Are you missing the Muni Band this fall? We miss you, too! Remember, you can still hear all of last summer’s concerts at this link!
As we eagerly await next season, we hope to bring you a series of spotlight posts highlighting various members of the band. We’re starting with Aaron Ottmar from our percussion section who has been in the Municipal Band for 13 years.
What’s your “day job” or primary project outside of the band?
I am honored to be Co-Director of Bands at my alma mater, Iowa City High School.
What is your favorite and/or least favorite piece to play with the band–and why?
One of my favorite pieces that I have played in CRMB is “Esprit de Corps” by Robert Jager. I love the energy of Jager’s writing, his wonderful ability to highlight every section of the band, the meaning behind the piece, and more.
Did you have a favorite week of music in 2026?
My favorite week of the 2026 season was week two because I got to share the stage with my talented wife, Alyssa Ottmar. It was not only special to hear the piece that she had commissioned, but sharing the stage with her for the concert band premiere performance of the piece was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Can you share a memorable story from your time in the band?
One of the most memorable moments of my time with the CRMB was during my second year with the band. Steve Shanley had asked me to perform a solo with the band during the same week when my former band director and private lesson teacher, Mike Moehlmann, was invited to guest conduct a piece. It was such an honor to perform as a soloist with this phenomenal band, but even more special to share the stage with Mike Moehlmann, who helped me become the percussionist that I am today.
What’s your favorite band other than the Municipal Band?
One of my favorite artists is a jazz trumpeter, Marques Carroll. He regularly plays with numerous groups, but I enjoy listening to him perform whenever I can. I have seen him perform live multiple times and have been fortunate to share the stage with him a couple of times in Iowa. The first time I saw him perform live was at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago on a jazz band trip with our City High students. I loved every single second of their set because of how intentional they were to connect with their audience, the plethora of styles that they played at an incredibly high level, the artistry and enthusiasm on display the whole time, and more. I loved it so much as it was truly some of the best live music I have ever heard.
What are hobbies and interests away from the band?
I love traveling the country with my wife whenever we can and love supporting her with her musical endeavors and her passion for running marathons. Another hobby (outside of music) that I love is playing pickleball and racquetball with friends and family.
