Upcoming Events
All-State Music Festival
The Iowa All-State Music Festival is jointly sponsored and staffed by the IHSMA and IMEA to provide a state-wide selective festival for the instrumental and choral high school musicians of Iowa.
Congratulation to the following students.
Iowa All-State Orchestra
Lauren Bosworth, trumpet
Minerva Cao, violin
Rowan Decker, French horn
Brody Haugh, trombone
Caera Knowles, flute
Avaree McQuistan, bassoon
Emma Zheng, violin
Alyssa Zheng, violin
Iowa All-State Band
Carson Attaway, alto saxophone
Toby Chen, tenor saxophone
Max Linberg, clarinet
Shreya Marfatia, flute
Skylyn Muhlbauer, flute
Makenna Sheffield, French horn
Abi Steenhard, clarinet
Braden Steenhard, euphonium
Iowa All-State Band Alternates
Drew Burgraaff, trombone
Chloe Gilbert, alto saxophone
Jaems Vogelaar, tenor saxophone
Max Ziegemeier, baritone saxophone
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
SCIBA Honor Band Auditions
South Central Iowa Band Master’s Association (SCIBA) HS Honor Band Festival auditions. The concert will be held January 11, 2025 at Ankeny HS.
Visit SCIBA’s website for additional information.
Drake Honor Band
The Drake University Honor Band Festival, hosted on December 6 and 7, provides outstanding high school musicians with the opportunity to work with our nation's finest conductors in select band settings. During the two-day festival, students and directors develop their skills through rehearsals and clinics with guest conductors and members of the Drake music faculty. The culminating events are the two evening concerts that feature the Drake Bands and the Honor Bands presenting a wide variety of the finest music for wind band. The Honors Concert Band and Honors Wind Ensemble are comprised of over 200 students from throughout Iowa and Nebraska.
STUDENT APPLICATION
Participation in this honor band is determined based on director recommendation. If you would like us to recommend you for participation in this ensemble, please fill out the following application. You must return the interest form to Mr. Strohmaier by Friday, November 1 in order to be considered for recommendation.
Drake Honor Band Festival Student Application
NOTE: The Drake Honor Band occurs at the same time as the Winter with Northwest, so any student who is involved in that concert may not participate in the Drake Honor Band.
The evening concert, which starts at 7:30 pm is free and open to the public. Visit Drake’s website for additional information.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform in the 2024 Drake Honor Band!
Drew Burggraaf, trombone
Toby Chen, tenor sax
Brody Haugh, trombone
Ellie Kaszubowski, oboe
Xavier Lago, tuba
Makenna Sheffield, french horn
Josiah Webb, percussion
Drake Honor Band / Evening Concert
The Drake University Honor Band Festival, hosted on December 6 and 7, provides outstanding high school musicians with the opportunity to work with our nation's finest conductors in select band settings. During the two-day festival, students and directors develop their skills through rehearsals and clinics with guest conductors and members of the Drake music faculty. The culminating events are the two evening concerts that feature the Drake Bands and the Honor Bands presenting a wide variety of the finest music for wind band. The Honors Concert Band and Honors Wind Ensemble are comprised of over 200 students from throughout Iowa and Nebraska.
STUDENT APPLICATION
Participation in this honor band is determined based on director recommendation. If you would like us to recommend you for participation in this ensemble, please fill out the following application. You must return the interest form to Mr. Strohmaier by Friday, November 1 in order to be considered for recommendation.
Drake Honor Band Festival Student Application
NOTE: The Drake Honor Band occurs at the same time as the Winter with Northwest, so any student who is involved in that concert may not participate in the Drake Honor Band.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE
The evening concert, which starts at 7:30 pm is free and open to the public. Visit Drake’s website for additional information.
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
SCIBA HS Jazz Band Festival
The Northwest HS Jazz Bands will perform at the SCIBA Jazz Festival.
Performance times:
Northwest Jazz Lab will perform at 11:54 AM
Northwest Jazz Orchestra will perform at 3:36 PM
Both bands will perform in the Waukee High School Auditorium.
Visit SCIBA’s webpage for additional information.
Volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event.
Sign up here.
Both Northwest and Waukee parents and students are invited to volunteer at the SCIBA Jazz Festival - all volunteers receive FREE admission to the festival and students can receive Silver Cord hours.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Holiday Band Concert
Join us for an evening of music at the Holiday High School Band Concert, featuring performances by the talented musicians of Northwest High School.
