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News for January 15, 2025
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 1/14/2025Happy New Year Hellgate Band Family!
I hope everyone has begun the school year energized, ready to get after it with each band rehearsal, full of intent to grow with great people and music. Thank you for leaning on your fellow musicians and teachers. Be there to support each other, and trust that the daily process of making music in class can be just as (and usually more) rewarding than a final performance. Go for it!
Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar
- Jan 14, 6:15 PM: Pep Band Game Tuesday
- Jan 16, 6:15 PM: Pep Band Game Thursday
- Jan 16, 2:45-5:00 PM: Leadership Workshop with Scott Lang, thanks to invitation from SHS (@SHS)
- Friday, Jan 17: Virginia Vinal Women's Band Festival at BSHS, concert 7PM
- Friday, Jan 17, 7:30 PM: Missoula Jazz Orchestra with Mile High All-Stars at the ZACC; get your tickets here (it's selling fast :)
- Tuesday, Jan 21, 3:45 PM: Pep Band practice
- Friday, Jan 24, 4:45 PM: Pep Band game. We play both games. We need everyone there for this crosstown game against SHS!
- Monday, Feb 10, 5:30-8:30 PM: Upbeat! Leadership Workshop with Dr. Matthew Arau at HHS auditorium. Required for all Hellgate Band musicians -- this will be life changing for all of us!
Pep Band Is Rocking for Winter Season
- Pep Band Details and Schedule. Thanks for your continued commitment and awesome energy!
Individual practice reminder: Each student will get the newest All-State études to begin working on shortly. Students are expected to begin working on them as well as their ensemble music regularly (and in sectionals). AND students should be practicing an average of one hour per week either at school in a practice or at home--but you already knew that :)
Finals next week: Attendance is required at your band classes (as always!). We will rehearse and check up on our festival music, play assessments, and begin coordinating small ensembles. Each class will be worth 25 points. Here is the schedule:
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Monday = No School MLK Day
- Tuesday: Normal Day for rehearsals together
- Wednesday: Block Day with Jazz Bands, Percussion Ens, Wind Ens
- Thursday: Block Day with Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, Concert Band
- Friday: Make-up Day (7-Period Day). Stop by the band room for a lesson, instruction, visit, and makeup. Thanks for practicing, too!
Office Hours for weekly sectionals and practice! Hellgate musicians had a tradition of getting together every week or so with your section buddies to practice and improve. But it's on you and your classmates to make it happen--and you won't regret it. It's the Hellgate way to be accountable and put in our best efforts to meet (and exceed) the challenge. We're in this together!
Band Photo Album: Please view and add as our events get going. Thank you.
Be well,
Mr. Dochnahl -
News for November 25
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 11/22/2024
Hello Hellgate Band Students and Family,
We have more good news to be grateful for this week in our rad world of hard-working musicians! See the news below and be sure you double-check our upcoming events. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar
- Nov 22 Citrus and Coffee Sale Order Forms and Money Due
- Nov 22, 3rd Period: MSU Bobcat Brass Trio faculty group visits the Wind Ensemble
- November 22-25: Good luck to Lucy, Nico, and Zach at the Western International Honors Bands in Seattle this weekend! Be sure to congratulate them on their return home!
- Dec 3, 3:45 PM: First Pep Band practice! Open to everyone. All interested musicians be there. Full Pep Band schedule and details.
- Dec 4, 5:30-7:30 PM: Jazz Combo gig at Burns Street Center
- December 4, 7PM: Missoula Youth Symphony Concert at Hellgate
- Dec 5, 2:45 PM: Pep Band Practice
- Dec 5, 4:00–6:30 PM: Ellington Deep Dive Rehearsal for Jazz 1 with guest teachers
- Wednesday, December 11, Winter Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band will perform. Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room, in concert uniform.
