COMMUNITY BANDS for YOUTH & ADULTS

Professional, year-round band coaching to develop your stage act with supported band rehearsals & exclusive performance opportunities!

Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Sessions available.

Girls Rock Des Moines youth summer rock camp students and community band members pose outside before a showcase in wooly's parking lot.
Two Girls Rock Des Moines summer rock camp students perform on stage with a guitar and a bass, looking at one another.

YOUTH COMMUNITY BAND

Keep on rocking once summer camp is done!

Youth ages 8-18 form bands (or join with an existing one!), learn covers, write original songs and work with a professional teaching artist as their dedicated band coach! Did we mention exclusive performance opportunities?

Enjoy a full season of support & weekly 90-min rehearsals.

Girls Rock Des Moines adult camp We Rock showcase band members sing on mic, play guitar and bass, looking fierce.
Girls Rock Des Moines adult music cam student smiles while performing on the keyboard.

ADULT COMMUNITY BAND

Have you always wished you were in a band but weren’t sure where to start? Do you have an existing band that could use professional support & guidance?

Adults 18+ and out of high school learn covers, write, & develop their stage act with help from a music professional and enjoy exclusive performance opportunities!

Enjoy a full season of support & weekly 90-min rehearsals.

FAQs

    • Get focused band coaching and professional development with a working musician!

    • New bands learn the ins and outs of stage performance. Existing bands sharpen their skills with individualized support.

    • Exclusive performance opportunities!

    • Learn complex songs and songwriting skills.

    • Beyond summer camp! Community Bands offer year-round rehearsals & performance opportunities.

    • Boost skills, confidence, creativity, and love of music!

  • Open to youth aged 8-18 and adults identifying as cis-gender girls and women, gender non-conforming, or trans folx, regardless of skill level.

    Play in a band, learn an instrument, perform cover songs, and write original music. Instruments are provided, and no prior experience is needed.

    Already have a band? Continue working with your group from GR!DSM’s Summer Rock Camp or another project.

  • Auditions:

    • Virtual auditions; Register first, videos emailed after registration.

    • No need to read music; we’ll teach you!

    Watch: How to Prepare For Your Audition

  • Each Band meets weekly (90mins) for a full season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) with a special Showcase to celebrate the end of the term.

    (Read full Attendance Policy here.)

    '24-'25 Community Band Season Dates:

    • Fall 2024: Sept 5 - Dec 12

    • Showcase on Dec 12

    • Auditions due Sept 1

    • Rehearsals on Thursdays

    • Spring 2025: Jan 16 - May 22

    • Showcase on May 22,

    • Auditions due Jan 9

    • Rehearsals on Thursdays

    • Summer 2025: June 14 - Aug 16

    • Showcase on Aug 16

    • Auditions due June 7

    • Rehearsals on Saturdays

  • Girls Rock! Des Moines Headquarters

    Windsor Presbyterian Church, North Entrance, Upstairs

    6301 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

  • Tuition:

    • Pay-What-You-Can Sliding Scale

      Youth Pricing

    • $350 per semester with lessons ($50 discount if signed up for GR!DSM lessons studio. More info here!)

    • $400 per semester without lessons

    • Budget billing available

    • $50 fee if registration is canceled

      Adult Pricing

    • $500 per semester

    • Budget billing available

    • $50 fee if registration is canceled

  • Community Band members have full access to our FREE Instrument Library and also get exclusive access to select instruments like: Keytar, Synthesizer, Lap Steel, Banjo, Accordion, Theremini, Digital Drum Pad Machine, and more!

    Students are also welcome to bring their own instruments.

  • Read full '24-'25 Community Band Expectations here.