Director Info/FAQ
What forms and information do I need?
Should I order T-shirts in advance?
Yes. T-shirt preorders for your schools are open until March 23 (note: this deadline is firm). This is the best way to order for three reasons:
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It’s the lowest cost, and there is no tax. Shirts are more expensive on-site.
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The shirts will be shipped to you prior to the event.
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It’s the only way to guarantee people get the color and size they want.
DIRECTORS ONLY: place your order today, right here! Pay directly through that site (credit cards only).
(Note: If you are NOT a director (an individual or member of the general public), you may purchase a shirt here.)
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May I bring additional students to help move equipment?
Yes; we highly recommend each band have at least 8 helpers (students, parents, etc.) to help with equipment (this is especially necessary in Stephens because of the stairs and long distances between the equipment storage, warm-up, and performance centers). If you have extra auxiliary percussion, woodwind doubles, flugelhorns, trombone stools, etc., you'll want even more helpers. Equipment helpers are given admission wristbands at no charge.
May I bring my band earlier than my scheduled time to watch other groups perform?
You may not unload your equipment any earlier than 90 minutes prior to your performance time, as we will not yet have space for you. However, you and your students are welcome to arrive earlier to watch bands. This will require dropping off students (no equipment) earlier to get admission wristbands and then making arrangements for your equipment to arrive 90 minutes prior to your performance.
My students want to watch the bands right after our performance; can we wait and load our equipment later?
You must vacate your storage area immediately after your performance. As soon as you have loaded your equipment, you may resume watching other bands.
Do you accept credit cards, checks, or cash for registration, t-shirts, and admissions wristbands?
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Registration: You must use a credit card or check (made payable to "Iowa Jazz Championships"). (No cash)
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T-Shirts: You must use a credit card for advance order; you must pay cash on site at the event. (No checks)
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Admissions:
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We are offering advance ticket orders; please make parents aware of this, as tickets purchased in advance will be deeply discounted and they will want to know that.
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Admission for all classes of competition for the entire day of the Iowa Jazz Championships is $20, payable at the door with cash only.
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Deeply discounted advance tickets are available at our ticket store.
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Use code EARLYBIRD for $12 tickets through Monday, March 31.
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Use code ADVANCE for $15 tickets Tuesday, April 1 through Sunday, April 6.
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Enter these codes on the order details page where you see “enter coupon code.”
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All tickets are valid for a wristband that will allow entry to performances in all four classes and all locations. Children under 5 who sit on a lap are free. NO REFUNDS will be given for any reason. If you're not sure you can attend, tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event at regular price, cash only; no checks or credit cards.​
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What equipment is provided in the performance venues?
20 chairs, 25 stands, piano, and 2 levels of risers. Stephens Auditorium has a vibraphone (bring your own mallets!); the centers in Scheman do not provide a vibraphone. Stephens Auditorium has a drum rug.

How is the performance schedule determined?
The top eight placing bands from last year, if performing again this year, were scheduled randomly into the final performance times of the daytime competition. If a band placed in the top eight under a different IHSMA classification last year and changed to a new classification this year, that band was assigned the performance time immediately prior to the returning top eight placing bands in their new classification. If this scenario applied to more than one band, those bands were assigned performance times at random immediately prior to the returning top eight placing bands in that classification. All other bands were scheduled by travel time from their performance center.
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Does IJC use the NFHS site for copyright compliance?
No. All groups must fill out the form found here.
Will the competition be televised or live streamed?
There will be no live streaming of the bands.
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What are the future dates of the Iowa Jazz Championships?
April 7, 2026
April 6, 2027
April 4, 2028
April 3, 2029
April 2, 2030
Is there a record of literature performed at IJC?
Yes, right here. This is the most complete list we have; we realize that some schools are missing from some years.
Can I get an IJC W-9 form?
Yes, right here.
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Does IJC still have an evening finals component?
No, the board of directors voted to eliminate the evening finals after the 2024 Iowa Jazz Championships.
What if I have further questions about the Iowa Jazz Championships?
Contact one of the co-chairs.