Dear Jazz Band Directors,

I am pleased to share that registration for the 54th Annual Ron Battani Jazz Festival is now open. The festival will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Herbert Hoover High School in Des Moines, Iowa.

Founded in the 1970s by former Hoover director Ron Battani, this event is Iowa’s oldest single-day high school jazz festival and continues to honor his vision of excellence in jazz education. Each year, we welcome high school and middle school jazz ensembles from across Iowa to perform on our campus. The festival offers students a meaningful performance experience, detailed feedback from experienced jazz educators, and the opportunity to hear outstanding peer ensembles in a supportive, educational atmosphere.

More than a competition, the Ron Battani Jazz Festival serves as a capstone celebration of learning and an important final opportunity to qualify for the Iowa Jazz Championships. Ensembles perform for a panel of expert adjudicators and receive constructive written and recorded feedback designed to support musical growth. Ensembles may also receive brief on-stage or post-performance clinic time with an adjudicator.

We strive to provide a professional and welcoming environment, clear signage and student guides, ample warm-up space, hospitality for directors and bus drivers, and accessibility accommodations as needed. A detailed schedule, parking/load-in map, and stage plot will be shared with directors after registrations are confirmed.

We encourage you to secure your ensemble’s place early.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at desmond.armentrout@dmschools.org. We are excited to continue the legacy of the Ron Battani Jazz Festival and look forward to welcoming you and your students in 2026 for a day of remarkable performances and community.

Sincerely,
Dr. Desmond A. Armentrout
Festival Manager
Director of High School Bands

The 54th Jazz Festival

Registration Is OPEN for 2026!

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