- Instrument Bass Clarinet
Joyce Wheeler holds bachelor of music performance and music education degrees from Drake University, where she studied with Dr. James Luke. She studied clarinet performance with Mitchell Lurie while attending graduate school at the University of Southern California. Ms. Wheeler is a member of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony Wind Quintet, Amadeus Trio and the Stadler Ensemble. She has performed as soloist with the Des Moines Community Orchestra and the Wartburg Symphony. In addition, she has appeared with Des Moines Metro Opera, Iowa Composers Forum, the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, Quad Cities Mozart Festival, Glorianna Productions touring company of New York, and at the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors national convention.
She is currently Teaching Artist of clarinet at Drake University and has served as faculty affiliate at Simpson College and Central College, teaching clarinet and saxophone. Ms. Wheeler recently served as chair for the Music Teachers National Association Junior Performance Competition in Iowa.
Member of the Orchestra since
1984
Most memorable experience with the Orchestra
Recording with Earl Wild...playing Mahler Symphonies
How I got started playing my instrument
When my family moved to another state, there was no orchestra at my school (I played the cello), and since most of my friends were in the band, I started the clarinet because I loved the sound.
Favorite composer
It would be impossible to choose even a few.
Favorite solo piece
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto
Other than classical music _____ is on my iPod
Cajun/Zydeco (BeauSoleil), Latin (Buena Vista Social Club, Mambo Kings), Jazz/Blues (Otis Redding, Etta James), lots of Motown.