To our Hellgate Band families,

We have just a few more weeks of creating rewarding music experiences ahead of us. Please get re-acquainted with our upcoming events and details. Thank you for extending so much effort, excellence, and kindness every day, all the way to summer break.

-Mr. Dochnahl

Jazz 1 outreach concert at Lewis/Clark Elem in April

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• May 14, 7:00 PM, Hellgate's 42nd Pops Concert at the main gym (featuring Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1) -- EVERYONE should attend this delightful event!
  • Students arrive 5:30 PM (Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1) for combined rehearsal
  • Concert Attire: Black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis
  • Admission is a suggested donation of $5/person. Donate what you can and join us!
• May 20 - Deadline to return your entire band uniform with garment bag (sooner the better)
• May 20, 7:30 AM, Auditorium:  1st Annual Hellgate Performing Arts Signing Day for seniors
• May 28, Final Band Concert!
  • Students arrive 6:30 PM, concert starts 7:00 PM, for all band students, auditorium
  • Concert Attire: Black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis
• May 29, Band Awards Banquet and Potluck Dinner
  • Potluck Sign up online - please sign up to help
  • Arrive 5:45 PM, lower gym, for ALL band families
  • A huge thanks to our Band Parent volunteers and custodial staff for coordinating this extraordinary celebration for each and every musician in the band program

Pops Concert - Wednesday, May 14 @ 7:00 PM, upper gym
The 42nd Annual Pops Concert is definitely one of the best collaboration concerts of the year, featuring the Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz 1, Chevaliers and the Wind Ensemble.  Admission is a suggested donation of $5/person. Donate what you can and join us! We ask for donations at this concert to benefit music students who plan to attend summer music camps. If you are able, please bring a little extra cash to help out with the cause. All Hellgate Band members, friends, and families are encouraged to attend - we hope to see you there. 

• All Band Students:  8:00 AM, Wed, May 14 - HELP move and set up gear in the main gym.
• Wind Ensemble/Jazz Band 1 call time is 5:30 PM, warm-up in the band room and then move to the upper gym together to rehearse with choir/orchestra.
  • Concert attire:  Black band shirt and nice dress pants/khakis. THANK YOU!

Band Uniform Return Deadline May 20
Please begin to bring all uniform parts and garment bag to school with you for official inventory and cleaning. Remember, everything must be turned in, you will be charged replacement fees. Thank you for taking great care of our brand-new uniforms this year.

1st Annual Hellgate Performing Arts Signing Day, May 20, 7:30 AM, Auditorium: Hellgate is providing a new opportunity to recognize and celebrate HHS seniors who plan to study music/theater in college, and/or received a scholarship in music/theater. If this describes you, please complete the form in your email, and try to get a shirt/merch with your future school printed on it. Please invite family and friends! We will invite the media to the event. Everyone is welcome to attend this special Signing Day!

Final Band Concert - May 28, @HHS Auditorium, 7:00 PM
Let's celebrate our final concert with our amazing senior class with some awesome performances from all our ensembles! All members of the Hellgate band program will perform. Concert starts at 7PM; students arrive at 6:30 PM. Concert uniform: black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis.

Band Awards Banquet and Potluck Dinner - May 29, 5:30 PM, lower gym: The entire Hellgate Band Family will gather to eat, visit, and celebrate this incredible year and senior class. ALL Hellgate Band/Percussion/Jazz members and family members should be in attendance! 

• We would love to continue our tradition of having everyone bring a dish and share dinner together!   Sign-up to help to let everyone know what you are bringing with this link: Potluck Signup. Thank you for making this a memorable banquet for every band student and family member.

All-State Honors Band Auditions Due June 4 - Let's ALL Do This Together
Prepare and record your audition to be a member of the most prestigious group in the state. It’s a 2-day event in October, taking place in Great Falls. Earn the chance to declare that you “submitted an All-State audition in 2025” on your college and job applications. That's almost as awesome as being able to say “I was selected for All-State Band”! Do this rewarding, challenging thing to set yourself apart from the crowd. Let me know how I can help! We will audio record All-State auditions together during the last two weeks of school.

Hellgatebands.org: Please view and add photos, learn more about fundraising, check your account balance, and so much more at the refurbished Band Parent website. Thank you!

