WDM Community Band

The West Des Moines Community Band is a volunteer group of over 50 musicians. We perform local concerts at retirement centers, farmers markets, and special events like the Iowa State Fair.

Performance Schedule

Come see the band perform at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater on the first Wednesday of each month from May to August (excluding July). We also perform at Valley Junction Farmers Markets throughout the summer.

Rehearsal Information

  • Days: Wednesdays
  • Time: 7:00 pm– 8:30pm
  • Location: Valley Junction Activity Center (217 5th Street, West Des Moines)

Join the Band

New musicians are always welcome! If you are interested in joining or want more information, please email wdmcommunityband@gmail.com.

For general Parks & Recreation questions, call us at 515-222-3444.

Our History

The original West Des Moines Community Band was started in the early 1980s. It was directed by Jim Sellend, and rehearsals were held at Indian Hills Junior High where Sellend was the band educator. The band was disbanded a few years later. 

In the autumn of 2005, the United States was fighting a war in Iraq, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was playing in theaters, and West Des Moines was starting up a community band. Todd Seaman, former Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent of Recreation, thought our city needed a band again. He offered space at the then-titled Community Center in Valley Junction and convinced Mark Hawkins to be the first WDM Community Band Director. Posters announcing the band's formation were displayed around the city, and local newspapers mentioned the band's upcoming rehearsals.

Initial turnout was about fifteen to twenty musicians, including some who were very accomplished and others who hadn't played in years. The trombone section was well represented, but clarinet and percussion players were badly needed. The most acute shortage was for a tuba player. Another problem was finding music suitable for such a diverse collection of talent. Despite the many challenges, the West Des Moines Community Band played its first concert in December of 2005 at the newly constructed Jordan Creek Mall.

Over the next sixteen years, concerts were held at retirement centers, farmers markets, local celebrations, and the Iowa State Fair. For most of that time, the band was under the capable direction of Curt Schroeder. The number of participating musicians steadily increased despite some members moving away and others no longer being able to make the time commitment. Currently, the membership is about 50+ musicians, all of them volunteers.