Dr. Jonathan Sayre Allen joined the faculty at the University of Iowa in 2011. Allen began his professional career as a member of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. As a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square, he appeared on weekly international television and radio broadcasts with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, in addition to being heard on several audio and video recordings with the ensemble. He has performed with the Utah Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Quad-City Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, Cheyenne Symphony, and Ft. Collins Symphony. In addition, he can be heard on several film soundtracks and commercial recordings. He has performed at the International Trombone Festival, the American Trombone Workshop, and the Southeast Trombone Symposium as a member of the Professor’s Choir. Dr. Allen hosted the International Trombone Festival in 2018. 

 

Under his baton, the University of Iowa Trombone Choir performed at the 2013 International Trombone Festival in Columbus, Georgia. His students have received scholarships and graduate assistantships to attend many of the top music schools in the United States, including the New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, University of Miami, Mannes College, Indiana University, and Western Michigan. Students have won positions in prestigious ensembles and training programs such as the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Bands, orchestras throughout the United States, the Grammy All-Star Band, Next-Generation Jazz Orchestra, Brubeck Jazz Colony, Jazz Band of America. Berlin Opera Academy, Domaine Forget, DC Trombone Workshop, and the Chicago Summer Opera.

 

Dr. Allen holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, University of Utah, and University of Iowa where he studied with Edwin “Buddy” Baker, Dr. Nathaniel Wickham, Larry Zalkind, Dr. Donn Schaefer, and Dr. David Gier.

 

Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Kate. They have a wonderful son, Sayre, and an insane dog named Clementine.