• When: Monday, December 16, at 7:00 PM
• Where: Northwest Auditorium
Admission is free, and all are welcome! Mark your calendar and join us for a night of music and cheer!
Concert Dress
We want to look as good as we sound, so please adhere to the following guidelines:
Preferred concert attire
Black suit with a white shirt and a tie and black dress shoes
Black dress that extends beyond your knees when seated and covers your shoulders
Acceptable concert attire
Black slacks with a black long sleeve collared dress shirt
Unacceptable concert attire
White shirts without a jacket *** This is a change from past years
White shoes
White socks
Short sleeved shirts
Jeans or leggings
Torn or distressed clothing
Sneakers or athletic shoes
Short skirt that expose your knees when you sit
Blouses or shirts that expose your shoulders
Please note that in order to improve the uniformity of the ensemble, white shirts are no longer allowed without a jacket.
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
SCIBA Honor Band
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform in the SCIBA Honor Band!
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform in the SCIBA Honor Band on January 11!
Concert time is TBD.
Visit SCIBA’s website for additional information.
Dublin FINAL Trip Payment Due
If your student is participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade trip to Dublin, the FINAL trip payment is due today.
If you have trip-related questions, please reach out to our Bob Rogers Travel consultant Mike Wallace at (800) 373-1423 ext. 256 or email him at mwallace@bobrogerstravel.com.
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on January 21 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
Simpson Jazz Festival
Jazz Bands will perform at the Simpson Jazz Festival.
Northwest Jazz Lab will perform TBD
Northwest Jazz Orchestra will perform TBD
Find the schedule here.
There is NO admission fee for family and friends. However, they will be accepting donations that go towards supporting Jazz Events (including the festival) at Simpson. Any contribution is welcome, but not expected.
You can find additional information on Simpson College Jazz Fest’s website.
Northwest Jazz Workshop
The Jazz Orchestra will have the opportunity to work with a clinician.
More information to come.
Perry Band Olympics Prep Night
This is an in-house solo contest. This event will give students an opportunity to receive feedback on their solos and ensembles before Perry while at the same time giving other students a chance to perform in a lower-stakes environment.
All band students are encouraged to consider participating in Perry. Students can either consult with their private teacher, Mr. Friesleben, or Mr. Strohmaier about selecting an appropriate solo.
Each student who is participating in the Perry Band Olympics will be assigned a 10 minute time slot where they will come in and perform their solo or ensemble for a hired clinician.
Students do not need to wear anything in particular for this event, and are only required to be present for their performance time.
Drake University Honor Jazz Band Festival
Students are placed in ensembles according to their grades 9-12.
The event is held in Performing Arts Hall in the Harmon Fine Arts Center on the Drake campus.
Schedule:
Rehearsal from 9:30am-3:30pm
Clinics from 3:30pm-4:30pm
Concert with Drake Jazz I at 7:00pm in the Performing Arts Hall of the Harmon Fine Arts Center.
Find additional information here.
All-Iowa Concert Band Festival
The All-Iowa Concert Band festival is held on Monday, February 17 at Johnston High School. Both bands will perform.
The Concert Band will perform at TBD.
The Wind Symphony at TBD.
Because of the performance schedule, the Concert Band and Wind Symphony will be traveling separately.
Find the event itinerary here.
Admission is free for this event if you would like to make the drive out to Johnston to support the bands! Find the event website here.
Concert Dress
We want to look as good as we sound, so please adhere to the following guidelines:
Preferred concert attire
Black suit with a white shirt and a tie and black dress shoes
Black dress that extends beyond your knees when seated and covers your shoulders
Acceptable concert attire
Black slacks with a black long sleeve collared dress shirt
Unacceptable concert attire
White shirts without a jacket *** This is a change from past years
White shoes
White socks
Short sleeved shirts
Jeans or leggings
Torn or distressed clothing
Sneakers or athletic shoes
Short skirt that expose your knees when you sit
Blouses or shirts that expose your shoulders
Please note that in order to improve the uniformity of the ensemble, white shirts are no longer allowed without a jacket.
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on February 18 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
Perry Band Olympics
The Perry Band Olympics solo and ensemble contests.
More information will be sent out to participating students and their families through a separate ParentSquare group.
This is an all day event.
