Professor Performs in China With Alumni

For the second consecutive summer, Jeff Doebler ’87 Mus.M. is leading the Northwest Indiana concert band Windiana on a tour of China.

Jeff Doebler '87 Mus.M. directed the concert band Windiana in China last year and again this past June.

Doebler, associate professor of music and director of music education and bands at Valparaiso University, founded and conducts Windiana, which is comprised of professional-level musicians in Northwest Indiana. Some of its members include Valpo alumni, faculty, staff and students.

The group toured China in the summer of 2006, and traveled there again this past June. A dozen Valpo graduates made the trip.

“I’m excited that we had a large group of musicians who performed in VU bands when they were students here,” Doebler said. “I’m grateful to have had this chance to work with these alumni again.”

This summer, Windiana performed in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Changxing and Qingdao. In Qingdao, two concerts were performed as special events in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.

“I think the cultural exchange that takes place during an international tour is absolutely fascinating,” Doebler said. “One of the things I’m always talking to people about is music education in action, and I see our visit to China as a model for sharing and cooperation.”

The ensemble has released its first album, “Windiana Live in China 2006,” which features 17 works recorded on the tour to China in 2006. For more information, contact Doebler at 219.464.5087, or send an e-mail to jeff.doebler@valpo.edu.