Welcome to the
Iowa High School Music Association
Browse our resources for..
Resources for IHSMA State Festivals Section
State Marching Band Festival
All-State Music Festival
Jazz Festivals
Commercial Music Festivals
Solo & Small Ensemble
State Large Group Festival
State Marching Band Festival
All-State Music Festival
?
Jazz Festivals
State Jazz Choir Festival January 30 (South) and February 1 (North)
Commercial Music Festivals
Solo & Small Ensemble Opportunities
State Large Group Festival
Latest News and Announcements
Find the latest festival results, announcements, and emergency updates as well as press releases, policies, and schedules from IHSMA.
-
Iowa’s Dr. Michael Golemo Receives NFHS National Outstanding Music Educator Award
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. The Iowa High School Music Association proudly celebrates Dr. Michael Golemo, Director of Bands at Iowa State University, on being named the 2026 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National Outstanding Music Educator Award recipient. Dr. Golemo was recognized during the NFHS Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City, where…
-
The Pella Marching Dutch: Representing Iowa with Excellence, Pride, and Purpose
There are moments when a school music program represents far more than a single performance. They become ambassadors for their community, their state, and the transformative power of music education. This summer, the Pella Marching Dutch have done exactly that. The Iowa High School Music Association proudly celebrates the Pella High School Marching Band for…
-
2026 Leo H. Grether Memorial Scholarship Recipient
The Iowa High School Music Association is pleased to announce Connor Kramer of Fredericksburg, Iowa, as the recipient of the 2026 Leo H. Grether Memorial Scholarship. Connor has demonstrated exceptional commitment to music, performance, leadership, and service throughout his high school career. An active performer at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, he has consistently…
Upcoming Events
2026 All-State Audition Materials Announced
The Iowa High School Music Association has released the official audition materials for the 2026 All-State Music Festival, marking the beginning of the audition season for thousands of Iowa’s finest high school musicians. Students preparing for Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Piano auditions now have access to the required repertoire and audition resources needed to begin focused preparation for the October auditions. Audition materials and updates are available through Simbli and the IHSMA All-State Audition page on the IHSMA website.
The 2026 All-State Auditions will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, with the All-State Music Festival taking place November 19-21, 2026, at the Iowa State Center in Ames. Students are encouraged to work closely with their directors throughout the preparation process as they pursue one of Iowa’s highest musical honors.
National Anthem at 2026 IHSAA State Baseball
The Iowa High School Music Association is proud to recognize two outstanding student ensembles that will represent music education in Iowa by performing the National Anthem at the 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association State Baseball Championships on Friday, July 24.
Students from Lenox High School will perform the National Anthem before the Class 1A and 2A State Championship games at Merchants Park in Carroll, while students from Xavier High School will perform before the Class 3A and 4A State Championship games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. The championships conclude the 2026 IHSAA State Baseball Tournament, held July 20 through July 24 at the two host sites.
About IHSMA
The Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) is the statewide organization dedicated to advancing music education and supporting high-quality music programs in Iowa’s secondary schools. Through educational leadership, governance, adjudication, professional learning, and a comprehensive series of festivals and auditions, IHSMA provides students and educators with opportunities to perform, grow, and achieve at the highest levels. Serving more than 370 member schools, the Association coordinates over 65,000 student performances each year through the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, Large Group Festival, State Marching Band Festival, State Jazz Band and Jazz Choir Festivals, Show Choir Festival, and the prestigious All-State Music Festival. Together, these programs uphold rigorous educational standards while celebrating the transformative impact of music education in the lives of Iowa students.
Learn about our partners
Contact IHSMA
Contact IHSMA to learn more about our programs, policies, and music festivals.