Perry High School hosted some 700 musicians from 10 area high schools Saturday at the 38th annual Perry Band Olympics, known statewide as the Super Bowl of solo and ensemble musical contests.
Playing started at 8 a.m., and 16 classrooms were turned into temporary performance centers around the high school. An awards ceremony capped the day’s play at 3:30 p.m.
Judges rated the performers and give helpful feedback, and scores were divided between two grade groups: One group comprised freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors composed the second group. The top five scores for each instrument soloist and ensemble in the two groups were recognized in the awards program.
PHS Band Director Blaine Schmidt and Perry Performing Arts Center Manager Steve Cook were on hand to coordinate the annual festival, with longstanding assistance from Brent Allen of Johnston, Kari Allen of Perry, Christa Miller of Des Moines and other students and staff members.
Nolan Schwada of Urbandale-based Rieman Music was also on hand for the annual PHS Band Olympics. Now in their 70th year in business, Rieman Music has long supported high school music departments with instruments, sheet music, repairs and other services.
