The 86th North Iowa Band Festival will be celebrated during Memorial Day Weekend with the theme “The Sounds of Iowa”. The committee is excited to announce the honorees for the 86th Band Fest!
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Jim Zach – Grand Marshal
The Grand Marshal Award recognizes people of local or national prominence who have made a significant contribution to the development, history, or success of the festival.
Jim’s involvement with the festival began in 1968 when he marched in the parade for the John Adams Junior High Band. In 1991, he began designing promotional graphics for the festival’s iconic buttons and T-shirts, a role he held for an impressive 30 years. Some of the highlights of his journey include being named the Klempnauer Award recipient in 2007 and honored as this year’s Grand Marshal. However, his most cherished memories lie in the camaraderie and lifelong friendships built through the shared goal of creating an unforgettable event for North Iowa.
“ North Iowa Band Festival truly takes a village,” says Jim. “From planning to helping out the day of, the best part is working with so many like-minded community members. You’ll make new lifelong friends.”
Trinity Lutheran Church – Klempnauer
The Klempnauer Award was named for Dan Klempnauer, a long-time volunteer and festival supporter, and is intended to honor an unsung hero who volunteers for the festival.
This year’s honoree, Trinity Lutheran Church, has been a key part of Band Festival for decades. Known for its hospitality, the church’s Altar Guild has long provided lunch and refreshments for the Band Festival Royalty, a cherished tradition. Trinity has also served as a staging area and judge location for the parade, with the church’s grounds becoming a gathering place for spectators.
In addition to its festival involvement, Trinity invites visitors to join outdoor worship on the Sunday of Band Festival weekend, creating a welcoming space for reflection and connection. The church’s participation in the festival highlights its mission to serve the community and bring people together in celebration.
Leon Kuehner – Band Master
The Band Master Award originated in 1990 to honor a retiring band master in recognition of outstanding work in the field of music with area youth.
With a remarkable career in music education, Leon Kuehner has dedicated over four decades to shaping the future of young musicians in Iowa. As a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, he has served as president of several esteemed organizations, including the Iowa Bandmasters Association and the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education. Additionally, his efforts in mentorship and advocacy for music education have earned him numerous honors, including the Outstanding Music Educator Award and the Karl King Distinguished Service Award. As the Executive Director of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, Kuehner continues to be a driving force in advancing arts education statewide. His passion, dedication, and lasting impact on Iowa’s music programs make him a most deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.