- Dec 12 and 13, 7:15-8:30 AM: Jazz 1 recording session for Essentially Ellington Competition
- Friday, Dec 13, TubaChristmas at the mall
- Wed, Dec 18, 9:30-11:10 AM: Wind Ensemble annual outreach concert at Bonner Elementary
- Friday, Dec 20, periods 1-4, Holiday Assembly Concert for Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1. Details coming soon.
- Winter outreach concerts: Each year our ensembles have opportunities to perform in the community, either through invitation and/or student-led ideas. Examples: Senior residences, elementary schools, Bonner elementary, care centers, businesses, etc. If you have an idea, let's make it happen! Keep checking the newsletter and daily announcements for these fun gigs in Missoula.
Announcing NAfME All-Northwest Honors Students! - Congratulations to the following HHS band students who were selected for the 2025 Biennual National Association for Music Education All-Northwest Honors groups in Spokane, WA.
- Zach Baldwin, 2025 NAfME All-NW Band-Oboe
- August Hickey, 2025 NAfME All-NW Jazz Band-Alto Saxophone--Jazz Band
- Jack Morss, 2025 NAfME All-NW Jazz Band-Guitar--Jazz Groups
- Noah Morss, 2025 NAfME All-NW Jazz Choir-Bass--Jazz Groups
- Sarah Ratz, 2025 NAfME All-NW Band-Bassoon
- Miranda Wodarz, 2025 NAfME All-NW Band-Bassoon
The All-NW honors students are selected every two years based on audition recordings students made in October. They will perform in mid February, 2025, alongside the best musicians from six states across the region. Way to go!
Join the Pep Band + Drumline for Winter Season! Pep Band Details and Schedule
Take advantage of Office Hours for weekly sectionals and practice! Build upon the tradition of getting together every week or so with your section buddies to practice and improve. It's the Hellgate way to wrap up your peers, be a dependable mentor, and put in your best efforts for everyone. We're all in this together!
“Being positive isn’t pretending everything is good. It’s seeing the good in everything.” - band conductor and author Matthew Arau (he'll be joining us in February)
"The greatness of a person is not in how much wealth they acquire, but in their integrity and ability to affect those around them positively." - Bob Marley
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News for November 5, 2024
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 11/5/2024
Hello Hellgate Band Students and Family,
"Better people make better bands." Anonymous band senior
About a year ago, I asked the Wind Ensemble musicians why being in a band is important to them? How has it benefited their high school experience? I encourage you to read their unique responses. I also wish everyone could read the students' Fall reflection responses. The number of creative, kind, critical, and thoughtful reflections shows just how much our musicians as a whole are reaching for our high standards.
It feels like winter has arrived, and with it new music for all our band classes. We've been sight-reading/exploring a variety of music. We have our folders full of winter concert music, in addition to a few challenging festival pieces. There should be plenty to work out during your deep personal practice.
Congratulations to every band student and family for their immense accomplishments together this fall. Thank you for striving to grow together with an upbeat mindset and regular daily effort at your music and instrument. We have lots to celebrate this month -- see the news below!
Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar
- Nov 7, 8, 9 at 7:00 PM: Hellgate's theater production of Dracula
- November 9: see Duende Libre (from Seattle), featuring Naomi Siegel. 6pm Student Workshop (all invited, especially percussionists), 7:30 PM Concert, The Westside Theater in Missoula
- November 10, 12pm: UM All-Star Band Concert at UM Dennison Theater (more below)
- November 11-15: Guest teacher Ed Stalling teaches Brazilian Batteria music to most of our percussionists during class
- November 22: Hellgate's Citrus and Coffee Sale order forms and money due
- December 4, 7PM: Missoula Youth Symphony Concert at Hellgate
- Friday, Dec 13, TubaChristmas at the mall
- Wednesday, December 11, Winter Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band will perform. Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room, in concert uniform.
- Wed, December 18, 10:15 AM: Wind Ensemble annual outreach concert at Bonner Elementary
- Friday, December 20, periods 1-4, Holiday Assembly Concert for Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1. Details coming soon.