Last week's "Swing for a Knight" Fundraiser Dance: On behalf of every HHS band student, thanks to everyone who contributed to this rewarding and memorable Hellgate tradition. The time, efforts, and creativity given by our Band Parents and leaders were exceptional and inspiring. Please help me thank each parent and student for their generous efforts that benefited everyone in our program, present and future. I hope you could attend, dance a bit with family and friends, win a silent auction item or two, and enjoy the students' musical performances.

Band Photo Album:  Please view and add to this amazing collection. Thank you.

I wish you a rewarding end to April. -Mr. Dochnahl

Hello Hellgate Band Family!

It's been a while since I've sent a general newsletter -- thank you for your patience and extraordinary efforts since spring break. Congratulations and a big round of applause to every single New Orleans tour participant! I can't thank the students, chaperones, and community enough for fostering one of the most successful and significant band trips in my career. Hellgate was represented at its best, from the trophy-winning performance accolades (I think eight awards? ;-), the joyful enthusiasm at every concert/volunteer service/museum/swamp/dance/etc, to the positive feedback we received from bus drivers, hotel managers, tour directors, and festival managers. I look forward to planning our next big trip in 2027 with you once the dust settles. Please check out the photo album from our trip.

And another big round of applause and gratitude to each and every soloist and small ensemble for dedicating the effort and artistry to successfully perform at District Festival on April 12. I'm very proud of your creative and effective progress in such a short timeframe. It's a joy to see your musical independence at the forefront of our region.

Let's look ahead at the exciting final events for spring. Thank you for continuing your enthusiasm, curiosity, and high standards.  -Mr. Dochnahl

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• April 25 - Play test due on Google Classroom
• April 29, 7:30 PM:  Jazz 1 featured at UM's Jazz Arrangers Concert, UM Recital Hall, with Mike Kamuf. 
• May 2 or 3, State Music Festival at Great Falls
• Sunday, May 4, Pep Band Trip to Silverwood.
• May 7, 7:00 PM, Swing for a Knight Fundraiser Dance Concert at Missoula Fairgrounds Home Arts Building
  • Students, check out tickets from Mr. Dochnahl asap, $10 per ticket, 100% profit. Sell sell sell!
  • Seek out donations for the auction
  • Please see Swing for a Knight site for more info
• May 14, 7:00 PM, Hellgate's 42nd Pops Concert at the main gym (featuring Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1)
  • Students arrive 5:30 PM (Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1)
  • Concert Attire: Black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis
  • Admission is a suggested donation of $5/person. Donate what you can and join us!
• May 20 - Deadline to return your entire band uniform with garment bag
• May 28, Final Band Concert!
  • Students arrive 6:30 PM, concert starts 7:00 PM, for all band students, auditorium
  • Concert Attire: Black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis
• May 29, Band Awards Banquet and Potluck Dinner
  • Potluck Sign up coming soon - please sign up to help
  • Arrive 5:30 PM, lower gym, for ALL band families

Pops Concert - Wednesday, May 14 @ 7:00 PM, upper gym
The 42nd Annual Pops Concert is definitely one of the best collaboration concerts of the year, featuring the Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz 1, Chevaliers and the Wind Ensemble.  Admission is a suggested donation of $5/person. Donate what you can and join us! We ask for donations at this concert to benefit music students who plan to attend summer music camps. If you are able, please bring a little extra cash to help out with the cause. All Hellgate Band members, friends, and families are encouraged to attend - we hope to see you there. 

• All Band Students:  8:00 AM, Wed, May 14 - HELP move and set up gear in the main gym.
• Wind Ensemble/Jazz Band 1 call time is 5:30 PM, warm-up in the band room and then move to the upper gym together to rehearse with choir/orchestra.
  • Concert attire:  Black band shirt and nice dress pants/khakis. THANK YOU!

Band Uniform Return Deadline May 20
Please begin to bring all uniform parts and garment bag to school with you for official inventory and cleaning. Remember, everything must be turned in, you will be charged replacement fees. Thank you for taking great care of our brand-new uniforms this year.

Final Band Concert - May 28, @HHS Auditorium, 7:00 PM
Let's celebrate our final concert with our amazing senior class with some awesome performances from all our ensembles! All members of the Hellgate band program will perform. Concert starts at 7PM; students arrive at 6:30 PM. Concert uniform: black band shirt, nice dress pants/khakis.

