Cyclone bands come together for ‘Bandshell Block Party’

While this year’s Saturday, Sept. 12, Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game is in Iowa City, Iowa State is kicking off the excitement early in downtown Ames with help from two of its most outstanding bands. The “Bandshell Block Party” on Friday, Sept. 11, will feature the Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band and ISU Wind Ensemble sharing the stage in a one-of-a-kind event at Ames’ Bandshell Park from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The evening starts off with a family-friendly carnival, followed by a concert at 7:00 p.m.

“This will be a first for combining the excitement of the Cyclone Marching Band with the musicianship of the ISU Wind Ensemble,” said Michael Golemo, University Professor and director of bands at Iowa State. “This will be an incredibly fun event — full of Cyclone spirit and sound!”

“We are thrilled to assemble this unique community event that will bring together two incredible bands, Cyclone Nation, and the City of Ames,” said Christian Carichner, director of athletic bands at Iowa State. “We can’t wait to pack Bandshell Park for this free event so bring your family, some lawn chairs, and lots of Cyclone spirit!”

Along with music from two premier Iowa State bands, the evening will feature bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, and food available for purchase from local food trucks. Community members are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a fun night of family entertainment. The free event is supported in part by AKD Plumbing and HVAC in Ames.

“We’ve always believed that the Cyclone Marching Band belongs to the people of Iowa, and we’re thrilled to partner with local businesses to make this event come to life,” Carichner said.

This year’s Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game between the Iowa State University Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes kicks off in Iowa City at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 2026-27 academic year marks the 22nd edition of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.

Quick look by the numbers:

• There are 429 Iowa State students in the Cyclone Marching Band (371 in the Iowa State University Cyclone Football ‘Varsity’ Marching Band and 58 in State Storm).

• This year’s Cyclone Marching Band boasts 40 sousaphone players – that’s a new record.

• There are 63 Iowa State students in the ISU Wind Ensemble.

• Cyclone Marching Band students represent 86 unique academic majors. There are 19 unique majors represented across the ISU Wind Ensemble.

• About half of the ISU Wind Ensemble (41%) members are also members of the Cyclone Marching Band (27 students).

• Nearly 40% of marching band members are studying in the College of Engineering, with 33% studying in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

• The Cyclone Marching Band includes members from 20 states, stretching from coast to coast. You can take a road trip from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans using only states from the Cyclone Marching Band.