Winter Band Concert
The annual Winter Band concert will feature both the Concert and Symphony Bands. The doors to the auditorium will open for audience members at 6:40 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public!
Students should plan to be at the school by 6:00 p.m. Wind Symphony will meet in the north band room, while the Concert Band will meet on stage.
Concert Dress
We want to look as good as we sound, so please adhere to the following guidelines:
Preferred concert attire
Black suit with a white shirt and a tie and black dress shoes
Black dress that extends beyond your knees when seated and covers your shoulders
Acceptable concert attire
Black slacks with a black long sleeve collared dress shirt
Unacceptable concert attire
White shirts without a jacket *** This is a change from past years
White shoes
White socks
Short sleeved shirts
Jeans or leggings
Torn or distressed clothing
Sneakers or athletic shoes
Short skirt that expose your knees when you sit
Blouses or shirts that expose your shoulders
Please note that in order to improve the uniformity of the ensemble, white shirts are no longer allowed without a jacket.
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on March 4 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
Northwest “Blue Note” Jazz Festival Set-Up
This is the second annual Northwest Blue Note Jazz Festival!
Set-Up will take most of the afternoon and evening.
Volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event.
Sign up here.
Non-band students can also sign up and earn Silver Cord hours.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Northwest “Blue Note” Jazz Festival
This is the third annual Northwest Blue Note Jazz Festival! 44 bands will be performing in three centers around the NWHS building.
Doors open at 7:30 am
Performance times:
TBD am Prairieview 8th Grade Jazz Band - Black Box
TBD Prairieview 9th Grade Jazz Band - Band Room
TBD Jazz Lab - Auditorium
TBD pm Jazz Orchestra - Auditorium
Click here to purchase event tickets.
Volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event.
Sign up here.
Non-band students can also sign up and earn Silver Cord hours.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Northwest Jazz Showcase
The Northwest Jazz Showcase will highlight the musical talents of all NWHS Jazz bands, ranging from 7th grade and up. Join us for a spectacular evening celebrating the incredible journey of budding jazz musicians contributing to the vibrant musical community at Northwest High School.
This concert is open to the public and free of charge. Doors will open at 6:45 pm, so come early and enjoy an unforgettable night of jazz performances.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Trip
Ireland here we come!!!
Tentative Itinerary
Friday, March 14 - Travel Day
Saturday, March 15 - Arrive/Rehearse at the Gaelic Athletic Association Grounds
Sunday, March 16 - Visit the city of Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle
Monday, March 17 - March in the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Tuesday, March 18 - Visit the city of Galway and the Cliffs of Moher
Wednesday, March 19 - Tour Dublin, visit the EPIC Emigration Museum and The Jeanie Johnstion: An Irish Faminie Story
Thursday, March 20 - Visit Belfast and tour the Titanic Museum
Friday, March 21 - Visit Causey Farm with Dinner and Show at Taylors Three Rock
Saturday, March 22 - Depart
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
Jazz Orchestra Performance at Noce Jazz Cabaret
Come out and listen to the Jazz Orchestra at Des Moines’ coolest jazz venue!
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.nocedsm.com/. Tickets are available at the door, but please consider purchasing your tickets early, as these nights do have a tendency to sell out.
IIMA Waukee Indoor Marching
This is the 2025 IIMA State Championships!
This event features Indoor Drumlines and Colorguards from around central Iowa. It is being held at Waukee High School as a joint effort between the Waukee and Northwest Band programs.
I&E (solos and duets) early-afternoon
Full performances mid-afternoon & evening
Volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event.
Sign up here.
Non-band students can also sign up and earn Silver Cord hours.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Spectator tickets are $20. Students and seniors $15. Find the event schedule here.
Visit IIMA’s website for additional information and tickets here.
Iowa Jazz Championships
The Iowa Jazz Championships features the best fifteen 4A bands from across Iowa. The Northwest Jazz Orchestra will perform at TBD. We would love to have your support in Ames. Find the full schedule here.
There are three ways for you to purchase tickets for the Iowa Jazz Championships.
Visit Iowa Jazz Championships Tickets prior to March 25 and enter code EARLYBIRD to purchase tickets for $12.
Visit Iowa Jazz Championships Tickets between March 26 and March 31 and enter code ADVANCE to purchase tickets for $15.
Purchase tickets at the door for $20 with CASH ONLY.
