Simon Estes, world-renowned opera singer and Iowa native, lent his velvety bass-baritone voice to the ISU Wind Ensemble at the official installation ceremony of ISU President Gregory Geoffroy.

Estes, who was born in Centerville, also is a member of the faculty at the Julliard School of Music in New York. He performed Verdi’s “Come dal ciel precipita,” from the Shakespearean production “Macbeth.”

“Simon sings it unbelievably,” said Sue Haug, associate professor and head of the ISU Music Department.

Estes, who attended the University of Iowa, is now an ISU adjunct professor and distinguished artist in residence for the music department. Along with touring the world and performing on some of the largest stages on the opera circuit, Estes teaches 10 weeks of class each academic year in Ames.

“We work with Simon to plan his schedule at Iowa State around his professional career,” Haug said. “This weekend just happens to fall in the middle of a 10-day residency for Simon at Iowa State.”

The chance to work with Estes has been awe-inspiring for ISU students, said ISU Director of Bands Michael Golemo.

“It’s really a rush and an incredible thrill to work with him,” he said.

“Every eye in the room was on him, and I had to remind the band not to be distracted. Their eyes were glazed over and their jaws on the floor. I had to tell them, `play your part and don’t be distracted.'”

“It’s an incredible honor for Iowa State and President Geoffroy,” said Golemo, assistant professor of music.