Okoboji High School Jazz Band Earns Second Place at State

The school's acclaimed jazz ensemble continues its decades-long tradition of excellence.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:52pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold black shapes and bright red and white colors to conceptually represent a jazz band performance.Okoboji High School's jazz ensemble maintains a legacy of musical excellence, earning runner-up honors at the 2026 Iowa Jazz Championships.Milford Today

Okoboji High School's jazz band competed in the 31st annual Iowa Jazz Championships in Ames on April 7, bringing home the Class 2A runner-up trophy. The band, led by director James Kunz, has a long history of excellence and does not feel pressure to maintain its streak of consecutive state appearances, as the program's legacy speaks for itself.

Why it matters

Okoboji's jazz band is a point of pride for the small town of Milford, Iowa, and its continued success at the state level reflects the dedication of the students, director, and community to the school's music program. The band's runner-up finish demonstrates the high caliber of musical talent in the region and the importance of arts education in rural communities.

The details

Okoboji High School's jazz band has competed in the Iowa Jazz Championships for 31 consecutive years, a remarkable feat of consistency and excellence. Under the direction of James Kunz, the ensemble delivered another strong performance this year, earning the Class 2A runner-up trophy. Kunz noted that the program does not feel pressure to maintain its streak, as the band's legacy of success speaks for itself.

  • The Iowa Jazz Championships took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Okoboji High School's jazz band has competed in the state competition for 31 consecutive years.

The players

Okoboji High School

A public high school located in the small town of Milford, Iowa, known for its acclaimed jazz band program.

James Kunz

The director of the Okoboji High School jazz band, who has led the ensemble to continued success at the state level.

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What they’re saying

“We don't ever talk about needing to keep this streak going because we all know the history of excellence this program has.”

— James Kunz, Director, Okoboji High School Jazz Band

The takeaway

Okoboji High School's jazz band has built a legacy of excellence, consistently performing at a high level and representing their small town with pride. Their runner-up finish at the state competition is a testament to the dedication of the students, director, and community to the school's music program, which continues to be a source of inspiration and community pride.