Band Awards Banquet and Potluck Dinner - May 29, 5:30 PM, lower gym: The entire Hellgate Band Family will gather to eat, visit, and celebrate this incredible year and senior class. ALL Hellgate Band/Percussion/Jazz members and family members should be in attendance! 

• We would love to continue our tradition of having everyone bring a dish and share dinner together!  There will be an online sign-up shortly to let us know what you are bringing. Thank you for making this a memorable banquet for every band student and family member.

All-State Honors Band Auditions Due June 4 - Let's ALL Do This Together
Prepare and record your audition to be a member of the most prestigious group in the state. It’s a 2-day event in October, taking place in Great Falls. Earn the chance to declare that you “submitted an All-State audition in 2025” on your college and job applications. That's almost as awesome as being able to say “I was selected for All-State Band”! Do this rewarding, challenging thing to set yourself apart from the crowd. Let me know how I can help! We will audio record All-State auditions together during the last two weeks of school.

Band Photo Album:  Please view and add to this amazing collection. Thank you.

I wish you a rewarding end to April. -Mr. Dochnahl

Welcome back from Spring Break!

Congratulations to all Hellgate band students for their exceptional preparations, progress, and excellence during the busy February/March Festival season. Our musicians engaged in the UM Concert Band Festival, the AA Band Festival, the final pep band games, the library art show, the UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, and the MT All-State Jazz Bands. Every single student had numerous opportunities to shine through personal practice, group sectionals, effective student-leadership, and inspiring public performances. Congrats on all your successes together -- and here's looking forward to many more!

Congratulations to the Jazz Bands for their success at the UM Jazz Fest on March 13:  Best Saxophone Section, FOUR Best Soloists (Dom Gingerelli, Gus Hickey, Jack Morss, Noah Morss), numerous honors, rewarding lessons, clinics, memorable performances, and experiences.

Congratulations to Hellgate's students who represented with excellence at the MT All-State Jazz Band event on March 15-16 (pictured below). The groups rehearsed and performed so impressively over the weekend alongside the best jazz musicians from across the state. What a blast! Let's do it again next year :)

Spring is going to be immensely rewarding for every band student that gives their best:  New Orleans Tour later this week (March 27-April 1), the MHSA District Solo/Ensemble Music Festival (April 12), the UM Jazz Arrangers Concert featuring HHS Jazz 1 (April 29), and the return of Hellgate's Swing for a Knight dance/fundraiser (May 7). Check our events page and the breakdown below. Thank you for your steady commitment to excellence at Hellgate! -Mr. Dochnahl

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• Monday, March 24, 6:45-8:15 PM: New Orleans Wind Ensemble Rehearsal
• Tuesday, March 25, 7:00 PM:  New Orleans Pre-Trip Concert featuring Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble (for all New Orleans traveling musicians)
  • Concert Attire:  Hellgate black band shirt, nice slacks
• March 27-April 1:  New Orleans Band Tour (see travel itinerary)
• April 4 during band classes:  Caroline Davis guest musician (thanks to the Band Parents for the financial support)
• April 12, 8:00 AM - 3:30PM, District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Big Sky High School
  • For Jazz Groups, Percussion, Solos, and all Small Ensembles
  • Piano solos will be Friday, April 11 - be sure to register with Dochnahl if you have a piano solo prepared
• April 16:  Jazz 1 outreach concert at Lewis and Clark Elementary 2PM
• April 18:  MHSA Sight Reading Assessments for Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble (during class)
• April 25 - Play test due on Classroom (2 All-State tracks)
• April 29, 7:30 PM:  Jazz 1 featured at UM's Jazz Arrangers Concert, UM Recital Hall, with Mike Kamuf
• May 2 or 3, State Music Festival in Great Falls (for qualifying/interested students)
• May 7, 7:00 PM, Swing for a Knight Fundraiser Dance Concert at Missoula Fairgrounds Home Arts Building (featuring Jazz Bands)
• May 14, 7:00 PM: Hellgate Pops Concert
• May 28, 7:00 PM: Final Band Concert
• May 29, 5:45 PM: Band Awards Banquet Dinner

Band Photo Album:  Please view and add to this fun collection. Thank you.

