Knoxville Middle School Hosts SCIBA Large Group Contest

Middle school bands from across the South Central Conference will perform and receive feedback from judges.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:46pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a neon-colored saxophone, capturing the energy and creativity of a middle school band competition.The SCIBA Middle School Large Group Contest celebrates the musical talents of young performers across the region.Knoxville Today

Knoxville Middle School is hosting the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA) Middle School Large Group Contest at the Knoxville Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The event will feature performances by middle school bands from schools across the region, with each group receiving feedback from two judges.

Why it matters

This annual contest provides an important opportunity for middle school musicians to showcase their skills, receive constructive feedback, and build camaraderie within the local music community. It also highlights Knoxville Middle School's commitment to supporting the arts and music education.

The details

The contest will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend. Each participating band will perform a selection of music and then receive a brief onstage clinic from the judges. Schools scheduled to perform include Knoxville, Carlisle, Winterset, Grandview Christian, North Polk, Dallas Center-Grimes, and Van Meter.

  • The contest will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Performances will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The players

Knoxville Middle School

The host school for the SCIBA Middle School Large Group Contest, known for its strong music program and commitment to arts education.

South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA)

The regional organization that oversees and coordinates the middle school band contest.

Tim McBride

The Knoxville Middle School Band Director, who is organizing the event and encouraging the community to attend.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to host this event and showcase the talent of middle school musicians from across the region. It's a great opportunity for the students to perform, receive feedback, and connect with their peers.”

— Tim McBride, Knoxville Middle School Band Director

The takeaway

This annual SCIBA contest highlights the importance of music education and the vibrant arts community in Knoxville, Iowa. The event provides a valuable platform for middle school musicians to develop their skills and build connections within the local band scene.