UNDER THE BIG TOP: Free tickets for Central Iowa Wind Ensemble

Des Moines, IA – Under the Big Top Step right up! The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble kicks off the season with a colorful musical journey into the exciting world of the circus. Under the Big Top features a collection of spirited, playful, and delightfully zany works that capture the wonder, laughter, and larger-than-life energy of the greatest show on earth.

From dazzling fanfares and high-flying melodies to musical surprises around every corner, this family-friendly concert promises thrills for audience members of all ages. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where imagination reigns and anything is possible.

Under the Big Top Pre-concert Activities:

Larry Sayler in the Lobby from 2:15–3 p.m.
Circus Memorabilia Display and Magic Tricks
What can walking on stilts, juggling, and clowning teach you about life and business? Just ask Larry Sayler! Larry turned down admission to the Wharton School’s MBA program to attend Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Clown College — a program that accepted just 2 out of every 100 applicants. (He later got his Wharton MBA anyway, went on to become a CFO, and taught college accounting!) Larry will share his rare collection of circus memorabilia, talk about his journey from the big top to the boardroom, and perform a fun magic trick for kids (with a giveaway included!).

Nate Weber in the Lobby starting at 2:15 p.m.
Des Moines Playhouse Clown Necktie Costume Accessory Craft
Join the Des Moines Playhouse for a fun-filled afternoon featuring Nate Weber, the Playhouse’s Education Outreach Coordinator known for his work leading inclusive youth initiatives like the Penguin Project. Before taking your seats for the concert, stop by the lobby for a hands-on, circus-themed craft session! It’s the perfect pre-show activity for families and kids of all ages to unleash their creativity and kick off an unforgettable afternoon at the concert!

Queen Bee Face Painting in the Lobby from 2:15–3 p.m.
Transform into your favorite characters with Queen Bee Face Painting! Join artist Erika Hotchkin in the lobby for complimentary face painting before the main event. Using professional, vibrant cosmetics, Queen Bee Face Painting brings creative temporary transformations to life for guests of all ages — sparking imagination, pretend play, and photo-ready fun for the whole family!

Jay Kahn in the Auditorium from 2:15–2:45 p.m.
Step Right Up to the High-Flying History of Circus Music
Step back in time to an era when the blare of brass and the thundering beat of the snare drum drove the pulse of the American circus. Long before he spent 45 years inspiring generations of young musicians in Iowa, Southern California native Jay Kahn lived the thrill firsthand. In 1977, he picked up his trombone and hit the road for Circus Vargas’s “International” tour. Under the direction of legendary bandmaster Jim Gibson, Jay experienced the relentless energy, razor- sharp timing, and heart-pounding fanfare that made live circus music the heartbeat of the Big Top. You’ll hear insider stories from life under the big tent, explore how iconic brass fanfares shaped live entertainment history, and gain a whole new appreciation for the music you’re about to hear.

JoyPop — In-kind partnership Lobby Decorations
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Under the Big Top Featured Performers:

Laura Ernst

Seen on America’s Got Talent, Laura Ernst delivers high-energy performances that captivate and amaze. Whether rolling inside a giant hamster ball, soaring on aerial silks, or juggling with fire, she brings world-class circus skills, comedy, and unforgettable audience interaction to every performance. From spectacular stage shows to playful walk-around entertainment, Laura creates experiences that leave audiences laughing, cheering, and wanting more. Laura will be joining us on several selections during the concert featuring her juggling, hula hoop, aerial silks, and more!

https://circuslaura.com

Andrew Bishop, Trumpet

Andrew has enjoyed a successful and diverse career throughout the Midwest and Colorado front range area. After moving back to the Midwest, Andrew won the Principal Trumpet chair with the Des Moines Symphony in 2019, and in the fall of 2021 became the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Iowa State University. Since then he has appeared with the Kansas City Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Wichita Symphony and Quad City Symphony.

