Northwest Iowa Honor Orchestra to perform at Northwestern College

Dr. Luis Víquez, director of orchestras at the University of South Dakota, will work with the high school ensemble during the Northwest Iowa Honor Orchestra Festival Jan. 30 at Northwestern College.

Northwestern College will host the Northwest Iowa Honor Orchestra Festival on Thursday, Jan. 30. The event will begin with rehearsals at 10 a.m. and culminate in a 7 p.m. concert in Christ Chapel that is open to the public.

Now in its 20th year, the festival will involve more than 125 student musicians selected through an audition process by area members of the Iowa String Teachers Association.

The High School Honor Orchestra, composed of 69 students representing 21 schools, will perform under the direction of Dr. Luis Víquez. Víquez is director of orchestras and the graduate orchestral conducting program at the University of South Dakota. A popular clinician and adjudicator, he presents instrumental conducting workshops and clarinet masterclasses regionally and nationally. His doctorate in orchestral and opera conducting is from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Middle School Honor String Orchestra will feature 59 string students from 14 northwest Iowa schools. Phillip Peters, orchestra director for Valley High School in West Des Moines, will conduct the ensemble.

Freewill donations will be accepted at the door to cover the costs of the festival.

Northwestern’s music department has a tradition of dynamic performances, outstanding faculty and standout educational experiences in an environment committed to glorifying God. Students can audition for one or more of 10 ensembles, having the opportunity to tour around the world and perform in the award-winning Christ Chapel.