The music program at Charles City has a long and rich tradition of excellence. Instrumental and vocal ensembles from Charles City have performed at many state conventions and college events. In 1987, the Charles City Music Program received the “Program of Excellence Award” from the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), one of the few awards of its kind in the United States. In 2000, the Music Program was bestowed a “Grammy Signature School”, signifying Charles City as one of the best one hundred music programs in the United States. Such honors would not be possible without excellent instruction from the Charles City music faculty, and strong commitment from the administration and community.
SENIOR HIGH BANDS
The Charles City Senior High Band program consists of Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Pep Bands. The band program is based on a strong lesson program with all students scheduled for at least one fifteen-minute individual technique lesson during a six-day cycle. Lessons come out of study hall, classes on a rotating schedule, lunch, or before/after school.
The Senior High Concert and Symphonic Bands rehearse daily for 47 minutes with several winds/percussion coming out of the Symphonic Band to rehearse with the Full Orchestra two days out the six day cycle. The Symphonic and Concert Bands perform in four concerts, State Large Group contest, and other scheduled school or community events. The Symphonic Band has received Division I Ratings fourteen out of the past fifteen years at State Large Group contest. A large percentage of students actively participate in All-State Auditions and honor bands including NCIBA District Honor Band, NE Iowa Conference Honors Music Festival, Northern Festival of Bands-UNI, Iowa State Honor Band, and The University of Iowa Honor Band.
The Comet Marching Band, “America’s Hometown Marching Band”, rehearses daily for 47 minutes plus Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:59 AM, with Guard and Percussion also rehearsing Wednesday mornings. The marching band performs at all home football games, IHSMA State Marching Band Contest, the Mid-Iowa Championships, two or three other contest, and the North Iowa Band Festival in Mason City. The marching band has received Division I Ratings eighteen out of the last nineteen years at State Marching Band Contest and is a consistent award winner at other contests. The marching band has received the Meredith Wilson Best Band Award from the North Iowa Band Festival in Mason City for the past 15 years. In the summer of 2001, the marching band represented the State of Iowa in the JULY 4th NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE in Washington D.C.
Charles City Bands have earned a national reputation of excellence. They have performed and competed throughout the United States including the cities of Chicago, IL; Winnipeg, Canada; St. Petersburg, FL; Nashville, TN; Washington D.C.; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; Orlando FL; and New York City, NY.
