Local Legends: The Bob Washut Emeritet

The Emeritet was formed in 2019 by pianist/composer Dr. Robert Washut, who retired from the University of Northern Iowa School of Music in 2018, after 38 years. Now an emeritus professor, Washut formed the band as a vehicle to remain creatively active in retirement. The repertoire of the group is culled exclusively from his body of original compositions. The ensemble is a jazz quintet comprised of UNI faculty and alums with Chris Merz on saxophones, Dr. Michael Conrad on trombone, Dr. Alexander Pershounin on bass, and Dave Tiede on drums. Merz is the current jazz studies director at UNI; Conrad, a UNI alum, is in his third year at UNI as a professor of jazz and music education; Pershounin is the professor of bass at UNI; Tiede is a free lance drummer and UNI graduate currently living in Marion, IA; and Washut is the pianist. The members of the group are all accomplished performers, composers/arrangers, bandleaders, and/or educators.