For the Love of Music
“Music is everywhere. I try to get my students to appreciate that and to feel when it happens.”
— Brad Lampe
Title: Lecturer of music and director of Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Time at Central: Joined faculty in 2022
After directing high school band for nearly 30 years, Brad Lampe, lecturer of music, began a new chapter at Central College as director of its Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Under his leadership, the ensemble has grown dramatically. Lampe also helped create Central’s jazz band, which now boasts more than 20 members.
Lampe’s impact on campus arose from a desire for authenticity and exploration, both on a personal level and for Central’s growing band ensembles.
“We’re trying to be original,” he says. “We’re trying to do our own thing. What I really enjoy about this job is I get to totally be myself. I decided when I came here that I was just going to be me, and if it worked, it worked.”
Lampe’s students benefit from his enthusiasm, expertise and professional connections. Along with his previous directing experience, he brings a tight-knit network of musicians across Iowa and beyond.
“I do a lot of judging and clinics,” he explains. “I’ve been teaching a long time, so I know a lot of directors, and they know me.”
These connections translate to greater opportunities for Lampe’s students, who represent a diverse range of playing abilities. Lampe works to select musical pieces that challenge students while also accommodating this wide range of skills. He also understands the importance of creating a learning environment that feels safe, stimulating and exciting.
“I think one of the reasons we all work well together is we’ve got a nice vibe to our rehearsals where we work hard, but we laugh a lot, and we get a little bit silly,” he says. “The other part of it is I try to be invested in my kids and ask them what they’re up to. I think the key is to take them in as one of your own.”
Moving forward, Lampe envisions a music community committed to teamwork and continuing excellence.
“The first order of business is to try and just keep it at this strong level of participation and level of performance,” he explains. “If you can do that over a set amount of time, that’ll create a culture that can be replicated. Our Central students have responded to growing our ensemble, and it’s their dedication that has brought the strength of Symphonic Wind Ensemble back.”
At the end of the day, Lampe seeks to instill the love of music in each student he works with.
“What movie do you want to watch that doesn’t have music?” he asks. “Do you want to go on a five-hour car ride with no music? Even when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, birds make music. Music is everywhere. I try to get my students to appreciate that and to feel when it happens.”