Andrew studied trumpet performance at Wichita State University, where his primary instructors were Les Linn, Bob Grim and John Hagstrom. He also holds a Masters degree in trumpet performance from the University of Missouri.

During his academic studies, Andrew was a winner of the Wichita State University Concerto/Aria Competition and performed the Tartini Concerto in D with the WSU Symphony. He won the 2004 University of Missouri Concerto Competition and performed the J.F. Fasch Concerto in D for Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings and Continuo with the University Philharmonic. He was a recipient of the MU Emerging Artist Award, and appeared as a featured soloist with the University of Missouri Trumpet Ensemble at the 2004 International Trumpet Guild convention in Denver, CO, performing the Concerto in E-flat by G.H. Stölzel.

In 2010, Andrew won the Principal Trumpet chair with the Fort Collins Symphony, performing to acclaim Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 on his first Masterworks Concert. He was granted full tenure after his first full season in 2011 and went on to appear with FCS as a featured Guest Artist performing Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat.

About Christian Carichner, Artistic Director & Conductor
Christian Carichner is a dynamic conductor and artistic leader whose work bridges musical excellence, audience engagement, and large-scale ensemble leadership. He currently serves as Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Cyclone Marching Band at Iowa State University, where he leads one of the nation’s most visible and respected collegiate athletic band programs.

Beyond the university setting, Carichner is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, a professional community wind band based in Des Moines, Iowa. His artistic vision emphasizes compelling programming, stylistic authenticity, and performances that connect deeply with both seasoned listeners and new audiences. Under his leadership, the ensemble has been recognized for precision, energy, and expressive clarity across a wide range of repertoire.

Carichner’s leadership of the Cyclone Marching Band culminated in the ensemble receiving the Sudler Trophy, the highest honor awarded to a collegiate marching band, recognizing sustained excellence, innovation, and artistic impact. His experience directing large, high-profile ensembles informs a leadership style that is clear, collaborative, and musically driven.

An active guest conductor, clinician, and performer, Carichner has appeared in 47 states and 12 countries and has been featured at The Midwest Clinic, the CBDNA Athletic Band Symposium, and the International Tuba Euphonium Conference. His performance credits include the Arizona Musicfest Orchestra, Tampa Tradewinds, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Conway Symphony, Pinnacle Brass, Rhythm and Brass, Proteus 7, Salt River Brass, and the national tour of the Broadway musical Chicago.

Carichner’s background in the marching arts includes service as Brass Caption Head for the Phantom Regiment and The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as Lead Brass Instructor for the Aimachi Marching Band of Nagoya, Japan. Currently he serves on the brass staff with the Blue Stars. He is frequently engaged as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and artistic consultant.

He is the first Marching Brass Artist for Pearl/Adams, where he consults on instrument design and development, and is also an Adams Custom Brass Artist.

About the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble

The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (CIWE) is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area. Founded in 2003 by a group of central Iowa music educators under the leadership of Dr. Evan Feldman, CIWE has grown from its roots as a primarily educator ensemble into a vibrant group of musicians representing a wide range of backgrounds and professions.

In 2025, CIWE was honored as a Bravo Greater Des Moines Spotlight Award Winner, recognizing its artistic excellence and community impact. We are also proud that we are invited to be a featured performer at the 2026 Iowa Bandmasters Conference. Other notable recognitions include performing under the direction of Colonel Jason Fettig, former conductor of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference in May 2023, and an invited performance at the Regional Conference of the Association of Concert Bands in Omaha, Nebraska, in April 2024.

Each season, CIWE presents five public concerts along with special events, reaching audiences across Central Iowa. The ensemble is committed to expanding access to high-quality live music by partnering with local human services agencies to engage underserved communities. CIWE also supports the next generation of musicians through its annual high school student solo competition, awarding cash prizes to outstanding young performers. We are also excited to announce our new CIWE Youth Band Festival was such a tremendous success that this year we are expanding it to two locations. Watch for news about the Celebration in Sound coming in the spring of 2027.

The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization registered as a corporation in the State of Iowa.