About the Program
North High School is proud to offer five curricular band ensembles, including symphonic band, concert band, Jazz I, Jazz II, and marching band.
The Iowa High School Music Association sanctions our high school band competitions and events. Through involvement in band, students learn valuable life skills including teamwork, concentration and focus, and confidence.
Students in Action
Ensembles
Concert Band is a foundation level ensemble and Symphonic Band is an auditioned higher-level ensemble. Students learn basic instrumental skills and techniques, practice strategies, music-specific information, and perform various styles of music each semester.
Students also have an opportunity to perform with members of their group in small-group chamber ensembles during the spring semester.
Jazz I and Jazz II are auditioned ensembles that provide students with the opportunity to learn advanced instrumental skills and abilities, various jazz styles (swing, Bebop, Latin, etc.), and how to improvise. The jazz season begins in late October and ends in late April.
Marching Band performs at competitions throughout northwest Iowa in the fall as well as at home football games. This co-curricular activity occurs outside the school day and involves some expenses for accessories and travel. This is one of our most exciting and thrilling performance opportunities for band students.
Events
Starfest is an annual marching band festival hosted by the North High Band. High school bands from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota compete in the event, which is held at Morningside College’s Elwood Olsen Stadium. Bands interested in registering a band for the competition should contact North High School for more information.
Volunteer
The North High Band program attends and hosts many events throughout the school year. The program’s continued success is reliant on student, parent, and community volunteers. There are many opportunities for people to volunteer for the North High Band including:
- Band Camp
- Starfest
- Concession Fundraising
- Tailgate Fundraising
- Football games
- Band Competitions
Contact any North High band director to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Meet the Directors
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- Brian Cole
- coleb@live.siouxcityschools.com
Mr. Cole, a graduate of Wartburg College and Kansas State University, is the head band director at North High School. He directs the NHS Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz I, and the 8th-grade band. He also teaches a jazz improvisation class and co-teaches AP music theory.
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- Austin Simon
- simona@live.siouxcityschools.com
Mr. Simon, a graduate of Indiana University, is the Assistant Band Director at North High and Middle School. He directs the NHS Concert Band, Jazz II, NMS Jazz Bands, and co-directs the Marching Band & Pep Band. In addition to his high school duties, Mr. Simon also teaches lessons in grades 6-7 and directs the 8th-grade band.
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- Amy Ortmann
- ortmana@live.siouxcityschools.com
Mrs. Ortmann is a graduate of Buena Vista University. She received her Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction/Instructional Leadership from Wayne State College. She teaches 6th-grade band, leads 7th-grade band, and teaches 8th grade, as well as assists with lessons at North High.
