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Roosevelt High School Bands

Des Moines, Iowa

Welcome!

Welcome to one of the most exciting experiences you can have—being part of The Roosevelt Band and Colorguard! Our Band Directors believe that music is a special kind of art and that learning and performing it should be part of every student’s education. Experts say that studying music and marching can help you think better, do well on tests, and even improve your everyday life.

Plus, you’ll build social skills, grow emotionally, learn to be a leader, work as a team, and become part of a strong and supportive community. You’ll also learn life skills responsibility, discipline, communication, and time management - all while having a blast with your friends!

Our biggest goal is to help you develop a lifelong love and appreciation for great music and performance!

About Us

Roosevelt has a long standing tradition of music excellence. The Roughrider Regiment is our marching band and entertains crowds across Iowa with unique field shows. The Regiment has earned many awards over the years and competes around the state. In 2025, the Regiment earned several awards at the Waukee Marching Invitational, including Outstanding Marching, Outstanding Colorguard, 1st Place 4A, and Overall Champion.

We have three concert bands, two of which feed into the marching band, and one non-marching ensemble. Students are placed into Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band based on an audition in the spring, while Concert Band is open to all.

Jazz is offered as a big band or combo, and does community performances and competitions, and performs at Noce Jazz Club downtown in the spring.

Colorguard participates with marching band in the fall, and turns into Winterguard in the winter and spring. Last year, our Winterguard placed 1st in the State at the Iowa Indoor Marching Arts State Competition.

We also offer Indoor Percussion, which is like marching band+theater and only using percussion instruments. The group also competes in the winter and spring, and won 2nd place at the Iowa Indoor Marching Arts State Competition in 2025, and placed 5th at the Minneapolis WGI Regional.

Students prepare solo performances, chamber groups, pep bands, pit orchestra - and anything else we can think of!