- Winter outreach concerts: Each year our ensembles have opportunities to perform in the community, either through invitation and/or student-led ideas. Examples: Senior residences, elementary schools, Bonner elementary, care centers, businesses, etc. If you have an idea, let's make it happen! Keep checking the newsletter and daily announcements for these fun gigs in Missoula.
Wow! Congratulations to Zach Baldwin, Mattea Gannon, Nico Lilburn, and Lucy Schoenen for making the Western International Honors Band!
Help me congratulate Zach (oboe), Mattea (alto sax), Nico (bass clarinet), and Lucy (clarinet) for being invited to perform with the Western International Honors Band in Seattle, WA. Acceptance is based on recorded auditions from early October. The WIBC Honors Band will rehearse Nov 22-25 with a feature concert on Nov 25. The honor band participants were competitively selected from all over the Northwest region. Wish them the best in Seattle!
More Congrats! UM All-Star Band honorees from Hellgate
Please congratulate the following Hellgate students for their selection into the University of Montana's All-Star Band. They will perform on November 10, 12pm noon at the Dennison Theatre with acclaimed composer Steven Bryant. This is a must-see concert!
- Ezra Arntzen, percussion
- Devon Bird, horn
- Chloe Cotten, trombone
- Max Diaz, tenor saxophone
- Mattea Gannon, bari saxophone
- Dom Gingerelli, trumpet
- Zoe Gutierez, percussion
- Hayden Headley, trumpet
- Joshua Na, clarinet
- Sarah Ratz, bassoon
Tips for making every day in band more rewarding:
- Sign up for Private Lessons - What could be a better gift for the holidays! Check the Band Handbook for a directory, or reach out.
- Practice every day to build myelin and confidence. Help yourself improve and stay more engaged in music by putting in the quality play time.
- Be a positive leader and help set up sectional practices outside of class weekly. These are enriching, independent activities that are super fun and rewarding when you put in the time. Make it a fun hang for your crew!
- Be present! Attend class, be on time, play with intention. Absences and tardies have been proven to have a negative impact on learning for the WHOLE class, not just the individual.
- Regularly check the Events Schedule.
- Demonstrate exceptional Ensemble Skills ("appropriate knowledge, skills & techniques with your band") every day by being an upbeat, positive, mindful musician who's here to make the music soooooo good.
- Listen to excellent music and musicians that play your instrument. Every day. We learn through listening, so be active and specific about your choices.
- Music is more joyful and productive with upbeat and mindful leaders and colleagues.
- “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ―Winston S. Churchill
Band Photo Album: Please view and add as our events get going. Thank you.
Check out the Hellgate All-State band students in Billings before their concert!
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News for October 8, 2024
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 10/7/2024Dear Band Family,
"We cannot predict everything that will happen, but we can set our intention for how we will greet and approach each day." - Dr. Matthew Arau
We will all perform at the UM Parade on Saturday and our first concert on Monday. We are so fortunate as musicians to share our great work so far with the community. Thanks for getting the details below. If you see a scheduling conflict below, I need to know right away so that we can work out a positive compromise with credit recovery. Be proactive with your practice, game, and work schedules, too.
Upcoming Events - See our Events Page
- Saturday, October 12, 8:00-11:00 AM, UM Homecoming Parade
- Required curricular event for all band/percussion students
- Arrive early in full uniform, check out beret, sleeves, and gloves, be ready to rock at 8:00 AM
- 8:10 Full Band photo in the courtyard (annual tradition)
- 8:30 Load buses at Hellgate, bus to Higgins and Spruce (downtown), form parade squads and warm-up together
- 9:15 Perform with all bands in Band Circle next to Worden's. Families should try to watch this awesome event--it's my favorite part of the parade!
