GR!DSM Community Bands

 

Join GRDSM’s Community Bands program and continue amplifying your musical journey throughout the school year!

About the Bands:

Community Bands is a weekly program for musicians aged 8-18 who identify as cis girls, gender non-conforming, or trans youth. All skill levels are welcome. Participants learn to play an instrument in a band and perform cover songs from previous camps. Instruments are provided for rehearsals, and no prior experience is necessary.

Activities:

  • Each band meets every Thursday for 90 minutes to rehearse and have fun

  • Members will focus on one assigned instrument per band and practice between rehearsals

  • Access to our instrument library is available

Pay-What-You-Can Sliding Scale Tuition

Sliding scale tiers are guideposts, not absolutes.

We will always work with participants on what tuition costs work for them.

  • Per Semester (Fall Semester/Spring Semester)

    • $350 with lessons - $50 discount if you sign up for lessons through our new GR!DSM lessons studio! More info here!

    • $400 without lessons

  • 50% deposit due upon registration

  • Budget billing available

  • Funds support GRDSM’s mission.

  • If for any reason you decide to cancel your registration, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.

Schedule:

  • Weekly Thursday evening rehearsals; holidays excluded

  • Drop off: 3:30 - 4:00 PM

  • Rehearsal: 4:00 - 5:30 PM

  • Pick up: 5:30 - 6:00 PM

Location:

GRDSM Headquarters

Windsor Presbyterian Church

    • 6301 University Ave STE. 200 - Windsor Heights, IA 50324

    • North Entry

    • Double doors 

    • Upstairs

Season Dates

Fall ‘23: September 14th - December 21st

Spring ‘24: January 18th thru May 16th


Orientation: Auditions, Interviews, and Band Placement

Orientation is mandatory for guardians and rockers to complete registration

Fall ‘23 Orientation

Thursday, September 14th

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Session 1: 4:00 PM

Session 2: 5:00 PM


Spring ‘24 Orientation

Thursday, January 18th

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Session 1: 4:00 PM

Session 2: 5:00 PM


  • Band auditions include playing through pre-selected and chosen songs, plus sight-reading or aural skills if needed.

  • You do not need to be able to read music to start. We will teach you. 

  • Specific rehearsal times may vary based on band placement. The day of the week will not change.

Benefits of Community Band Participation:

  • Increased performance opportunities with GRDSM

  • Learn more complex songs

  • Year-round band rehearsals and experience

  • Songwriting opportunities

Why Join?

  • Bands get to perform live throughout the year.

  • You believe in the GR!DSM's mission, culture, and building a community around the Greater DSM music ecosystem.

  • Boost skills, confidence, creativity, and love of music.

Experience the thrill of the Girls Rock DSM Community Bands – where your passion for music takes center stage!

For more info on community band expectations and band placement interviews, please click the following links below:

Community Band Expectations

How to Prepare for Band Placement Auditions & Interviews