University of Iowa School of Music 2021-2022 Magazine
Ariya Davis ’23
Trumpet Moline, IL
understand your craft and care about your goals. This concept is present outside the School of Music, too. I’m also a psychology major, and it’s refreshing to collaborate with others and encourage them to thrive in their own work. Q: What advice do you have for new Iowa Music students? A: Do what makes you happy! I was caught up in getting as many degree requirements done as quickly as possible, and I was playing all the trumpet standards that didn’t really interest me. A lot of music majors get into the mindset of taking 20-ish credit hours per semester and working themselves too hard. I discovered that I don’t like playing typical music on trumpet, so I started playing more diverse pieces from different composers. Focusing on whatever makes you happy to pick up your instrument or sing is one of the most beneficial things you could do. Q: What are your future plans? A: I have plans to go to graduate school and earn a PhD in Psychology. I see myself doing research in an academic setting. I would love to be able to do research, play gigs, and participate in ensembles. I’m currently enjoying myself in my undergraduate brass quintet, so it would be fun to create a professional group and perform for communities while I continue my research in psychology.
Q: Why did you choose to study trumpet at Iowa? A: My high school band director is an alumnus and encouraged me to consider it. Dr. Amy Schendel clicked for me. I loved her approach to teaching trumpet, and I appreciated how comfortable she made me feel. I knew she was someone I would be able to learn a lot from. They say your decision shouldn’t be led by a single person, but I definitely came to the University of Iowa for her—at least at first! Q: What’s a favorite Iowa Music memory so far? A: Playing in Nexus Brass, an all-women, undergrad brass quintet that started in Fall 2021. I wasn’t very close with most of the other members before we started, but we all had an interest in promoting women in brass, so we got to know each other. I’ve made friends in four awesome women, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and my trumpet. We recently started to do some cool performances outside the School of Music, and we’re set to continue our quintet for the next academic year. It makes me happy knowing that I’m able to play great music with a group of wonderful people. Q: What has surprised you about your time at Iowa? A: How supportive people are. Lots of other schools of music across the country are based on being competitive with your peers. Here, the majority of people genuinely want others to succeed. It’s nice to have that community of people who
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