The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award

Ann Howard Jones has built a distinguished career in both choral and orchestral conducting.

She earned three music degrees from the University of Iowa before pursuing various roles in the music field—including 24 years as director of choral activities at Boston University. Throughout her storied career, Jones won several awards—including the Robert Shaw Award presented by the American Choral Directors Association, the Distinguished Service Award from Chorus America, and a Fulbright professorship to Brazil.

Jones is now professor emerita, and since retirement, she has moved back to Iowa and continues to share her passion of music with others. At Iowa, she has created a residency program that brings professional choral ensembles to the university to teach masterclasses and perform for music students and the community. She continues to teach in several universities around the country and is an active mentor and guest conductor.

Jones has also donated her lifetime of scores, books, and notes to the UI’s Rita Benton Music Library for others to enjoy and learn from and has provided funds to the UI School of Music to support an additional research assistant.