The “Super Bowl” of solo and ensemble band competitions in Iowa is returning this weekend, as Perry High School is set to host the 35th annual Perry Band Olympics.

Perry Band Director Brad Sparks says the event has made a name for itself over the years by being the prototype of similar contests around the country. This year’s Band Olympics will feature bands from 10 different schools, including Perry, with around 1,000 student musicians taking part. The festivities will start on Saturday at 7 a.m., and will wrap up with the awards presentation at around 5 p.m. There will be 17 centers, each dedicated to a particular instrument or ensemble group, and students will perform for the judges in hopes of getting the best score in each center.

Sparks says the valuable judge feedback is one reason why the event has become so popular, particularly as students prepare for the state solo and ensemble contests in the spring. “What really makes us stand out from other solo and ensemble contests is we really work hard to get the very best adjudicators in. Most band directors encourage their students to perform for 2 or 3 minutes, and then they get time with these experts. They’re college professors on their instruments, or other experts from around the area on their instruments. The students get an opportunity to get some feedback from those people while they’re in the room, right after their performance.”

The Perry Band Olympics is open to the public, with admission being $3. There will also be concessions available, with all proceeds benefiting the Perry High School Instrumental Music Department. To learn more, listen to Thursday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.