About The Bands

The purpose of this class is to allow incoming freshmen and/or developing musicians the opportunity to work together as they improve their skills in preparation for the rigors of Marching Lynx & Symphonic Band. Each Concert Band student is required to participate in a required school lesson program. Students must be a part of this ensemble to be eligible for the All State Music Festival, Honor Bands and State Solo and Ensemble Contests. Extra-curricular performances include but are not limited to all football games, three concerts, the Veterans Day Parade, and State Music Festivals.

The Marching Lynx/Symphonic Band is the top wind & percussion ensemble. Members are placed in this ensemble based on qualifying musical skills from Concert Band. Students who register for this course must play in Marching Lynx and Symphonic Band. This ensemble meets as a regularly scheduled class and has required early morning (7AM) rehearsals during the marching season. Color Guard members for the marching band are selected by audition. Students must be a part of this ensemble to be eligible for the All State Music Festival, Honor Bands and State Solo and Ensemble Contests. Extra-curricular performances include, but are not limited to all football games, three concerts, pep assemblies, The Veterans Day Parade, and State Music Contests. 

AL's top Jazz Band. All members must maintain concurrent enrollment in a primary curricular band class both semesters. This is an ensemble with strong emphasis on improvisation and the study of jazz styles, history, and culture. This ensemble performs frequently for the school and community throughout the state at various activities and festivals. 

AL's second jazz band. Membership is open to those not selected for Jazz Band I or any high school band student who qualifies for instrumentation of the Jazz Band (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, rhythm section). This ensemble allows new and inexperienced musicians to learn about performance of jazz styles and history/culture of America’s art form. Jazz Band II performs at a few district festivals and travels in conjunction with Jazz Band I.

Each musician has the opportunity to be a part of three different honor bands each year. These are fantastic opportunities for students to make music with students among other band programs, take college visits, and network with college professors to learn about scholarship opportunities.

All-State Band (IHSMA - State)

The All-State Band consists of the selection of advanced musicians representing all six Iowa High School Music Association Districts. Auditions take place in late October. Audition requirements can be found at IHSMA.org.

Southwest Iowa Honor Band (Swiba - District) 

SWIBA Honor Bands are composed of musicians representing the Southwest Iowa District. Auditions for the SWIBA honor band take place in early December. A 9th/10th grade and 11th/12th band is selected.

University of Iowa Honor Band (Collegiate)

Application and nomination based honor band. Each school is allowed a specific number of nominations. Students selected to participate will travel to this two-day festival that typically takes place in February. Students are responsible for registration and travel costs.