Humor has helped members of the ISU Symphony Orchestra adjust to the transition of a new conductor.

Alison Gaines, lecturer in music, was appointed last semester to conduct the orchestra for two semesters while the university searches for a permanent conductor. The appointment was a result of her experience working with different ages and different orchestras, said Sue Haug, professor of music and chairwoman of the music department.

Gaines said using humor helps make rehearsals run more smoothly.

“[It’s] almost like a commercial,” Gaines said. “People can only concentrate for so long without a breather.”

When it comes to fine-tuning her students’ music, Gaines said she starts with the large problems and then narrows down the problem areas as a piece of music becomes more familiar.

She critiques her students’ music, but they usually already know when they are playing something wrong.

“It helps to gently confirm their suspicions,” Gaines said.

Gaines started conducting six years ago and has conducted youth groups, honor and community orchestras. Originally from Pasadena, Calif., Gaines has conducted and played in symphony orchestras in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Gaines said she has applied for the permanent ISU position but doesn’t know if she’ll get it.

“All of my colleagues in the department are really supportive and [the department] has a great atmosphere,” Gaines said.

Kalie Brenneman, senior in dietetics, has been an orchestra member for four years and has witnessed the orchestra’s transition from its former conductor, Mark Laycock, who left Iowa State to pursue a job at Chapman University in southern California, to Gaines.

Brenneman said the transition from changing from one instructor to another has been smooth because Gaines hasn’t changed orchestra policies Brenneman and others in the orchestra are used to.

“[Gaines] does a good job of communicating with students on their level. I like how she tries to use humor to keep things light,” she said.

Gaines also teaches Music 266, Introduction to Music Education, and recruits high school students.

This year is the first time Gaines has taught a lecture course.

“I have only directed, never lectured before,” Gaines said. “I was worried about the classroom teaching but am learning how to pace a class.”

Gaines will be traveling with the ISU music department to Chicago in February for its annual President’s Concert. She will play a duet with ISU music department alumnus Simon Estes.

It will be the first time Gaines has played and conducted in the Chicago Symphony Hall.

“For me, music is a very emotional and spiritual thing,” Gaines said.