- 10:00 - Rock the UM Homecoming Parade down Higgins Ave
- Walk back to Hellgate from end point (down University Ave a few blocks)
- Return equipment, return overlays, cleanup band room, head home, ~11AM
- Monday, October 14, Fall Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of the Jazz Bands, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), and Percussion Ensemble will perform. Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room.
- Concert Uniforms (tuxedo or dress) will be checked out to all students Sept 26 (thanks to our incredible parent-team)
- All-State Music Festival in Billings, October 16-18: Our twenty hard-working All-State Honors students will be rehearsing and performing alongside Montana's best. Wish them all the best!
Concert Checklist for Students before October 14
- Concert uniform! See pages 8-9 of the Band Handbook to review what you need (black footwear, black bowtie, etc).
- Music with folder and accessories (extra excellent reeds, neck-strap, valve oil, etc)
- Percussion: all instruments, sticks, mallets, music, music stand, trap table, all ready to go
- Patch cables and amps for guitar/bass
- Water bottle
- Mindful focus and endless enthusiasm to share your bands' growth this fall.
Concert and Jazz Uniform (men)
- Tuxedo Jacket and Tuxedo Pants (checked out and sized by Band Parent volunteers)
- You will need to provide:
- White “Wingtip” Tux Shirt – You can purchase this at any tux shop or Amazon
- Black Concert Shoes
- Black Socks
- Black Bow Tie
- Any student is allowed to wear a tux instead of a dress. Just ask.
Concert and Jazz Uniform (women)
- Hellgate Uniform Red Dress (checked out and sized by Band Parent volunteers)
- You will need to provide:
- Black Stockings
- Black Dress Shoes
- Any student is allowed to wear a dress instead of a tux. Just ask.
Band Photo Album: Please view and add as our events get going. Thank you.
Music Honors Groups to Check Out
- WIBC Honors Band in Seattle, deadline October 11. Students/families need to register online.
- All-City Jazz: Online registration is due October 7.
- All American Band and Jazz, March 12-15, 2025 – Indianapolis, Indiana; Application Deadline November 1, 2024
I wish you a rewarding week of performances and awesome rehearsals together.
- Saturday, October 12, 8:00-11:00 AM, UM Homecoming Parade
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News for October 3, 2024
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 10/3/2024Hey Band!
"Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." -Henry Ford
Congratulations to everyone in the band family for contributing to a very successful start to the year. We have an exciting couple of weeks ahead, from HHS Homecoming game, the UM parade, and the All-State festival in Billings, auditions for All-Northwest and WIBC, and signing up for UM All-Star Band and All-City Jazz. It's been a student-led success from the first week. Thank you, musicians, for your leadership, commitment, integrity, and smiles throughout.
If you see a scheduling conflict below, I need to know right away so that we can work out a positive compromise with credit recovery. Be proactive with your work schedules, too.
Upcoming Events - See our Events Page
- Friday, 10/4, School Assembly Performance during school (all bands/drumline) in main gym
- 7th period, all band/percussion need to check in with your section leaders at the band room, assemble your instrument, warm-up, and head to the main gym
- Friday, October 4, 5:30 PM, Homecoming Game @MCPS Stadium (Big Sky)
- Required curricular event for all band/percussion students
- Bring: LYRE for your instrument, flip folio, water bottle, your instrument. Please bring all of this with you to Big Sky.
- Performance attire: new Hellgate Band Shirts and school colors
- Percussionists - make a plan for loading gear after school at 3:35 (I have reserved a school truck to haul equipment, just in case).
- Our band parent volunteers are making plans to have food available for the band during 3rd quarter (after halftime performance with the amazing color guard). Be sure to thank them!
- Saturday, October 12, 8:00-11:00 AM, UM Homecoming Parade
- Required curricular event for all band/percussion students
- Arrive early in full uniform, check out beret, sleeves, and gloves, be ready to rock at 8:00 AM
- 8:10 Full Band photo in the courtyard (annual tradition)
- 8:30 Load busses at Hellgate, bus to Higgins and Spruce (downtown), form parade squads and warm-up together
- 9:15 Perform with all bands in Band Circle next to Worden's. Families should try to watch this awesome event--it's my favorite part of the parade!