All tickets will get you a wristband that allows entry in all four performance locations. Children under 5 who sit on a lap are free. NO REFUNDS will be given for any reason. If you're not sure you can attend, tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event at regular price. Checks and credit cards will not be accepted at the door.
Find additional information on Iowa Jazz Championship’s website here.
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on April 15 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
Adventureland Concert Band Festival
Both the Concert Band and the Wind Symphony will perform.
The festival will feature 20 bands adjudicated by some of the finest professional wind conductors and teachers in the United States including Dr. Timothy Mahr (Director of Bands Emeritus, St. Olaf College), Dr. Robert Besler (Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Wyoming), and Dr. Andrew Boysen (University of New Hampshire).
The concerts are free and open to the public. We hope you can all come out to support the bands!
Itinerary: More information to come.
Spring Band Concert
The annual Spring Band concert will feature both the Concert and Symphony Bands. The doors to the auditorium will open for audience members at 6:40 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public!
Students should plan to be at the school by 6:15 p.m. Wind Symphony will meet in the north band room, while the Concert Band will meet on stage.
Concert Dress
We want to look as good as we sound, so please adhere to the following guidelines:
Preferred concert attire
Black suit with a white shirt and a tie and black dress shoes
Black dress that extends beyond your knees when seated and covers your shoulders
Acceptable concert attire
Black slacks with a black long sleeve collared dress shirt
Unacceptable concert attire
White shirts without a jacket *** This is a change from past years
White shoes
White socks
Short sleeved shirts
Jeans or leggings
Torn or distressed clothing
Sneakers or athletic shoes
Short skirt that expose your knees when you sit
Blouses or shirts that expose your shoulders
Please note that in order to improve the uniformity of the ensemble, white shirts are no longer allowed without a jacket.
Jazz @ Northwest
Come out and listen to Northwest’s Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Lab bands. The concert is free and open to the public!
This jazz extravaganza will feature both jazz bands along with a variety of student led small ensembles. It is a great night and a fantastic way to wrap up the year. We hope to see you there!
State Large Group Concert Band Festival
The Concert Band will perform Iowa High School Music Association’s Large Group Festival.
The Northwest Concert Band will perform at TBED in the DCG auditorium.
Spectators should park in the main lot south of the main entrance (South Side) of the building. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $7.00 for Seniors (65+), and $5.00 for students (K-12 only). Pre-school and younger will be admitted for free.
Visit the event website here.
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on May 13 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
All State Jazz Band
Sponsored by the Jazz Educators of Iowa. Visit their website here.
Practice and performance locations include Johnston High School and Downtown Marriott.
NWHS Graduation
Sophomores and Juniors will play as the Seniors enter and exit graduation. (Bus transportation to and from Wells Fargo Arena will be provided.)
Schedule: More information to come.
Concert Dress
We want to look as good as we sound, so please adhere to the following guidelines:
Preferred concert attire
Black suit with a white shirt and a tie and black dress shoes
Black dress that extends beyond your knees when seated and covers your shoulders
Acceptable concert attire
Black slacks with a black long sleeve collared dress shirt
Unacceptable concert attire
White shirts without a jacket *** This is a change from past years
White shoes
White socks
Short sleeved shirts
Jeans or leggings
Torn or distressed clothing
Sneakers or athletic shoes
Short skirt that expose your knees when you sit
Blouses or shirts that expose your shoulders
Please note that in order to improve the uniformity of the ensemble, white shirts are no longer allowed without a jacket.
Senior Recital
Please join us for this exciting new event highlighting the remarkable talents of our graduating senior musicians!
The recital will showcase several of our seniors performing solos and ensembles, reflecting their musical growth and accomplishments.
We invite you to attend and celebrate with us as our seniors embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.
Band Awards Night
Students and parents are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the achievements of the Northwest High School bands for the 2024-25 academic year. This special event will include the presentation of band awards, an end-of-year slideshow, and special recognition for the Class of 2025 seniors. You won't want to miss it!
Oh the places you’ve been!
One of the highlights of our Awards Night is the end of the year slideshow - and we need your band pictures from the year to make it happen. Pictures from band camp? Great! Pictures from concert band? Wonderful! Pictures from Perry or a jazz band trip? Fantastic!
Please email pictures (or a link to the pictures) to nwbandphotos@gmail.com. Make sure to go through your pictures first before submitting your favorites. If we get too many from each person, we can not include them all - and it would make the video really long if we did. So pick your best and send them in. Think quality over quantity!
