GUIDANCE

Copyright and Licensing Compliance

• NFHS Learn Center Course: Understanding Copyright and Compliance (FREE)
• NFHS Copyright Resources
• Streaming Music Concerts
• Guidance for Schools regarding Non-Exempt Music Usages
  • BMI’s License for Primary and Secondary Schools

Heat Related Illness Prevention

• Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer Documents
  • WBGT Temperature Guidelines
  • WBGT Heat Modification Policy
  • Cold Water Immersion Policy
  • Appendix A through E – WBGT Policies

• School Start Date
• Religious Music in Public Schools
• Guidelines for Bands at Athletic Contests
• Competitions for Cash Prizes
• Good Conduct/GPA Polices with regard to Co-Curricular and Curricular Activities

Covid-19 Guidance

• Performing Arts Aersol Study/Revised Guidance (NFHS/CBDNA)
  • Video Conversation of Results
  • Full Paper on Study (peer reviewed and published)
  • NFHS Guidelines for Indoor Rehearsals and Performances (updated 8/12/2021)
    • adopted by IHSMA Executive Committee 
    • Summary of changes – Rehearsal time extended to 50 min (with all mitigations in place) and Physical Distancing reduced to 3 feet.
• Performing Arts Aerosol Study/Guidance (NFHS/CBDNA) – 3rd round of preliminary results
  • Video Conversation of Results (with Lead Researchers and Co-Chairs)

  • Written Report of Data

• IHSMA Return to Learn Guidance for the Band, Choir, and Orchestra Classroom
• Masking Resource Ideas (Face Mask and Instrument)
  • DIY Face Mask pattern for SINGERS!!! 
  • Face Mask pattern with flap for woodwind and brass players 
  • Face Mask pattern with overlapped opening for woodwind and brass players
  • DIY Instrument Bell “masks” tutorial (use 50 Denier or heavier nylon)
• IHSMA Covid-19 Facility Signage
  • NFHS/ArtsED infographic
  • All Signs (English)
  • All Signs: (Spanish)
  • All Signs – Poster size (English)
  • All Signs – Poster size (Spanish)
• Performing Arts Aerosol Study results/guidance (NFHS/CBDNA) – updated 8/14/2020
  • IHSMA Summary sheet  – second round of results
• Colorado State University – Performing Arts Study
  • Aerosol Study Preliminary Results – presented 8/21/2020
• NFHS/NAfME 2020 Fall Guidance for Music Education
  • NFHS Introduction to Guidance
  • Guidance Document
• NFHS Guidelines for Return to High School Marching Band Activities
• FAQ – Covid-19, Summer Music Activies, Return to Learn

IHSMA STATE FESTIVALS

• State Marching Band Festival
• All-State Music Festival
• State Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, and Show Choir Festivals
• State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival
• State Large Group Festival

ADJUDICATORS

• Adjudicator Information

Any interscholastic music event originating in the state of Iowa that is competitive or evaluative in nature must be sanctioned (have the written approval of) by the IHSMA. IHSMA member schools may not participate in evaluative or competitive music events that are not sanctioned.

• 2026-2027 Sanctioned Intrastate Music Events (Updated as of August 21, 2026)
• 2026-2027 Application to Sanction an Event Form

• Copyright Verification Process for Sanctioned Events
• Competitions and Cash Prizes – clarification.

• Covid-19 Protocols: IHSMA takes no position with regard to the safety of the events sanctioned herein due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.  Sponsoring schools/organizations are directed to work with their local public health agencies to determine if they should proceed and if so, what mitigations to employ.