- 10:00 - Rock the UM Homecoming Parade down Higgins Ave
- Walk back to Hellgate from end point (down University Ave a few blocks)
- Return equipment, return overlays, cleanup band room, head home, ~11AM
- Monday, October 14, Fall Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of the Jazz Bands, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), and Percussion Ensemble will perform. Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room.
- Concert Uniforms (tuxedo or dress) will be checked out to all students Sept 26 (thanks to our incredible parent-team)
- All-State Music Festival in Billings, October 16-18: Our twenty hard-working All-State Honors students will be rehearsing and performing alongside Montana's best. Wish them all the best!
- Play Tests, Practice Journals, and other online assignments: Check Google Classroom and our posted daily agenda during class to be sure you're keeping up with your performance assessments, practice objectives, and our learning intentions. Every week we work towards Step by S.T.E.P growth. Individual growth fuels the whole program's success!
Concert Checklist for Students before October 14
- Concert uniform! See pages 8-9 of the Band Handbook to review what you need (black footwear, black bowtie, etc).
- Music with folder and accessories (extra excellent reeds, neck-strap, valve oil, etc)
- Percussion: all instruments, sticks, mallets, music, music stand, trap table, all ready to go
- Patch cables and amps for guitar/bass
- Water bottle
- Mindful focus and endless enthusiasm to share your bands' growth this fall.
Concert and Jazz Uniform (men)
- Tuxedo Jacket and Tuxedo Pants (checked out and sized by Band Parent volunteers)
- You will need to provide:
- White “Wingtip” Tux Shirt – You can purchase this at any tux shop or Amazon
- Black Concert Shoes
- Black Socks
- Black Bow Tie
- Any student is allowed to wear a tux instead of a dress. Just ask.
Concert and Jazz Uniform (women)
- Hellgate Uniform Red Dress (checked out and sized by Band Parent volunteers)
- You will need to provide:
- Black Stockings
- Black Dress Shoes
- Any student is allowed to wear a dress instead of a tux. Just ask.
Band Photo Album: Please view and add as our events get going. Thank you.
Music Honors Groups to Join: Go for it!
- WIBC Honors Band in Seattle, deadline October 11. Students/families need to register online.
- All-City Jazz: Online registration is due October 7. Get to it now!
- All American Band and Jazz, March 12-15, 2025 – Indianapolis, Indiana; Application Deadline November 1, 2024
- Friday, 10/4, School Assembly Performance during school (all bands/drumline) in main gym
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Welcome to a new year with your Hellgate Band! Info for 2024-2025
Posted by Jesse Dochnahl on 8/22/2024“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
Dear Hellgate Band family,
Welcome to a new year with YOUR Hellgate High School Band Family! Congratulations on your decision to commit to something very special with so many students this year; a tradition of comprehensive musicianship, leadership, and excellence with the Hellgate Band.
Students and parents, please read this Welcome Letter. It will direct you to our Band Handbook on our band website for specific details on grading, uniforms, concerts, fees, and much more. It also provides a checklist and forms to help get a successful start to the year of music. I will also snail-mail a hard copy of this letter shortly. Hopefully you will receive it within the first few days of school. I can't thank you enough for your time and efforts in the first few weeks of school to practice awesome habits of success. I know it seems like a lot at first, but the whole Hellgate family--band students, parents, and staff--are here to help each and every musician make their efforts worth gold!
– Mr. Jesse Dochnahl, your band teacher-conductor
I look forward to hearing your summer stories! Some of my adventures included running and skiing the Bitterroot Mtns, visiting Chicago to attend a workshop for band teachers (and a few amazing concerts), and biking around Liguria with my wife Caitlin (with maybe too much hike-a-bike).
