COMMUNITY BANDS for YOUTH

Professional, year-round band coaching to develop your stage act with supported band rehearsals & exclusive performance opportunities!

Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Sessions available.

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YOUTH COMMUNITY BAND

Keep on rocking once summer camp is done!

Youth ages 8-18 form bands and learn cover songs while working with a professional teaching artist as their dedicated band coach! At the end of each season of Community Band, rockers will put on a showcase to show off the hard work they’ve been putting in all semester!

Enjoy a full season of support & weekly 90-min rehearsals.

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FAQs

    • Get focused band coaching and professional development with a working musician!

    • New bands learn the ins and outs of stage performance. Existing bands sharpen their skills with individualized support.

    • Exclusive performance opportunities!

    • Learn complex songs and songwriting skills.

    • Beyond summer camp! Community Bands offer year-round rehearsals & performance opportunities.

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

  • Open to youth aged 8-18 and adults identifying as cis-gender girls and women, gender non-conforming, or trans folx, regardless of skill level.

    Play in a band, learn an instrument, perform cover songs, and write original music. Instruments are provided, and no prior experience is needed.

    Already have a band? Continue working with your group from GR!DSM’s Summer Rock Camp or another project.

  • Auditions:

    • Virtual auditions; Register first, videos emailed after registration.

    • No need to read music; we’ll teach you!

    Watch: How to Prepare For Your Audition

  • Each Band meets weekly (90mins) for a full season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) with a special Showcase to celebrate the end of the term.

    (Read full Attendance Policy here.)

    '24-'25 Community Band Season Dates:

    • Fall 2024: Sept 5 - Dec 12

    • Showcase on Dec 12

    • Auditions due Sept 1

    • Rehearsals on Thursdays

    • Spring 2025: Jan 16 - May 22

    • Showcase on May 22,

    • Auditions due Jan 9

    • Rehearsals on Thursdays

    • Summer 2025: June 14 - Aug 16

    • Showcase on Aug 16

    • Auditions due June 7

    • Rehearsals on Saturdays

  • Girls Rock! Des Moines Headquarters

    Windsor Presbyterian Church, North Entrance, Upstairs

    6301 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

  • Community Band members have full access to our FREE Instrument Library and also get exclusive access to select instruments like: Keytar, Synthesizer, Lap Steel, Banjo, Accordion, Theremini, Digital Drum Pad Machine, and more!

    Students are also welcome to bring their own instruments.

  • Read full '24-'25 Community Band Expectations here.