa.
As a free-lance musician, he has performed with Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Lou Rawls, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, The Four Freshmen, Frank Sinatra Jr., Joel Gray, Pam Tillis and many other entertainers, and has recorded with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra and various American Gramophone artists. In May of 2009, he was a featured soloist with the Lincoln Symphony, performing the Tomasi Concerto.