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Q: How are bands given a particular time slot?
A: Bands are placed first in their general (morning/afternoon) time slots, and then placed more specifically by their travel time/distance to Indianola. If a band has a particular need, we do what we can to accommodate them when possible. If bands would like to trade time slots, that is often just fine, providing the festival administration is notified about this!
Q: What ballot do you use?
A: We use the Iowa Jazz Championship ballot.
Q: Do you have official soloist and tune information sheets to fill out for the judges?
A: YES, and it is located here. Please print three copies and bring with you to the performance space.
Q: It says online that bands need to submit their selections and personnel. Does that need to be done before the day-of? Or should we just bring copies with us? Where should the be sent/saved?
A: No need for any of that. Just bring with you and hand three copies to the judges when you enter the hall.
Q: Can we use your percussion gear/Vibes?
A: Bands are welcome to use our vibes, drums, piano (grand), bass and guitar amps. Please let us know in advance, and realize that we do not have duplicates of everything (vibes, for example) so you may not have all percussion gear for your warm up room. Everything will be available on the performance stage though.
Q: Where do we warm up?
A: Bands are allowed to warm up in the SC Band Room (Harris Hall) 30 minutes before they perform. There is a drum set, piano, bass, and guitar amps there that are available to be used.
Q: Where do the busses go?
A: Busses can drop off students and gear on Buxton Avenue, between Smith Chapel and the Music Building. (Look for a set of large glass doors that lead into the Music Building.) You will be met by a greeter who will show you where to go. Busses MAY NOT idle on the street while waiting to pick up students. They can wait at the Simpson Campus Services Parking Lot that is one block SE away from the Music Building, or elsewhere that the drivers deem appropriate. Drivers are to wait until the Band Director calls them via cell phone to pick up the students.
Q: Is there a time limit for our performance?
A: Bands have 25 minutes on stage, which includes a clinic onstage with one of the judges. The length of your performance directly affects the length of your clinic. You may choose to play for the entire 25 minutes, but be aware you will not be given extra time. Most bands play three pieces for approximately 15 minutes, and then receive a 10 minute clinic on stage.
Q: How do we get to Simpson?
A: Google maps is probably the easiest way to find directions - the address for Amy Robertson Music Center is 501 N Buxton, Indianola, IA.
Q: Where do the bands perform?
A: All bands perform in Lekberg Hall in the Amy Robertson Music Center of Simpson College.
Q: What recordings do we get?
A: Directors will be emailed a link to audio files that contain the judges' comments made during the groups performance.
Q: Is there an admission fee for family and friends to hear the bands?
A: There is no admission fee for family and friends.
Q: Where can our students eat?
A: Many food establishments are just blocks away from the music building. There are also food options available in the SC Student Center.
Q: When are awards announced?
A: 1A and 2A awards are usually presented around mid-day after all bands in those classes have competed. 3A and 4A awards are handed out at the end of the day, usually around 6:30PM in conjunction with any planned performances from the Adjudicators.
Q: Due to weather and/or mechanical issues, we were unable to attend the festival. Can we have a refund?
A: There will be no refunds due to weather or mechanical difficulties. Of course, if we are able to reschedule a band, we will. Regrettably, requests of this type are typically highly problematic and unlikely to be accommodated.