State Marching Band (Daytime) Overview of Events

Waukee Stadium is the host site for the State Marching Contest for the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) South Central Region.  The first band steps off at 8:00 a.m. and the last band is usually done around 4:00 p.m.  Both the Northwest and Waukee Band Parent Organizaions are involved in all aspects of the event from ticket sales, concessions, equipment moving, etc.  

At the conclusion of the State Festival the stadium will need to be cleared to prepare for WMI.

Entrance into WMI will require a separate ticket to be purchased.

IHSMA State Marching Band Festival - Waukee - Schedule

Waukee Marching Invitational (Evening) Overview of Events

At the conclusion of the State contest, we do a quick transition to get ready for the Waukee Marching Invitational (WMI).  This event has been a primary fundraiser for the Northwest and Waukee BPOs for many years.  A maximum of 16 bands perform at this competition with the Waukee & Waukee Northwest Bands performing in exhibition.  The first band steps off around 4:30 p.m.  At the end of the event, the seniors for each of the performing bands along with the drum majors are all lined up on the field for the awards ceremony.  After awards, all participants and attendees are treated to a short fireworks show to conclude the event.

2023 WMI Program

We Need All Northwest Band Parents/Guardians to help – Plain and Simple!

For us to have a successful event we really need a 1-2 shift commitment from band parents/guardians.  Most volunteer shifts are 3-to-4-hour segments.  However, there are opportunities that can span the entire day, evening, or both.  The opportunities are not just on the event day.  There are volunteer needs in the days and weeks prior to the event as well as the days after the event.  

Additionally, we're still in need of trailers for the event. If you have a trailer 10-12 feet in length with a ramp gate that we can use for the events, please let us know ASAP so we can plan accordingly.