End of the Year Video Help!
We are looking for someone who would be willing to put together an end of the year video slideshow to play at our awards night on May 20. The video has typically been between 15 and 25 minutes long and includes band pictures from throughout the year. If this is something that you would be interested in doing, please email Mr. Strohmaier for more information.
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on June 17 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night (Copy)
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on November 19 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Dublin 7th Trip Payment Due
If your student is participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade trip to Dublin, the 7th trip payment is due today.
If you have trip-related questions, please reach out to our Bob Rogers Travel consultant Mike Wallace at (800) 373-1423 ext. 256 or email him at mwallace@bobrogerstravel.com.
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Waukee Winter Guard Informational Meeting
It's about time for the 2025 Waukee Winter Guard season and we want to see YOU at our audition clinics later this month! Waukee Winter Guard is a combined activity that includes students currently in grades 9-12 at both Waukee and Northwest High Schools - and no prior experience is needed!
During this information meeting for parents and students we will talk about our season schedule and answer any questions you may have.
More information to come.
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Waukee Indoor (Percussion) Informational Meeting
Ready to get back marching again? Interested in percussion? Then Waukee Indoor The 2025 season for Waukee Indoor is just around the corner and we want YOU to join us! Waukee Indoor is a competitive marching arts percussion ensemble that is open to all 10-12th grade students from both Northwest and Waukee High School.
All band students are welcome to audition! If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Waukee Indoor 2025 Interest Form and plan to attend the informational meeting on Monday, November 4 at 6 pm.
During the informational meeting we will discuss the season, the audition process, and answer all your questions about winter drum line.
The complete audition schedule is below.
Monday, November 4 - Parent Meeting, 6 p.m.
Thursday, November 7 - Experience Event 1, 6-9 p.m.
Monday, November 11 - Experience Event 2, 6-9 p.m.
Monday, November 25 - Auditions, 6-9 p.m.
Find the full schedule for the winter season here.
Please note: students interested in auditioning MUST be able to attend ALL performances. Please email any questions to Tenea Fabray at tfabray@waukeeschools.org.
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Bands will rehearse Monday through Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 8:00 am starting on October 29, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A232)
Jazz Lab: Monday and Thursday mornings from 7-8 a.m. from October 29 through the first week of May (Room A234)
All State Auditions
@Atlantic High School, All day
The Iowa All-State Music Festival is jointly sponsored and staffed by the IHSMA and IMEA to provide a state-wide selective festival for the instrumental and choral high school musicians of Iowa.
Northwest students who are auditioning for All State should refer to their ParentSquare message with details of the audition process.
Football Game Performance vs. Ames
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chad Friesleben or Chris Strohmaier.
Friday night schedule:
Today is our final football game of the year.
6:00 - Meet on practice field dressed in spirit wear
6:45 - Pregame/tunnel
6:55 - Exit the stadium and students will be dismissed for the night
*We will not play in the stands this game nor during halftime.
Concert Band/Wind Symphony Uniform Fittings
The district is purchasing concert uniforms for the bands to wear at all of our concert band performances. To facilitate this process, representatives from the uniform company will be at Northwest from 7:45-9:45 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Each student who is a member of either Concert Band or Wind Symphony has been assigned a time to be measured. Please make sure that you are here at your assigned time for your measurements.
Concert Band/Wind Symphony Uniform Fittings
The district is purchasing concert uniforms for the bands to wear at all of our concert band performances. To facilitate this process, representatives from the uniform company will be at Northwest from 7:45-9:45 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Each student who is a member of either Concert Band or Wind Symphony has been assigned a time to be measured. Please make sure that you are here at your assigned time for your measurements.
State Contest/Waukee Marching Invitational
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to help at the State Marching Band Festival & Waukee Marching Invitational. Please sign up for the dates and times that you’re available to help.
Volunteers are also needed to help with equipment during the band’s performances. Please consider signing up to help us out so that we can get all of our set pieces on the field. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chad Friesleben or Chad Allison.
Even though we are hosting State and WMI, it is still a travel weekend for our equipment. We will be loading all of our equipment after tomorrow’s game (just like we did before Pella). We need all members of the Royal Brigade to plan to stay and help us load here at Northwest. We also need members to travel with us to Waukee tonight to unload the trucks so that our equipment is ready for tomorrow. We will re-load the trucks on Saturday night at Waukee and bring them back to Northwest to unload. We need your help on both ends of this trip to make it work.
