The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Marching Band season begins with band camp in August and continues through mid-October. All students enrolled must participate in this ensemble. The marching band provides entertainment at home football games, and has performed at state marching contest, Marion Marching Invitational, Band Across the Prairie, 5 Seasons Marching Invitational, Waukee Marching Championships, and participates in 2-3 parades throughout the year. The membership consists of a horn line, a percussion battery, percussion pit, and a color guard. Rehearsals begin at 7:20 A.M. every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, and begin at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Students signed up for band acknowledge that if they are tardy to rehearsals, then they will be counted tardy to school. Marching band will conclude with the final home football game or competition (late October).
COLORGUARD: To be a member of the colorguard, students must audition in the spring. It is considered a privilege to be a member and extra rehearsals will be required to learn the routine. Practices generally occur before marching band at 7:00 A.M.
DRUM LINE: The drum line, especially in marching band, is the backbone of the band. The Drumline typically have weekly sectionals before Marching Band at 6:45 A.M. and meet weekly throughout the summer.
The Symphonic Band involves students in grades 9-12 and is the main ensemble of the Instrumental Music Department. There are typically four to five performances per year, including the participation in State Large Group Contest, the Winter Band Extravaganza Concert, High School Fine Arts Night, Cabaret, and graduation. Students will be encouraged to participate in honor bands, All-State auditions, State Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other performance opportunities. The concert band will rehearse every day beginning after marching season is completed (late October). Symphonic Band rehearses 8:00-8:30 A.M. daily.
The Jazz Band consists of saxophones, trombones, trumpets and a rhythm section. Performances include 4-5 independent festivals, including NEIBA Jazz Festival, IHSMA Festival, Tallcorn Jazz Festival, and Coe College Jazz Festival. Rehearsals begin at 6:44 A.M. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. There will be sectionals scheduled when needed. Membership will be determined by an audition process. Auditions will be held during lessons or outside the school day. The jazz band will begin rehearsing after marching season.