Another great school year is starting and here is everything you need to know to be successful.
Revised Band Handbook Contains Attendance, Transportation, and Grading Policies.
Subscribe to Band Calendar Electronically Our calendar can also be subscribed to in ParentSquare
School Schedule
Starting the first day of school, Monday August 25th. We will rehearse at 7:00 AM, PAC doors will open at 6:45 AM. The first day of school is an Even Day (2nd, Connections, 4th, 6th, 8th)
Rehearsals are as follows:
-
Monday and Tuesday 7:00 AM through the end of 1st period.
-
Wednesday 7:00 – 7:50 AM.
-
Thursday 7:00 AM through the end of 1st period.
-
Friday 7:00 – 7:50 AM.
-
Rehearsals will begin every morning in the stadium, weather permitting. The PAC doors will be open Monday-Friday from 6:45 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. Remember, early is on-time. If you are late, for any reason, go directly to the stadium and check-in with a director and join rehearsal. Any equipment needed from inside will be obtained once it is convenient.
You will need the following items every day at school:
-
Instrument: if your instrument is in need of repair, talk to a director immediately
-
Music in a flip-folder; even if you have it memorized, you will need your music during rehearsals
-
Athletic shoes; marching, running, and dancing require proper shoes to avoid injury. You can keep a pair of shoes on the shoe rack in the Band room for rehearsals.
-
Water bottle: we’ll provide the water but we can’t provide a cup for every student every day. Please bring a water bottle of your own.
-
Sun protection…cold protection, rain protection; jacket, hat, gloves…Marching Band happens in all types of weather
Football Games and Marching Invitationals
Our first home game is the first week of school. Please note: there is no school on Friday August 29. When there is no school, there is no 7 AM rehearsal. Please read over the itinerary for August 29 because that is our “Picture Day” and an exciting opportunity for students in their Marching Band Uniforms
August 29 Halftime Show Football Itinerary plus picture schedule
September 5 Halftime Show Football Itinerary
September 20 Johnston Itinerary Tickets
September 26 Halftime Show Football Itinerary
Band T-Shirt
The J-Hawk store is under construction. Once it is back up, you will be able to pay for extra Band T-Shirts and marching gloves plus you’ll be able to order official J-Hawk Band apparel. Until then, if any Band student needs a Band T-Shirt, just ask a director.
Volunteer
If we have an event, we need your help. Our Volunteer page has a description of the help we need and you’ll be surprised how easy some of the jobs are. Please take a look and use this link to volunteer today!
Urbandale Marching Invitational Urbandale 2025
On September 27th, we will host the 27th Annual Urbandale Marching Invitational. Urbandale High School will host 18 marching bands! Our event is well known in the state as a premier event with the best hospitality around. We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new, collaborative opportunity for marching bands across Iowa! This fall, on September 27, 2025, the Urbandale Marching Invitational and the Pella Marching Dutch Invitational are joining forces to bring you an exciting, first-of-its-kind experience in Central Iowa! Read more here.
To make it happen, we count on each family contributing volunteerism in the areas of ticket sales, concessions stand, band hosts, and more. The tasks are easy and the time working with other families is fun. Please plan to join us for an informational meeting on Thursday September 18. It is conveniently scheduled right after our Mattress Fundraiser meeting. There will be more communication sent out about UMI in the coming weeks.
Mattress Fundraiser Meeting and UMI Volunteer Meeting
One night! Two important meetings! September 18th The Mattress Fundraiser Meeting will be at 6:30pm in the Band Room (enter through the PAC doors). If we reach 100 attendees, our program will receive $1,000! Right after, at 7:00pm, is the UMI Volunteer Meeting in the same location. This meeting will provide information about UMI. Please attend both to support and prepare for our event!
Jazz Band
Placement in Jazz Band is a combination of previous jazz band experience, Spring Band Placements and audition material. Jazz Band is open to all Band students regardless of ability.
- Tuesday, August 26: In-person clinic. Directors will go over the audition material and answer questions.
-
Recorded auditions need to be submitted by Friday August 31 at 11:59 p.m.
-
September 9, only Jazz 1 will rehearse from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. through the end of Marching Band season.
-
After the marching season, jazz rehearsals will change to the following days and times:
-
Jazz 1:
Tuesday – 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
(Morning Rehearsals Begin Wednesday, October 29)
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM -
Jazz 2:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM starting Wednesday October 22 -
Jazz 3:
Tuesday & Thursday – 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM starting Thursday October 23
All-State: Band & Orchestra
All-State: The Iowa All-State Etudes are posted: http://www.ihsma.org
For those working towards the All-State auditions, please note the following required events to aid in your preparation:
-
All-State Mock Auditions:
-
September 9th – First Mock Audition – 3:30 PM *This will determine the students who continue through October 25th auditions.*
-
Every Monday: September 9 – October 21 – Mock Auditions continue on Mondays after school from approximately 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
-
-
Read more about the audition process here.
SCIBA Honor Band
Required: Audition for All State Band. Read about that audition here.
-
If you make All State Band or Orchestra, you are not eligible to audition for SCIBA Honor Band.
-
If you are auditioning for All State Choir, you are required to play the audition material for a director three times before October 26.