The Drake University Community School of Music (DUCSOM) and its faculty strive to awaken and nurture our students' musical talents. DUCSOM’s students exemplify Drake University’s commitment to lifelong learning. We teach students of all ages—from three-year-olds to senior citizens—and of all levels—from beginners to professionals. Our students contribute to the vitality of the Greater Des Moines and the surrounding Central Iowa communities, as well as to the Drake University community.
Our mission is to successfully provide the inspiration and opportunity for anyone in our diverse community to achieve excellence in music education and appreciate the transformative power of music.
Our vision is to be recognized and valued as a collaborative partner and as an accessible resource for excellence in music education within the community.
Celebrate the accomplishments of DUCOM students and their talent.
DUCSOM students auditioned and were chosen for the Iowa All-State 2026. Students selected earn membership in the All-State Band, All-State Chorus, or All-State Orchestra, where they rehearse and perform under the expertise of nationally recognized conductors, educators, and artists.
All-State Orchestra
Luke Wadden - Clarinet - East High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Nora Yarushkin - Piano - Johnson High School
Student of Cyntha Giunta Studio
Abby Bell, Bari Saxophone, Orchestra
Student of Katelyn Stessman Studio
All-State Band
Max Danielson - Clarinet Ankeny High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Emily Badger - Clarinet - Norwalk High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Zane Whim - Clarinet - Norwalk High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Kaelee Holter - Clarinet - Indianola High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Ethan Feng - Clarinet - Waukee High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Penelope Putsch - Clarinet - Winterset High School
Student of Dana Sloter Studio
Camden Bennett, Bari Saxophone, Band
Student of Katelyn Stessman Studio
Caleb Butterworth, Tenor Saxophone, Band
Student of Katelyn Stessman Studio
Gracelyn Lors, Piano, Band (Sax student)
Student of Katelyn Stessman Studio
Iowa All-State, Accepted
All students below are a part of Katelyn Stessman Studio unless otherwise noted.
Alternate
Collin Lampe, Alto Saxophone, Band
Logan Craigmile, Baritone Saxophone (John Morgan Studio)
Recalled, Alto Saxophone
Lizzy Grove
Irene Lin
Collin Lampe
Prepared Auditions
Oliver Pearson, Vocal (sax student)
Valentina Antezano, saxophone
Hunter Dixon, tenor saxophone
Corbin Compton, baritone saxophone
Ava Williams - piano (Giunta Studio)
Middle School SCIBA, Accepted
Gabby Liestikow, Top Band 1st part, alto saxophone
Imani Pruitt, baritone saxophone
June Burrier - Clarinet (Sloter studio)
Koto Holter - Clarinet (Sloter studio)
Elenor Gieseke - Clarinet (Sloter studio)
Owen Finken -Saxophone (John Morgan studio)
Sam Leo -Saxophone (John Morgan studio)
Additional Successes
Drake Music/DUCSOM faculty taught 5 of the 6 accepted saxophonists in the metro, plus the alto and bari alternate.
Alto: Max (Romain) Deryck (Morgan), and alternate Collin (Stessman)
Tenor: Caleb (Stessman)
Bari: Camden (Stessman/Romain) and Abby (Stessman)
Six of the nine altos recalled study with Drake/DUCSOM faculty.
Nora Yaruskin is one of only three pianists picked from the entire state of Iowa.
"I have been thoroughly enjoying my piano journey through your program and Heather has been a stellar instructor. This is my first attempt at learning an instrument, and Heather has been at the forefront of my learning curve. It has only been about 2 months since I have begun my lessons, but the learning procedure has been a life altering experience for me. I have noticed that I pay closer attention to everything musical around me - movie background tracks, jingles in the radio, music in elevators, etc. My ability for self-expression expanded enormously and it has helped me explore who I am as a person. I venture to say that my practice sessions are better than seeing a therapist. I am thankful for DUCSOM and your music program for matching me up with a great piano teacher."