Executive board member. Creates agendas for and leads board meetings, guides the board in fulfilling its responsibilities and ensures effective organizational and operational structure.

Gracie Shaw (They/Them) is a vocal artist and former saxophone player, with background in event and community building through Nexus Entertainment Arts, 319 Fest, and of course volunteer work with Iowa Pride Ensembles.

While they don’t participate instrumentally with the group, their passion lies in taking administrative tasks and needs from members and letting them focus on the music our ensemble is able to create for the community. 

Amanda Thomas-Murphy is a co-founder of Iowa Pride Ensembles and currently serves as the Artistic Director, coordinating small ensemble performances and planning the artistic and strategic vision for each IPE season. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Amanda has been in love with music her whole life, which led her to begin playing the French horn in sixth grade. Amanda attended the University of Iowa earning degrees in Horn Performance and Music Education. She currently teaches middle school band in West Des Moines and is working towards a Master's degree in Music with an education emphasis from Kansas State University. 

Amanda lives in downtown Des Moines with her beautiful wife Meredith and their cat Gaia. 

Rachel Gulick (they/them) is a creative entrepreneur, multimedia and performance artist, producer, community activator, and radical collaborator based in Des Moines. As a creative entrepreneur, Rachel owns several small businesses, including House of Glass, REG Investments, House of Funk - Community Third Space & VRBO, Green Peace Collective, and the ever-emerging House of SCOBY - The Art of Ag Permaculture Farm in Bussey, Iowa. They serve on the boards of Girls Rock! Des Moines, the Drake LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, Iowa Pride Ensembles, and First Friday Breakfast Club.

In collaboration with the artistic director and music committee, duties may include rehearsal planning, conducting, programming, gig scheduling/logistics, and other creative/artistic decisions for the IPE Marching Band

Adam Kallal is a music educator, performer, clinician, arranger, and composer based in Des Moines, Iowa. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Roosevelt High School, where he co-teaches the Roughrider Regiment and concert ensembles, and directs Velt Indoor Percussion.

He earned his B.A. in Music Education with a minor in Biology from Iowa State University, where he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the ISUCF’VMB. He completed his M.M. in Music Education with an emphasis in Music Composition from Adams State University.

He currently resides in Ankeny, Iowa, with his husband Zach, their dog Willow and cat Nemo. Adam is excited to join the board and serve Iowa Pride Ensembles!

Conductor, performer, and educator Nevi Zerkle believes in the power of music to build inclusive communities. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Nevi serves as a beginning band director with the Waukee Community School District. His conductor training spans undergraduate work at Drake University and a Master's degree from the University of New Mexico, where he led a wide variety of ensembles as Graduate Assistant of Bands—including the UNM Wind Symphony, Spirit Marching Band, and Graduate Chamber Ensembles.

Central to Nevi’s artistic vision is creating dedicated spaces for queer artists and elevating LGBTQ+ stories on stage. He is honored to continue this mission as Concert Band Director for IPE's upcoming 2026–2027 season.

Garrett Kenyon (he/him) serves as the Assistant Concert Band Director and is based in Des Moines, IA. Originally from Colorado, Garrett grew up playing trumpet in concert, jazz, and marching bands. He went to Creighton University in Omaha, NE where we played lead trumpet in the Symphony. He played in the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012 and joined IPE in 2025 during its first Concert Band Season. Professionally, Garrett has worked in sustainable transportation since 2019 and currently helps school districts transition from diesel school buses to fully electric ones.

"Paul Lichty has become one of Des Moines’ most prolific freelance musicians, composers, and educators since moving there in 2020. After spending six years working as a middle school band director, Paul now balances a freelance career working as an adjunct jazz instructor at Drake University, trombone instructor at the Creative Music Studio, bandleader of the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra (PLJO), jazz chair/music arranger/board member of the Iowa Pride Ensembles, music director of "The Domita Show", and trombonist in BYOBrass. PLJO’s first album, “Dark Soul”, was released in 2021 and can be found on all steaming platforms, BandCamp, as well as Paul’s website (paullichtymusic.com). BYOBrass' second album, "Breathe", was released in 2025 and features several of his newest arrangements and compositions. In 2024, Paul was recipient of the CJC Des Moines Hall of Fame "Next Generation" award which recognizes an up-and-coming musician who has made an impact on the music scene in Des Moines.

Jim (he/him) is thrilled to be serving as Assistant Jazz Director of Iowa Pride Ensembles. He has been an avid saxophonist and bassist in school, community and semi-professional jazz bands since an early age. A series of moves created a long gap in playing, but joining Iowa Pride Ensembles in 2025 has rekindled a fire In him to learn and grow as a performer. He hopes his experience can be put to good use assisting the Jazz Chair and organizing combo groups.

He lives in Bondurant with his wife, three cats, and a stable of horns. He also finds speaking in the third person strange.

Leads all design, website, promotion, and PR items for the organization. Leads the marketing committee and delegates tasks to those volunteers. This position is open to two Marketing Co-Chairs depending on interest.

Choreographs guard work, plans rehearsals, and coordinates details related to the IPE Color Guard. Coordinates details related to all IPE volunteers.

Facilitates collaboration between community partners and the organization. Partners with Community Liaison for partnerships.

An insurance professional based in Ankeny, Iowa, Cooper Booth is thrilled to join the Iowa Pride Ensembles board as Assistant Development Director. Drawing on her past board experience with the UNI and KC Jazz Women’s Rugby Clubs, she aims to build community connections to help expand the Ensembles and promote their mission. A lifelong musician who previously studied music at UNI, Cooper is excited to return to her musical roots and perform alongside fellow ensemble members.

Clayton is a registered nurse and clinical program manager with 20+ years in healthcare. Outside of work, he is a musician, chef, animal lover, and longtime believer in the power of community and bringing people together. He lives in Des Moines with his partner Edwin, their son Liam, and pets. As IPE's Membership Director, Clayton is excited to welcome new members to Iowa Pride Ensembles, continue building connections within the community, and help ensure that IPE continues to be a fun, inclusive, and vibrant organization where everyone is welcome.

My name is Frankie, and I’m excited to serve as the Assistant Membership Director for Iowa Pride Ensembles. I’m passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued, included, and part of the community. Outside of IPE, I enjoy concerts, exploring new experiences, being with friends and family, and making memories with my French bulldog, Oliver. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of IPE’s leadership and look forward to helping grow our membership and strengthen the connections that make this organization so special. 

Mallory Larkin (she/her) currently serves as a General Board Member. Professionally, she works as a Workers Compensation Claims Manager at Nationwide Insurance, where she works to build authentic and inclusive teams. Her career background includes leading high-performing teams, and she brings key board-relevant skills in strategic communications, event execution, and inclusive leadership. A Des Moines-area youth volunteer and active French horn player in local ensembles, her personal connection to the performing arts inspires her commitment to fostering safe, celebratory spaces for LGBTQ+ artists and allies.

Jess Severe is a general board member for IPE. She plays trumpet in IPE's jazz and marching bands, and French horn in concert band. Until last year, Jess hadn't picked up an instrument in over 25 years, but always felt a yearning to come back to band that was finally fulfilled by joining IPE. Outside of IPE, she enjoys singing and karaoke, word games, and playing D&D with her family.

Heather Libby, General Board Member and Membership Committee Member. Flute and sax player returning to music after a (very!) long hiatus; one of many former band kids (and one of how many former drum majors in the org?) who is thrilled to find a community with IPE.