Temple University students bring home a big win at the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Temple University Jazz Band was recognized on a national stage when they took home a big win.

They earned first place in the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship held in New York City.

"At the end of the day, when you play music at the highest level that you can play and you work as one, you've accomplished your goal," said Terrell Stafford, Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University.

The competition consisted of ten total bands from schools across the United States.

"I hope the win made Philadelphia proud. I think the spirits are high. The confidence is high. I hope for their futures to be fulfilling for whatever dreams they have... I want the students to say, 'okay, we won this championship, but now we have to get back to the music... and keep being as one," said Stafford.

The band also recorded and published a piece titled "Live from Japan, Volume 1," which can be streamed/purchased on various platforms.

For more information, check out the video above.

Also, check out their website.