About the Iowa High School
Music Association (IHSMA)
Who We Are
The Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting music education in Iowa. With over 350 member schools and districts, IHSMA provides programs, services, and resources to support music education and to help ensure that every student in Iowa has access to high-quality music programs. As advocates for the importance of music education in secondary education, IHSMA is also responsible for planning, developing, and sanctioning prestigious music festivals and events across the state for all member high schools that are accredited by the Department of Education.
The Iowa High School Music Association advances music education by providing equitable, high-quality musical experiences that inspire students, support educators, strengthen school music programs, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music.
Mission Statement
1. To foster and perpetuate music as an art form and an essential component of the secondary school curriculum;
2. To organize and regulate festivals that assure fairness and equity and also stimulate students to their greatest possible potential;
3. To establish criteria and standards for musical performances that insures the musical/educational integrity of Iowa high school music programs;
4. To encourage member participation in Association-sponsored events, assuring all participants of a nonbiased evaluation of their performances;
5. To develop programs that bring due recognition to outstanding musicians and performances;
6. To provide musical opportunities that will enrich the lives of high school students and aid in the development of a life-long appreciation of music.
IHSMA Executive Committee and Staff
The IHSMA executive board is composed of five members elected for five-year terms. They oversee general supervision of all music festivals and related activities at member high schools. They are responsible for interpreting the rules of the Association and providing suitable awards for member schools.
David Heupel, President
2nd Term, Expires June 2028
Greene County High School
Vocal Director
Dr. Tony Aylsworth
2nd Term, Expires June 2029
South East Polk Community School District
Administrator
Dr. Dani Trimble, Vice-President
Remainder 2nd Term, Expires June 2026
Ballard Community School District
Administrator
Kim Hansen
1st Term, Expires December 2026 (IASB)
Independence Community School District
School Board Member
Heather McKay, Treasurer
1st Term, Expires June 2027
Atlantic High School
Administrator
Jarrod O’Donnell
2nd Term, Expires June 2030
Atlantic High School
Instrumental Director
IHSMA District Advisory Group
The district advisory group includes six representatives from their respective districts. Any certified high school music instructor or administrator is eligible for election to the district advisory board, and each member is only eligible for one elected term of three years.
Tim Van Voorst, Unity Christian
NW District – Vocal Music Representative
Term Expires: June 2028
Tim McConnaughey, Lenox
SW District – Instrumental Music Representative
Term Expires: June 2027
Dan Breyfogle, Gladbrook-Reinbeck
NC District – Administrative Representative
Term Expires: June 2028
Shawna Dumbaugh, Nevada
SC District – Vocal Music Representative
Term Expires: June 2027
Joel Knipe, Independence
NE District – Instrumental Music Representative
Term Expires: June 2028
James Craig, Cardinal
SE District – Administrative Representative
Term Expires: June 2027
The Iowa High School Music Association is on SIMBLI through EBoardSolutions!
Our governance documents are now digital, searchable, and printable from the online platform.
IHSMA Staff
Contact IHSMA
To learn more about IHSMA, including a deeper understanding of our mission, governance, and the full range of activities we support, please reach out to our front office. Our dedicated staff can provide resources regarding our current policies and procedures or more information about the specific rules and guidelines governing our high school music festivals across the state.