Two Pella High Musicians Selected for All-State Jazz Band

Lead trumpet Abner Erickson and bassist Kyler Lyons earn spots on prestigious ensemble.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:55pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged black silhouettes of musical instruments against a vibrant red and white background, conceptually representing the energy and artistry of jazz performance.Pella High School's jazz program continues to shine, with two students earning coveted spots on the All-State Jazz Band.Pella Today

Two students from Pella High School, Abner Erickson and Kyler Lyons, have been selected to perform in the prestigious 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band. Erickson will play lead trumpet, while Lyons will be on bass. Selection to this elite ensemble requires an exceptional level of musicianship and dedication.

Why it matters

Making the All-State Jazz Band is a major accomplishment for high school musicians in Iowa, as it showcases their talent and hard work. Pella High's jazz program has been dominant in recent years, winning multiple state titles, and this selection further cements the school's reputation for producing top-tier student musicians.

The details

Erickson and Lyons were chosen for the All-State Jazz Band by the Jazz Educators of Iowa. They will perform with the ensemble at the Iowa Bandmasters Conference on May 14 at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Des Moines. The two students will also compete with Pella High's jazz band at the Iowa Jazz Championships on April 7, where the school will compete in Class 4A for the first time after dominating the 3A division since 2019.

  • Abner Erickson and Kyler Lyons were selected to the 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band in April 2026.
  • The All-State Jazz Band will perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Conference on May 14, 2026.
  • Erickson and Lyons will compete with Pella High's jazz band at the Iowa Jazz Championships on April 7, 2026.

The players

Abner Erickson

A student at Pella High School who was selected to play lead trumpet in the 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band.

Kyler Lyons

A student at Pella High School who was selected to play bass in the 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band.

Jeff Robilliard

The Director of Pella Jazz I at Pella High School.

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What they’re saying

“Selection to this ensemble requires a high level of musicianship, along with countless hours of preparation and dedication leading up to auditions.”

— Jeff Robilliard, Director of Pella Jazz I

What’s next

Erickson and Lyons will perform with the 4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band at the Iowa Bandmasters Conference on May 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Pella High School's jazz program continues to produce exceptional student musicians, with two more players earning spots on the prestigious All-State Jazz Band. This achievement highlights the school's commitment to music education and the talent of its young artists.