Pella Jazz Seniors Reflect on Runner-Up Finish

Abbie Brand, Olivia White, and Trace Hopkins discuss their performance at the Iowa Jazz Championships and the year ahead for the Pella Marching Dutch.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A minimalist, graphic illustration featuring bold black silhouettes of musicians performing on a vibrant red background, capturing the energy and artistry of the Pella Marching Dutch jazz band.The Pella Marching Dutch jazz ensemble channels their energy and teamwork into an impressive runner-up finish at the Iowa Jazz Championships.Pella Today

Three seniors from the Pella High School jazz band - Abbie Brand, Olivia White, and Trace Hopkins - recently sat down to discuss their runner-up finish at the Iowa Jazz Championships and look ahead to the rest of the school year for the Pella Marching Dutch.

Why it matters

The Pella High School jazz program has a long history of excellence, with the Marching Dutch consistently ranking among the top high school bands in the state. The seniors' reflections provide insight into the dedication and teamwork that goes into maintaining this tradition of success.

The details

Brand, White, and Hopkins were the leaders of the Pella Jazz I ensemble that placed second at the prestigious Iowa Jazz Championships. They discussed the rigorous rehearsal schedule, the intense competition, and the thrill of performing on the state's biggest stage for high school musicians.

  • The Iowa Jazz Championships took place in late March 2026.
  • The Pella Marching Dutch will continue their season through the end of the school year in May 2026.

The players

Abbie Brand

A senior at Pella High School and the lead alto saxophonist in the Pella Jazz I ensemble.

Olivia White

A senior at Pella High School and the lead trumpet player in the Pella Jazz I ensemble.

Trace Hopkins

A senior at Pella High School and the lead trombonist in the Pella Jazz I ensemble.

Pella Marching Dutch

The award-winning high school marching band from Pella, Iowa, known for their excellence in both concert and competitive performances.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the state championship has been our goal all year, so coming in second place was tough, but we're proud of how hard we worked and how far we made it.”

— Abbie Brand, Senior, Alto Saxophonist

“The energy and camaraderie of our band is what really drives us. We're like a family, and that makes the long hours of practice and performance all worth it.”

— Olivia White, Senior, Lead Trumpet

“This isn't the end for us - we're already looking ahead to next year's competitions and hoping to bring home the state title for Pella.”

— Trace Hopkins, Senior, Lead Trombone

What’s next

The Pella Marching Dutch will continue their season with several more performances and competitions through the end of the school year in May 2026.

The takeaway

The Pella High School jazz program's consistent excellence is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of its student musicians. Even in the face of falling just short of a state championship, the seniors' commitment to their craft and their band family shines through, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.