October Events
Friday October 11th: Football Game- Middle School & Senior Night
Saturday October 12th: ValleyFest
Friday October 18th: Football Game
Saturday October 19th: Mid-Iowa Marching Band Championships
Saturday October 19th: State Marching Band Contest
Tuesday October 22nd: Concert Band begins, morning Jazz Band rehearsals begin
Friday October 25th UHS Assembly
Saturday October 26th: All-State Auditions
26th Annual Urbandale Marching Invitational
We hosted over 2300 guests, nearly 2000 student performers, and enjoyed an evening of great performances from 10 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 Amy Saylor (Volunteer Coordinator), Al Strohmaier and Matt Dix (parking and logistics), Dixie Upenieks (concessions), Brandon Leiran (pit crew chief) and Dustin Alderman, Scott Schumacher (Welcome Tent), Angel Shawda (Hospitality Manager), Josh Frey, Adam Fraher, Cooper Reittinger in the Activities Office, Dennis Trevillyam from UCSD Maintenance & Grounds, Johanna Russell, UHS Dean of Students, and Donovan Long and his entire custodial staff! 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 26 a huge success!
Marching Band Performances
Oct. 11 Halftime Frerichs Field
Oct. 12 ValleyFest Marching Festival Valley Stadium-W. DSM
Oct. 19 State Marching Band Contest (AM) Waukee HS
Mid-Iowa Band Championships (PM) Ankeny
Oct. 20 Halftime 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 on Saturday October 12th for ValleyFest and Saturday October 19th for State Contest in Waukee and Mid-Iowa Band Championships in Ankeny. 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 Friday, October 11th. 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.
Concert Band
Beginning Tuesday October 22nd
No 7:00 AM Rehearsals
Tuesday and Thursday – Concert Band (8AM start) (bring concert instruments)
Concert Bands will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, October 22nd. 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 will continue to rehearse on Tuesday evenings at 6 PM throughout the school year with morning rehearsals beginning Wednesday, October 23rd. Morning rehearsals are as follows: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00-7:50 AM.
Jazz II and Jazz III will rehearse on Tuesday evenings through October 15th. Morning rehearsals will begin on Tuesday October 22nd.
Jazz II morning rehearsals are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00-7:50 AM. *This is a change from a previous announcement.*
Jazz III morning rehearsals are: Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-7:50 AM.
All-State Auditions:
October 26th All-State Auditions Indianola HS
If your student is auditioning for Instrumental All-State on October 26th, 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 published. More details will be available soon.
Looking ahead into November: Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday November 2 in the UHS Commons. If you need a poster or yard sign, please contact Mr. Doggett.