The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa High School Music Association are seeking high school soloists or small ensembles (six or less) interested in performing the National Anthem for the 2023-2024 IHSAA State Tournament Series, which include the following:
Wrestling
Basketball
Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony
Track
Soccer
Baseball
Any member school with an individual, or individuals, interested should submit a letter of recommendation from the school’s vocal or band director as well as an audition recording to: Thad K. Driskell, Executive Director, Iowa High School Music Association, PO Box 10, Boone, IA 50036 or email to thad@ihsma.org (email is preferred). Submissions must be received prior to Friday, January 12, 2024.
Performers are encouraged to perform traditional arrangements and use a minimal amount of vocal or instrumental stylizations.
The 2023 All-State Orchestra Woodwind and Brass Part Assignments have been posted and can be found on the IHSMA website by following this link: https://ihsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-FINAL-Wind-Brass-Part-Assignment-All-State-Orchestra.pdf
Thank you to the 30 schools that communicated interest in performing the National Anthem for the 2023 IHSAA Football Championships! Ensembles were selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Congratulations and thank you to the following schools and their directors:
Logan-Magnolia High School: Jo Schmitz, director
West Branch High School: Chris Reed, director
Pella Christian High School: Aaron Fitzgerald, director
THANK YOU to The Percussion Source and West Music for providing percussion equipment for the All-State Band, Chorus, and Orchestra!! This equipment is available for resale to our members schools. A full list can be found by clicking this link: ALL-STATE PERCUSSION FOR SALE. Please contact The Percussion Source or a West Music representative for more information.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Marching Band students and directors on two outstanding weekends of performances at the State Marching Band Festival!! THANK YOU to the following Site Managers and host communities: Cliff St. Clair at Sheldon; Al Paulson at Fort Dodge; Jason Dobbs and Sally Lange at Waterloo West; Joel Nagel and Jared Wacker at Cedar Rapids Washington; David A. Clark and Dan Schoening at Glenwood; Jeff Patterson and Rishi Kolusu at Waukee; Dameon Place and Gabe Schott at Pella; and Alex Wilga and David Nicholson at Davenport Central for ALL being amazing hosts!!
Thad K. Driskell Selected To Lead Iowa High School Music Association
Boone, IA – The Executive Committee of the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) is pleased to announce the selection of Thad K. Driskell as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective July 1. Mr. Driskell currently serves as the Director of Bands at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School and succeeds outgoing Executive Director Alan Greiner who will retire June 30, following a successful 22 year career leading the organization.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thad to the IHSMA team and are confident that he will bring a wealth of experience, energy, and creativity to the role of Executive Director,” said Kurt Schwarck, IHSMA Executive Committee President and Band Director at Spencer High School. “His past experiences really provide a strong knowledge base that will be beneficial as he moves into this new endeavor. Thad has a passion for music education, a deep dedication to the students of Iowa and a firm commitment to the mission of the IHSMA and we are delighted to have him lead our organization into the future.”
With over 30 years of experience in music education, Mr. Driskell has a proven track record of success and a strong understanding of the needs and challenges facing students, teachers, and music programs of varying sizes across the state of Iowa. Throughout his career, Mr. Driskell has been an active and engaged participant in, as well as leader, and organizer of IHSMA events and festivals. Most recently, he completed a six year commitment as All-State Band Chair, during which he simultaneously led the steering committee for the organization’s 75th Anniversary All-State Music Festival and Young Artist Showcase events held in 2021.
In addition to his service locally and at the state level, Mr. Driskell serves on the Board of Directors for the National Band Association serving as the North Central Division Chair. His past leadership roles and service to IHSMA will aid in his transition into this new role.
As Executive Director of the IHSMA, Mr. Driskell will oversee the organization’s programs and initiatives, work with member schools and districts, and represent the interests of Iowa’s music students and educators at the state and national levels. He will also work closely with the IHSMA Executive Board, affiliated advisory committees, and staff to continue the organization’s tradition of excellence and ensure that music education remains a top priority across the state.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the next Executive Director of the Iowa High School Music Association,” said Mr. Driskell. “The efforts of our dedicated and talented music educators in the classroom and performance venues across the state are inspiring and a point of pride in our shared musical heritage. I am excited for the work ahead as we celebrate the best in music education experiences for all and lay a foundation for performance opportunities and musical excellence for future generations.”
The Iowa High School Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting music education in Iowa. With over 300 member schools and districts, the 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.
Iowa State University has a home football game on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Game time has been announced as 6 PM. This will greatly impact parking on Saturday, November 19, 2022 in the lots near Hilton Coliseum, Scheman Building and CY Stephens.
Iowa State University, DiscoverAmes (Ames Convention and Visitor’s Bureau), and the Iowa High School Music Association have collaborated to develop a plan to address the parking needs of the participants, schools attending, as well as those of the parents and other spectators attending the All-State Festival Concert. That revised (11/16/2022) information can be found here.
The Executive Committee of the Iowa High School Music Association is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. Applications can be submitted here: https://forms.gle/k5iM72pn8rccK7e38. Applications are due by November 30, 2022. Interested parties should prepare the following information for submission:
Letter of Interest
Current Resumé
Collegiate Transcript(s)
Letters of reference (up to 3 will be accepted)
Contact information for the references (Name, Relationship, Length of Relationship, email address, phone number)
Questions to prepare:
Explain your leadership philosophy and style.
What are your related professional experiences that align to the mission and vision of the IHSMA?
How will you ensure IHSMA serves member schools well?
Materials will be reviewed in December. Applicants will be advised of their status in late December or early January. Interviews for finalists will be conducted on February 7 (new date) in Boone.
IHSMA Solo-Small Ensemble Fest. - Outstanding Performances selected - ihsma.org/wp-content/upl…
Congratulations to these amazing performers! The 2023 Outstanding Performance Showcase to be held Tues., May 16, Music Hall, ISU, Ames, Iowa. Open to public - free!
Revised parking instructions for the 2022 All-State Festival Concert have been posted. Shuttle service following the concert will be available for those that need it. Updated instructions can be found here: ihsma.org/wp-content/upl…
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