Annually, the high school musicians of Montana gather for the All-State Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Festival, which this year happened Oc. 18-20 at the University of Montana. All-State is a selective auditioned group that gives students the opportunity to make connections with fellow musicians across the state and, ultimately, play in concert.
The audition process begins in late May and the beginning of June, with band, orchestra, and choir students all preparing a taped audition song. They are then notified in August of their acceptance into the festival. From there, the students independently learn several pieces of music, preparing for the three days together. Alternating the city every year, students traveled to Missoula to perform at the University of Montana this year.
The festival provides students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents in a more distinguished manner. Hellgate has a tradition of sending the most musicians to All-State, with this year being no different.
“Meeting people from across the state is very fun, and being able to perform with them at the end makes the long hours of rehearsal worth it,” said Faith You, a three-time attending violinist. Many students’ favorite part of the experience is the final concert.
“It feels like a fever dream sometimes, this year one of the pieces was easily the hardest piece of music most of us had played due to how fast it was, and in concert we were able to play it at full tempo which is mind blowing and after the piece we got a standing ovation,” said senior Brooke Best. Best has gotten into All-State for four years, playing in the cello section. “And when we all end on the last note,… you’re a part of a giant machine,” said You.
Senior Wesley Dennison, a part of Hellgate band playing the clarinet also attended the festival. The highlight of his experience similarly was, “playing Illumination by David Maslanka to finish our concert.”
While All-State isn’t associated with any awards, many students are grateful to receive the prestige in acceptance. Others are excited for the challenge. “Playing with so many talented musicians playing some of the hardest pieces is so fun,” said Best.
After attending All-state for three years, Dennison advises future musicians to, “practice you[r] audition material, it’s worth it!” Best suggests “going into All-State with no expectations.”
Although the festival takes hard work, all the attendees encourage musicians to at least try.
