IHSMA General Information and Forms

INTENT TO REGISTER: The IHSMA requests your completion of the Intent to Register online. This form will provide information relative to the programs in which each school intends participation. On the day following the final day of any registration period, the IHSMA office will email a reminder to schools which have declared intent to participate, and from whom no entry has been received. This is done so that any additional penalties may be avoided.

Registration for all Iowa High School Music Association events is completed through Festival Central. Registration windows for each event are published on the IHSMA website. Directors are encouraged to register early and verify all entries before the applicable deadline.

Registration Deadlines

Penalty Registration Deadlines

Directors who miss the initial registration deadline may still register during the penalty period, subject to the applicable late registration fee. Registrations submitted after the penalty deadline will not be accepted except under extraordinary circumstances approved by the Executive Director.

Important: Late registrations are subject to penalty fees established by the Iowa High School Music Association. Directors are strongly encouraged to complete registrations well in advance of each deadline to avoid late fees and ensure sufficient time to review entries for accuracy.

Events sponsored by the Iowa High School Music Association have established registration deadlines. Both the Registration Deadline and the Penalty Deadline are online purchase order/check number submission deadlines. Entries submitted online after the registration submission deadline must include the standard registration fee for that particular group or individual PLUS the 50% penalty fee (to a MAXIMUM of $25.00 per school).

Once the Penalty Deadline has passed, schools may still register for participation by paying the following additional penalties: Marching Band – $100.00 per entry; All-State – $100.00 per student; Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, and Show Choir – $100.00 per entry; Commercial Band – $100.00 per entry; Solo/Small Ensemble – $30 per entry; Large Group – $100.00 per entry.

These late entries will be scheduled at the convenience of the festival host.

Planning Tip for Music Educators and Students

Several ACT testing dates coincide with major Iowa High School Music Association events. Students planning to participate in IHSMA activities should register for an alternate ACT administration whenever possible.

Students are encouraged to review both the IHSMA calendar and the ACT testing schedule early in the school year to avoid conflicts and secure their preferred testing date. Registration deadlines are typically one month before each ACT administration.

The IHSMA Office will make its best attempt to re-schedule festival programs that fall victim to inclement weather. It must be realized, however, that school calendars could create a situation in which cancellation is the only alternative. If a site operates, it becomes the responsibility of the registered school to be in attendance. No make-up festivals will be arranged, nor will entry fees be refunded, for those schools that elect not to attend. Festival managers are directed to initially postpone the festival program for an hour or so before canceling entirely on a particular date.

Successful directors communicate early and often.  If you have questions, contact the IHSMA Office before deadlines arrive. We are here to help.

We encourage you to:

• Read IHSMA email communications promptly.
• Visit the website regularly for updates.
• Connect with experienced colleagues and your district leadership through the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education and partner associations such as the Iowa Bandmasters Association, Iowa Choral Directors Association, and Iowa String Teachers Association.
• Reach out whenever you need assistance.