The Iowa Junior Honors Orchestra Festival, now in its decades-long tradition since 1992, offers young musicians an unparalleled opportunity to experience all-state level performances. Hosted by the Iowa String Teachers Association, this one-day festival takes place alongside the Iowa All-State Music Festival and the Iowa Music Educators Association state convention at a central venue. Featuring two orchestras of equal caliber, each ensemble comprises approximately 90 participants primarily from eighth and ninth grades, with some exceptional sixth and seventh graders joining in as well. To be considered for this prestigious event, applicants must demonstrate advanced proficiency: violins should have completed Suzuki Book 5 or equivalent; violas require completion of Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent; celli need to reach the level of Suzuki Book 5 or higher; and bass players are expected to navigate up through fifth position comfortably. It is essential that participants are enrolled in their school's orchestra program, with their teacher being a member of the Iowa String Teachers Association. This festival provides an enriching day filled with rehearsals, performances, and workshops designed to foster musical growth and camaraderie among young musicians from across Iowa.
Races Offered
Individual Entry
Nov 20, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Individual Entry
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
00:00
sell
$54.95
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Ames.
thermostatTemperature
0.8° / 9.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-4.1° / 5.1°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 40m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.3 cm
air
Avg wind speed
14.5 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
69.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:04
nightlight
Sunset
17:53
About Ames
Learn more about the host city, Ames.
Ames is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is the home of Iowa State University (ISU). According to the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ninth-most populous city. Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023, which make up approximately one half of the city's population.
