The Ankeny Instrumental Music Foundation is a private, non-profit organization established in 1999 by an independent board of parents, volunteers, and staff
members. It was founded to preserve the future of the Ankeny High School and Ankeny Centennial High Band Programs.
After 35 years of elevating students’ musical skills, teaching and appreciation for the arts, and entertaining audiences, the band has reached the point where dollars are critical for a defined future. The AIM Foundation is committed to support the band programs in both Ankeny High School and Ankeny Centennial High School. In order to continue to provide a first-class opportunity for Ankeny band students, AIM needs your support.
About the Bands
The goal of the Ankeny and Centennial Band Programs is to elevate every student’s musical knowledge and skills to the highest possible level. Through their involvement in the band, students develop an appreciation for music as an art form and a means of self-expression.
The students invest a tremendous amount of time and effort to prepare for performances with rehearsals. When rehearsals are needed for individual, small group, and entire band events, the students are there… enthusiastic and committed to their musical development.
The bands perform more than 50 times each year, traveling to state and regional events. The Marching Bands, Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, and Small Ensembles play in competition and community festivals. Students, parents, teachers, and countless members of the Ankeny community have witnessed this first-class band in action.
Although competition is not the primary goal of the program, a successful record helps the students stay motivated and connected to the program and each other. The students are very proud of their level of performance and their competitive success.
Board of Directors
- Jen Schafer, CHS parent, President
- Tim Heine, AHS parent, Vice-President
- Amy Yeager, AHS parent, Treasurer
- Jennifer Williams, AHS Lead Director, Secretary
- Jill Urich, CHS Head Principal
- Scott Hook, CHS Lead Director
- Kelly Weber, AHS Director
- Brogan Kearney, CHS Director
- Kelly Heuton, AHS parent
- Jen Stapleton, CHS parent
- Darin Leach, CHS Parent
A Look at the Costs
The Ankeny & Centennial Band Programs each include a marching band, two concert bands, three jazz bands, a pep band, a winter guard program, over 100 solo and ensemble performances a year, and at least 50 large group performances a year. There is an enormous cost associated with providing these opportunities for students. For example:
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- Over $12,000 for marching band music, drill, flags, adjunct staff, entry fees and student meals
- Over $2,000 for guest artists, clinicians, and All-State preparation
- Over$5,000 for solo and small ensemble entry fees and preparation
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This list does not include instruments, instrument repair, concert music, technology, maintenance on the band trailer, etc. The school budget that the band receives each year covers only about 10 cents of every dollar that it costs to run the program. The other 90 cents of every dollar must be raised from another source.
What has AIM done?
In the past few years, the AIM Foundation has purchased thousands of dollars worth of uniforms for both marching bands, and new concert dresses for concert bands. AIM has funded adjunct staff and provided scholarship dollars to middle school band students. In 2008, the AIM Foundation purchased a new truck to pull the Ankeny band trailer. In 2013, the AIM Foundation purchased a new a new truck and trailer for Centennial. In 2022, the AIM Foundation purchased a new trailer for the Ankeny band program.
Future Needs
Both bands’ uniforms will need to be replaced within 10 years. The cost of a new marching band uniform for both schools will be nearly $200,000. Additionally, within 10 years, To continue to provide the students with the best possible musical experiences, we need to provide them with good instruments. That means repairing what we have and replacing what cannot be repaired. The cost of a new bassoon is $7,000. The cost to replace the marching percussion will be $35,000.
Please support the current and future Ankeny and Centennial band students. Please do what you can to ensure that these students will continue to have the opportunity to participate in a world-class program.
What can I do?
There are a wide variety of ways that you can donate of your time, talents and resources to help the Ankeny and Centennial band programs:
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- Volunteer Matching – Many companies will donate on behalf of volunteer hours their employees contribute. Talk to your employer about this opportunity
- Attend an Event – There are a wide variety of events for both the Ankeny and Centennial bands, all of which have AIM members in attendance.
Ankeny Bands 