Educator Resources

Explore resources and events provided by Drake University for music educators and high school students.  

Events

Fall Events

Drake University Honor Band Festival

The Drake University Honor Band Festival provides outstanding high school musicians with the opportunity to work with our nation's finest conductors in select band settings. During the two-day festival, students and directors develop their skills through rehearsals and clinics with guest conductors and members of the Department of Music faculty. The culminating events are the two evening concerts that feature the Drake University Bands and the Honor Bands presenting a wide variety of the finest music for wind band. The Honor Band and Honor Wind Ensemble are comprised of over two hundred students from throughout Iowa and surrounding states.

For any questions regarding Drake University Honor Band Festival, please contact Drake University Bands or call 515-271-3164.

Winter Events

Drake University Honor Orchestra Festival

The Drake University Honor Orchestra Festival is an opportunity for all high school string orchestra students to perform advanced ensemble literature with a guest conductor. The festival includes sectionals lead by Department of Music faculty and closes with a concert.

For any questions regarding Drake University Honor Orchestra Festival, please contact Dr. Héctor Agüero.

Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University

Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University is a young artist festival which will run for five consecutive Sundays starting January 25, 2026, and will culminate with a public concert on February 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm.

The festival is open to any high school aged student currently participating in their school band/orchestra program, or who is taking private lessons in the case of home schooled students.

For any questions regarding Zenith Virtuosi at Drake University, please contact Dr. Héctor Agüero.

Spring Events

Drake University Honor Jazz Band Festival

The Drake University Honor Jazz Band Festival is an annual opportunity for the most talented students from high schools around the region to play together and work with the respected jazz musicians part of the Department of Music faculty.

For any questions regarding Drake University Honor Jazz Band Festival, please contact Prof. Andrew Classen.

Adventureland Festival of Bands

From its inception by festival founder, Drake University Director of Bands, Emeritus, Don Marcouiller in 1980, the Adventureland Festival of Bands provided school bands of all levels the opportunity to perform for, and be critiqued by America’s most outstanding band conductors and composers. Don’s contributions to the continued growth and development of the festival, his tireless dedication to the field of instrumental music education, and his unwavering commitment to the band medium are embodied in this festival. 

Prof. Robert Meunier, Director of Bands at Drake University, now coordinates the high school festival under a new title, Adventureland Festival of Bands.

For any questions regarding Adventureland Festival of Bands, please contact Prof. Robert Meunier or call 515-271-3963.

Resources

• Information on Hearing Protection for Educators