URBANDALE HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
The Urbandale High School (UHS) Band Department is part of a comprehensive music program at UHS, which includes 3 concert bands, 3 jazz bands, marching band, a variety of choirs, and comprehensive individual training on each instrument.
Collectively, the bands of UHS perform at more than 30 local and regional events per year, including parades, classical concerts, jazz concerts, and contests in all genres.
CONCERT BANDS
The UHS Instrumental Music Department offers three concert bands. The Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band are the central focus of the band department. In these groups, students delve deeply into the art and discipline of ensemble performance. These groups will perform 3 local concerts and at State Large Group Festival, where in the spring of 2024 the Wind Symphony was awarded its 32nd Division-I rating in 33 years.
Urbandale’s premier ensemble, the Wind Symphony, performs an additional concert alongside Urbandale’s 5thgrade band each year. In April of 2018 the Wind Symphony presented a collaborative concert with the neighboring Johnston High School Wind Symphony, under the baton of Dr. Rebecca Phillips from Colorado State University. Currently, the Wind Symphony is enjoying a performance tour of the St. Louis area, sharing concerts with the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Parkway South Middle School, and Lindberg High School.
PHILOSOPHY:
Performing to Inspire, the mission of the Urbandale Bands, is driven by the principles of student ownership and a commitment to contribute to something bigger than one’s self. Student ownership is promoted through increased leadership opportunities and training, educational choice, and growth-based learning goals.
We strive to study high quality literature and perform it with deep understanding of all its aesthetic qualities and complexities. Whether in marching band, concert band, jazz band, or chamber ensembles, the decision-making process remains focused on the inherent benefits music imparts on its students.
Concert Attire: what to wear for a performance
Ensemble Pages:
Wind Symphony
Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band
Shopping for a new instrument? Here’s our list of recommendations
Percussion Stick and Mallet
Large Group Itinerary 2025 Saturday May 10: Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, & Wind Symphony
Commencement Itinerary Thursday May 22: Wind Symphony