24th Annual Urbandale Marching Invitational
We hosted over 2300 guests, nearly 2000 student performers, and enjoyed an evening of great performances from 18 bands. We receive countless compliments regarding our parent volunteers who make this event possible and welcoming to our visiting bands. Everything is highly organized, which is thanks to Rosemary Stice (Volunteer Coordinator), Al Strohmaier, Matt Dix, Joe Van Haecke, and Jeff Rains (parking and logistics), Michelle Rice (concessions), Greg Stice (pit crew chief), Heidi Rains and Janine Choudhury and Dr. Watson’s team in the Activities Office.

It takes a large team of volunteers to pull this festival together each year. In total, our volunteers worked over 500 hours to make UMI happen! Thank you to each person who contributed time and energy in any amount to make number 24 a huge success.

Marching Band Itineraries
All itineraries are available under the itineraries tab of our website for the reminder of our season.
(Remember to communicate individual transportation needs to Mr. Dupuis by noon the day before the event.)

Mark your calendar for potential playoff games on Oct. 28, Nov. 4.  If there is a home play-off game, the band will follow the same home-game schedule as usual. If we don’t land a home game, students get the benefit of a FREE Friday night.

Volunteerism
We would appreciate chaperones and pit crew for Valleyfest this Saturday and State Contest in Waukee and Mid-Iowa Band Championships in Ankeny next Saturday. Please visit this site if you are interesting in being part of the team on those events!  Thank you for your support.

Recording Assignments
Student recording assignments for marching band are all due Friday, Oct. 7th. Any recordings submitted after this date will not be accepted.

All-State Auditions
If your student is auditioning for Instrumental All-State on Oct. 22nd, we will not be taking a bus.  Most instrumental students have found it more conducive to arrive about one or two hours before their audition time rather than sitting around all day getting nervous. If your family has difficulty arranging transportation, let us know and we’ll assist in arranging a carpool. Specific audition times are not yet publicized. More details will be available soon.

Conferences
We hope to see band families at conferences on Nov. 1 and 3. In-person!

Concert Bands
*Schedule for the Week of Oct. 17th*
No 7AM Rehearsals
Monday – State and Mid-Iowa Performance Reflection (9:20 AM start)
Tuesday – Concert Band (8AM start) (bring concert instruments)

Concert Bands will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, October 17th.  Rehearsals will start at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday along with the rest of the school. On Mondays, rehearsal will begin at 9:20 AM. Parking and traffic at UHS gets more congested approaching 8:00 a.m. Plan for adequate time to park or to drop off students.  The expectation is for students to be in the band room doing personal warm-ups at 7:55 a.m. to ensure an excellent start at 8:00 a.m.

Jazz I
Jazz I will begin 7AM rehearsals on Tuesday, Oct. 18th. They will rehearse Tuesday Morning (7 – 7:50 AM), Tuesday evenings (6 – 8 PM), and Thursday mornings at 7 – 7:50 AM.

Jazz II
Jazz II will begin 7AM rehearsals on Tuesday, Oct. 18th. They will rehearse Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 – 7:50 AM. Tuesday night rehearsals will end after Oct. 11th.

Jazz III
Jazz III will transition to 7AM rehearsals on Wednesday, Oct. 19th. They will rehearse on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7AM – 7:50 AM. Tuesday night rehearsals will end after Oct. 11th.