--- January 27, 2025 ---

ALGONA, IA – The Algona Community School District is proud to announce that two of its musical ensembles—the Algona 6th Grade Band and the Algona High School Band—have been selected to perform at the prestigious Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) Conference.

Selection for the IBA Conference is regarded as the highest honor a concert band can receive in the state of Iowa. Following a blind audition process involving recordings submitted in December, both ensembles emerged as leaders in their respective categories.

The 2026 conference highlights a period of unprecedented success for the Algona music program:

- The 6th Grade Band is the only ensemble of its grade level in the state of Iowa selected to perform this year.

- The Algona High School Band was chosen as the sole representative for Class 3A high schools statewide.

- A "Clean Sweep": With the Algona 7th/8th Grade Band having performed at the conference last year, the district has now secured every available IBA performance honor within a two-year window—a rare and historic feat in Iowa music education.

These invitations are the direct result of the district’s Algona Bands Recording Project, a specialized curriculum designed to elevate student musicianship to a professional standard. This initiative provides students with a high-stakes, immersive musical experience, including:

- Instrument-Specific Masterclasses: Professional clinicians are brought in to work individually with each instrument section.

- Expert Consultation: Ensembles participate in intensive clinics with guest conductors to refine technical execution and artistry.

- Professional Documentation: The district hires professional audio engineers to record the ensembles. It was these high-fidelity recordings that served as the      audition entries for the IBA selection committee.

The Algona 6th Grade and High School Bands will showcase their talents at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown during the conference, held May 14–16, 2026. Specific performance times for each ensemble will be announced as the conference schedule is finalized.

This double selection serves as a testament to the dedication of the students, the expertise of the directing staff, and the unwavering support of the Algona community for the arts.

The 6th Grade Band is under the direction of Mr. Kurt Kissinger (top left) and assistant director Mr. Dave Rich (center). The Algona High School Band is under the direction of Mr. Nick Liebl (top right).

About the Iowa Bandmasters Association: The IBA is the professional organization for band directors in the state of Iowa, dedicated to the promotion of high-quality music education and the advancement of the band tradition.