The Linn-Mar Marching Band Festival began in 1995. Back then, it took place on Armstrong Field, which is the field adjacent to Indian Creek Elementary, just southeast of our current stadium. There were six bands competing in that first festival – one in class 2A, two in class 3A, and three in class 4A. The marching band festival was at Armstrong Field from 1995 to 2010. The festival moved into the Linn-Mar Stadium in 2011, where the festival has been ever since. This year marks the 30th occurrence of the festival as there was no festival in 2020.
One of the acknowledgments on the back of the program was a “Special Thanks” to Shirley Moran. Shirley is the lead parent volunteer in the Linn-Mar High School band program and oversees all things uniform. She has proudly served our community as a band volunteer since 1990. Shirley and her husband, Jed, have four children who were all active in the band program – Jim playing euphonium and trombone from 1990-1994, Chris on trombone from 1993-1997, and her twin boys, Alan and Alex, played trumpet and trombone, respectively, from 2000-2004. Shirley has been a mainstay within the band department for decades and her contributions to our students are immeasurable. She helped design two sets of marching band uniforms, including the uniforms currently worn by the band, and her meticulous care of them has led to them being able to be worn and look great for many years.
This year, both to recognize the occasion of the 30th Linn-Mar Marching Band Festival, and to show appreciation of all that Shirley has meant, and continues to mean, to the Linn-Mar band program, the Linn-Mar Marching Band is excited to name the festival in her honor: the Shirley Moran Marching Band Festival at Linn-Mar High School! To help mark the occasion, the Linn-Mar Marching Band has partnered with Linn-Mar business and finance teacher, Corey Brinkmeyer, and the the ROAR store to offer commemorative tee-shirts that are available for purchase in the main concourse of the stadium.
Festival draws more than 2,000 student performers
This year’s Shirley Moran Marching Band Festival will feature more than 2,000 student performers from schools across the state on the Linn-Mar Stadium field. Most participating bands are from Iowa, though some from nearby states occasionally attend. This year’s lineup includes a 1A band, a 2A band, 11 3A bands and seven 4A bands. The event is sanctioned by the Iowa High School Music Association, meaning all bands must follow its eligibility guidelines. Last year, more than 2,000 spectators attended the festival, and a similar turnout is expected again.
How it’s organized
Hosting the festival takes months of planning. Organizers hire eight judges, set the performance schedule, coordinate traffic flow, and communicate with schools. They also produce the festival program, create video board graphics, and write the announcer’s script for the day. More than 70 volunteers help with everything from parking school buses to moving equipment and delivering judges’ score sheets. Volunteers also hand out water and keep the day running smoothly…