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.
Ensembles
Concert Band
The NHS Band program offers students a balanced, comprehensive study of music through 3 curricular ensembles. Opportunities are provided for students to develop their skills at all stages of musical development through small group and large group study. All of our students enrolled in band are encouraged to be nominated or prepare audition material for honor bands and festivals. Students demonstrate their learning during class and through evening performances throughout the school year. Students that are interested in band and are new to NHS or did not participate in MS should reach out to one of the directors as we would love to provide you an opportunity to make music.
Jazz Band
High School Jazz Bands are auditioned ensembles that meet regularly outside the school day. They perform and compete at several jazz festivals throughout the winter and early spring. Jazz Bands at North High include the award winning North High Jazz 1, Jazz 2, and Combos.
Marching Band
The Marching Stars is comprised of all band students grades 9-12 and rehearses outside of the school day to bring students from all three of the curricular bands together. The Marching Stars march at home NHS football games and travel on Saturdays to participate in Marching Band Festivals throughout the midwest during the months of September and October.
Color Guard is a group that uses flags, sabers, dance, and movement to enhance the performance of the Marching Stars. This group is a volunteer group and has auditions in the spring.
Pep Band
The North High School Pep Band plays more popular music and helps to energize our crowds and support our teams.
Events
Starfest is an annual marching band festival hosted by North Stars Band. School bands from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota compete in the event, which is held every year on the last Saturday of September at Morningside College’s Elwood Olsen Stadium. Bands interested in registering a band for the competition should contact one of the directors at 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
Pat Toben, Director
Send Pat Toben a Message
Mrs. Toben holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The University of South Dakota and a Master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies from The University of Iowa. Mrs. Toben is the Director of Bands for the North High Band Program.
Jacob Hubers, Assistant Director
Send Jacob Hubers a Message
Mr. Hubers holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from South Dakota State University. Mr. Hubers is the Associate Director of Bands for North High School and North Middle School.
