High school can be tough, but students in Ames High Band are given the opportunity to be involved in something to take their minds away from the chaos. With three bands—freshman, concert, and symphonic—totaling over 300 students, it's a place where music and friendship intertwine.
Each band has its own meeting schedule: freshmen on odd days, and concert and symphonic bands on even days. Beyond the typical image of uniformed performers, there's a strong sense of community.
While everyone attends band rehearsals, there are also more selective events that members of the band participate in. The biggest one is the Iowa All-State Music Festival, which our school usually has around 30 band members audition for. Events like this one and others like the several honor bands in Iowa serve as opportunities for members to succeed at the state level.
Aside from band rehearsal, the program does other events such as a Band Tour to Orlando every three years. The week-long trip consists of visits to Cocoa Beach, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Universal Studios. The band also gets to attend a Disney workshop and march in the Magic Kingdom parade. This trip allows students to better connect with fellow band members, ultimately strengthening the band community.
Additionally, most students in band are also very active in the school in other ways. From Homecoming Court to SHEPH, and NHS to Rocketry club, and with representation in every high school sport, it is common for the members to have other passions as well.
Every member has their own story, struggles, and successes, bringing diversity to the group. Being a part of the Ames High Band Program allows students to have at least one place where they feel like they belong. It is a place where people from all different backgrounds and various likings can come together and live in the moment while making music with one another.
In addition to the usual band concerts, participation in band offers students the chance to showcase their talents in various venues. Brianna Byrne, Anleah Walker, and Carissa Andorf were chosen to be part of the Iowa State Honor Band, providing them with the opportunity to perform under the direction of a distinguished college conductor.