Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The National Catholic Band Association (NCBA) has awarded the Jazz Ensemble from Pius X High School in Lincoln the title of Outstanding Catholic Jazz Band in the United States for 2025.

"This is an incredible honor and a wonderful acknowledgement of all the hard work of our students," band director Jared Wilhelm stated. "They have done a great job this year."

Jazz bands from Catholic high schools nationwide submitted performance videos to the NCBA by April 1. A panel of three adjudicators evaluated each ensemble, assessing musicality, technique, and overall performance quality. The Pius X Jazz Ensemble was selected as this year's national winner.

"I was absolutely shell-shocked to learn that out of all the Catholic School Jazz Bands in the country, we had been ranked as the best," senior Claire Kolbet expressed. "It's especially impressive because a lot of people in our band aren't playing their main instrument and some people have never been in a jazz band."

Wilhelm encourages students to learn new instruments to expand their musical skills and join more opportunities.

"It feels really cool to be a part of something bigger than yourself and put in the work to produce music that can make a positive impact on people's lives," junior Cameron Laue commented, "because that will always be something that the world needs more of."

The band comprises 21 instrumentalists and two vocalists.

Pius X offers various band opportunities for students: jazz, marching band, concert band, strings, and a 'show band' that performs with the school's show choirs.