October Events
Marching Band
U.S. Marine Band “President’s Own” concert
All-State auditions
Des Moines Symphony concert
Concert Band
Jazz Band

25th Annual Urbandale Marching Invitational
We hosted over 2300 guests, nearly 2000 student performers, and enjoyed an evening of great performances from 17 bands. We received 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, and Joe Van Haecke (parking and logistics), Michelle Rice (concessions), Greg Stice (pit crew chief), Scott Schumacher (Welcome Tent), Heidi Rains (Hospitality Manager), Josh Frey’s team in the Activities Office, Dennis Trevillyam from UCSD Maintenance & Grounds, and Johanna Russell, UHS Dean of Students.  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 25 a huge success.

Marching Band Performances
Oct. 7              ValleyFest Marching Festival                        Valley Stadium-W. DSM
Oct. 14            State Marching Band Contest (AM)              Waukee HS
Oct. 14            Mid-Iowa Band Championships (PM)           Ankeny
Oct. 20            Halftime (vs. Ankeny Centennial)                  Frerichs Field
Oct. 27            Playoff Game (if at home)                             Frerichs Field
Nov. 3             Playoff Game (if at home)                              Frerichs Field

Itineraries are available under the Marching Band tab of our website and posted in Canvas announcements.  Remember to communicate individual transportation needs to Mr. Doggett by noon the day before the event.

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 interested in being part of the team on those events!  Thank you for your support.

Student playing assignments are all due Saturday, October 7. Any recordings submitted after this date will not be accepted.  The show music can be played in-person for a director or submitted by video in Canvas.

U.S. Marine Band “President’s Own” concert
“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Performing at UHS October 12

For the first time in five years, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band returns to the Midwest on tour, performing a free 7:30 p.m. concert on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Urbandale High School Performing Arts Center. Organizers from Urbandale High School have helped bring the ensemble from the nation’s capital to Urbandale, Iowa, for this community event.

For full details, please visit www.marineband.marines.mil/Tour. Free tickets are available online starting September 12 (limit 4 per request). Seating is general admission and ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m.; remaining seats will be released to the standby line at that time.

The following morning, October 13, we will have a guest from the “President’s Own” giving a presentation to our Band students.

All-State Auditions:
October 21  All-State Auditions Indianola HS

If your student is auditioning for Instrumental All-State on October 21, 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.

Des Moines Symphony
October 22   Des Moines Symphony – Discover Scheherazade 2:30 PM  Des Moines Civic Center

In addition to playing and studying music, it must be heard.  On Sunday October 22, we are offering every Band student an opportunity to hear the Des Moines Symphony with special guests, Sandbox Percussion.  A Google Form will be sent out through Canvas to get an accurate count for students attending this concert.  The following day, Monday October 23, Sandbox Percussion will be giving a presentation to our Band students.

Concert Band
*Schedule for the Week of October 16*
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 Band
Jazz I morning rehearsals will begin Wednesday, October 18.  Morning rehearsals are as follows: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00-7:50 AM.  Tuesday evening rehearsals at 6 PM will continue throughout the school year.

Jazz II morning rehearsals will also begin Wednesday, October 18.  Morning rehearsals are as follows: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00-7:50 AM.  Tuesday night rehearsals will end after October 10.

Jazz III will begin on Tuesday, October 17 and rehearse Tuesdays 7:00-7:50 AM.  If any Band student is still interested in playing in Jazz III, please see Mr. Doggett.