Q: Can we use your rhythm section gear?
A: Bands are welcome and encouraged to use our equipment, including drum kit, piano (grand), bass and guitar amps, and congas. We ask that groups using our equipment bring their own sticks and mallets, auxiliary cables, and if so inclined, cymbals.
Q: What ballot do you use?
A: We use the Iowa Jazz Championship ballot.
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 buses go?
A: Buses 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 will have 20 minutes on stage to perform, followed by a 20-minute clinic in a different location with the music building. Bands are asked to time their set list in advance to avoid causing delays in the performance schedule. Playing over the 20 minutes may result in a shorter clinic time.
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: How do we receive judge’s comments?
A: We use Competition Suite to deliver judge’s audio comments to directors. The director’s email given to us will be registered to our event on Competition Suite allowing directors to hear the judges’ comments.
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: Checks are held until after the festival for these scenarios. Bands unable to attend due to weather will have their checks returned or we will shred the check.