ROYAL BRIGADE
The Royal Brigade will be home based out of the Waukee High School Commons for both events.
Students should park in the east parking lot of Waukee High School (between WHS and Prairieview). Meet in the Waukee High School Commons at 11:00 a.m. The first performance of the day (State) for the Royal Brigade is at 1:05 p.m. Student’s will be dismissed after they have de-uniformed.
Students are then expected back in the WHS commons at 8:00 p.m. We will perform again (WMI) at 9:45 p.m. and students will be dismissed after the trucks are both reloaded at Waukee and unloaded again at Northwest sometime around 11:00 p.m. Any students who are able are asked to come back to Northwest after loading the trucks to help us unload.
SPECTATORS
Please note that State Contest and the Waukee Marching Invitational are two different shows and will require two separate tickets.
Northwest Royal Brigade State & WMI Itinerary
State Contest, Royal Brigade will perform at 1:05 p.m.
Waukee Marching Invitational, Royal Brigade will perform at 9:45 p.m.
IHSMA State Marching Band Festival
Tickets for IHSMA State: Adult – $12.00; Senior (62+) – $7.00; Student – $5.00
Tickets for WMI: Adult – $10.00; Student – $5.00
Football Game Performance vs. Ankeny Centennial (Senior Night)
Volunteers are needed to help with equipment. Since it is Senior Night we are asking that sophomore and junior parents please consider signing up to help us out so that we can get all of our set pieces on the field. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chad Friesleben or Chad Allison.
Senior Night
Our senior marching band students along with their parents, will be honored on the track after our halftime performance. If you are a senior, please complete your information for senior night.
Senior parents should make their way down to the track at the end of the second quarter of the game. During the dance team’s performance, you will need to arrange yourself in a single line alphabetically by student last name. When the band takes the field, we invite you to move along the stands to midfield where you can watch our senior night performance from the track. You will then be met by your student before you are all recognized for your contributions to the band program at Northwest.
Friday night schedule
4:00 - Tailgate in commons
4:45 - Band room open for uniforming, uniform adjustments as necessary
5:20 - Transition to warm-up areas
6:45 - Pregame
7:00 - Game begins
Don’t forget:
Long black socks
Close fitting shorts
Sleeveless undershirt
End-of-Season Awards/Tailgate Party
In celebration of the marching band season, all members of the Royal Brigade are invited to attend an end of the year tailgate in the Northwest Commons at 4:00 p.m.
Dinner will be provided by the Northwest Band Parents Organization and a series of season awards to outstanding marchers and sections will be given out.
See you there!
Des Moines Symphony Academy Youth Jazz Orchestra 2024 - 2025 Season Auditions
The Des Moines Symphony Academy will be holding auditions for our Youth Jazz Orchestra 2024 - 2025 season on Wednesday, October 16 from 4-9 pm.
For more information about specific instrument auditions expectations, visit Youth Jazz Orchestra Auditions.
Please email joshua@dmsymphony.com to reserve your audition time.
🍕Papa John's Fundraising Night
Waukee NW Band Fundraising Night
Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, Papa John’s will be giving back 5% of sales to the Waukee Northwest High School Band!!
Waukee Location ONLY
Percussion Rehearsal
All percussion rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm until October 15th.
Color Guard Rehearsal
The color guard rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm until October 15th.
NWBPO Meeting
The Northwest Band Parents Board will meet on October 15 at 6:00 PM in the NWHS Seminar Room. All band parents are invited to join us!
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Jazz Band will rehearse weekly from 5:00 to 7:00 pm until October 15, 2024.
Jazz Orchestra: Tuesdays from 5-6:45 p.m. between September 3 and October 15. 7-9 p.m. from October 22 through the first week of May
Jazz Lab: Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. between September 3 and October 15. 7-9 p.m. from October 22 through the first week of May
Starting next week, October 22, rehearsal time moves from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
All State Mock Audition #2
Designed to help students prepare for their upcoming auditions. This mock audition provides a valuable opportunity for student’s to gain experience, receive feedback, and refine their performance skills.
All auditioning students should have received their times for their mock audition on October 14. Actual audition times along with details for audition day will be sent out as soon as we have them.