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September 26, 2026
STARFEST is the premier marching band competition hosted annually by North Stars Band, Inc. at Elwood Olsen Stadium in Sioux City, IA. This competition brings together outstanding high school marching bands from across the tri-state area for a day of exceptional music and field competition.
Format and Highlights
Preliminary Competition
Bands compete in classifications determined by total student enrollment according to Iowa High School Music Association standards. Divisional placement awards and special recognitions, including Outstanding Soloist Awards, are presented at the conclusion of the preliminary round.
Finals Championship
The eight highest-scoring ensembles from the preliminary round advance to the evening finals championship. The evening culminates in the presentation of place trophies, specialized caption awards, and the presentation of the Larry Kisor Grand Champion Award. This prestigious trophy honors the two-decade legacy of Larry Kisor, whose transformative leadership as Director of Bands built a national culture of musical excellence at Sioux City North High School.
Expert Adjudication and On-Site Support
Professional Feedback: Evaluation is managed through the Tri-State Band Judges Association, using a point-based national scale to provide directors and students with valuable educational commentary.
MidBell Repair Services: Through our partnership with Ray’s MidBell Music, all competing bands have access to free, on-site emergency instrument repair technicians and priority logistics support during the event.
Information for Spectators
Gates open to the public at 10:00 AM at Elwood Olsen Stadium. Visitors can look forward to a full day of performances, a comprehensive concessions menu, and official event merchandise.
Ticket Pricing
Adults: $15
Seniors and Students: $10
Children (10 and Under): Free
Sponsorships and Support
As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, North Stars Band, Inc. invites local businesses and community leaders to invest in our students through corporate sponsorships. Tax-deductible sponsorship tiers ranging from Sideline ($250+) to our premier Title Sponsor ($15,000+) offer extensive regional visibility, stadium scoreboard branding, public address announcements, and complimentary event admission.
Purpose and Impact
The primary mission of STARFEST is to provide high school musicians with a high-caliber performance platform and access to evaluation by a panel of professional adjudicators with music education experience. Sponsorships and ticket revenue directly support our band students by funding program operations, travel, and unique clinic opportunities throughout the year. Every dollar generated helps keep our band program accessible to all students, sustainable, and performing at the highest level.
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