Use the side bar to find more information on our 2023-24 Large Group Speech Team

Congratulations to 

Arianna Lear 

for her All-State nomination in Solo Mime to participate at the IHSSA Large Group All-State Festival February 17th at ISU.

Information for tickets to attend can be purchased through Bound Ticketing

2023-2024 Large Group Speech

This years Large Group Team has been set and can be found below

We are excited for another year of IHSSA Large Group Speech!

Here is some important information for those watching or a part of our team

Dates

January 19th - Large Group Speech Showcase - UHS PAC 5:30pm-7pm

January 20th - Large Group District Speech Contest -TBD- All Day

February 3rd - Large Group State Speech Contest -Ankeny Centennial High School - All Day

February 17th - Large Group All-State Festival - ISU - All Day

IHSSA Speech Contest

Commonly Asked ??’s for Parents/Guardians

1. Are performance times exact? 

No. Plan on arriving to your student’s center at least 1/2 hour early.  Most often, centers run ahead of time.

2. Are videotaping and photography allowed?

NO videotaping or photography is permissible.  In fact, it may disqualify the performing school.

3. May an Urbandale High logo (ie. a sweatshirt with UHS) be worn?

Refrain from all apparel that informs the judge of what school the participants are from.

4. Are students permitted to leave after they are finished performing?

ALL students are expected to remain until the final performances as long as they are not part of another activity (show choir, jazz band, etc...).  As a team, we need to support each and every member of our IHSSA family. Also, please have all students eat at the school.  We want to support the host school with their fundraising efforts.

5.  What are the qualifications of the judges? 

ALL IHSSA judges have gone through training and certification.  Please accept your student’s ratings with pride and dignity.  Adhere to proper sportsmanship at all times.

6. If I don’t know where/when my student performs what should I do?  

DO make sure you DO know ahead of time your student’s times and locations.  Please do not rely on the head office, as the contest managers are extremely busy. Students WILL know the schedule the week of the contest. Check out the Large Group Schedule Page for the most current information.

7.  How are ratings given?  

At Districts, one judge critiques the performance with a I, II, III, or Disqualification IV rating.  The judge also gives an oral critique.  Only those receiving a I rating advance to State.  At State, three judges critique the performance.  No oral critique is given.  Only those performances that receive at least two All-State nominations AND also are in the upper percentages of point ratings advance to All-State. At the All-State Festival, a professional artist adjudicates the performance.  All-State is not a competition, but a celebration of excellence.

8.  Can anyone come to contest? 

Yes, all are invited.  There is a $3 donation that is asked of all audience members at the main door for Districts and State.  Admission is charged at All-State.

9.  May I watch any group perform?  

Yes, and you are encouraged to watch students from other schools as well as other categories.

10. If I have a question/concern about my child’s rating, what should I do?

Visit with the head coach of your own school in person. Consider the implications of “chain of command” at your work place. The head coach is the best person (besides your student) that will be able to supply you with the most complete information and insight.