I wish you a rewarding next few weeks. See you soon! -Mr. Dochnahl

Dear Hellgate Band Family,

Congratulations to our jazz bands for their confident and excellent performances at the 10th Annual Jazz Collaboration Concert. AND congratulations to our All Northwest Honor band representatives--Gus, Jack, Miranda, Noah, and Sarah--who spent two days in Spokane last weekend playing with some of the strongest musicians from six states. Their concerts were exceptional! Please give all our successful students a well-earned high five. You know why... :-)

And I want to give immense thanks to every Hellgate student that attended Dr. Arau's Upbeat Leadership workshop on Feb 10. I adore your bravery and enthusiasm! Remember when he said "In this world, it is easy to be negative, but it takes COURAGE to be positive."  Let's keep up the power of positive habits as we get ready for the festival season. -Mr. Dochnahl

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• Tuesday, Feb 18:  Pep Band practice after school
• Wednesday, Feb 19, all day: MCPS Pep Band Outreach Tour (15 select HHS students - check your email for details)
• Friday, Feb 21, Percussion Ensemble rehearse with their respective band (2nd or 4th period)
• Monday, Feb 24, UM Concert Band Festival (schedule and info)
  • *For Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble
• Tuesday, Feb 25, UM Concert Band Festival (schedule and info)
  • *For Wind Ensemble only
• Tues, Feb 25, Pep Band game 6:15 PM (boys senior night)
• Wednesday, February 26, Festival Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), Percussion Ensemble will perform with guests from WMS.
  • Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room, in official concert uniform
  • Check classroom for sectional locations. Thanks to our leaders for your upbeat encouragement and high standards for each and every band member.
• Thursday, Feb 27, Pep Band game 6:15 PM (girls senior night)
• March 3-4, AA Band Festival in Missoula (Wind Ensemble members)
  • Info and schedule
  • All other bands MUST watch these excellent concerts at 7pm on March 3, 4. Don't miss the chance to support your peers and hear stellar performances from 4 MT bands working together!
• March 7, Jazz Band plays at First Friday for Hellgate art club, at the Missoula Public Library
  • Students arrive at 4:30 PM (top floor), perform at 5:00-7:00 PM. Attire - Hellgate band shirt and slacks

Band Rehearsals for New Orleans Tour:   Please mark your calendars for the following required Wind Ensemble rehearsals in preparation for your performances in New Orleans (for all students signed up for the trip).

• Tuesday, March 11, 6:45-8:15 PM
• Wednesday, March 12, 6:45-8:15 PM
• Monday, March 24, 6:45-8:15 PM

Announcing MT All-State Jazz!  - Congratulations to the following HHS band students who were selected for the 2025 MT All-State Jazz Bands, who will rehearse and perform in Missoula (UM), March 15-16, alongside the best jazz musicians in Montana. And what a list for Hellgate!

• Gus Hickey, alto saxophone
• Dom Gingerelii, trumpet
• Case Procacci, trumpet
• Paul Dennison, trombone
• Jack Morss, guitar
• Noah Morss, bass
• Jake Robbins, drums/perc
• Ryall Pham, alto saxophone
• Micah Jaffe, bari saxophone
• Liam Rose, trombone
• Thatcher Seilski, guitar
• Ava Cundy, bass
• Zoe Gutierez, vibes
• Kieran Mattson Radle, tenor saxophone
• Chloe Cotten, trombone
• Jack Barrett, trombone

We're immensely proud of the All-State achievements and the inspiring work it takes for ALL students to audition for these opportunities. 

See you soon!

Dear Hellgate Band Family,

This time of year I always admire how many rewarding band events we get to do. I am so appreciative of your upbeat contributions to our growth every day. "Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you" and the whole band.  We all know that excellence is not an accident, it is the habit of practice. And Hellgate has a long tradition of excellence thanks to students like you.

Thank you for being enthusiastic, focused, and helpful every day!  -Mr. Dochnahl

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• Tuesday, Feb 4, 4:45 PM:  Pep Band game. We play both games at Hellgate. We need everyone there for this crosstown game against BSHS!
• 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!
• Wednesday, Feb 12, 7:00 PM: Jazz Collaboration Concert at Sentinel (both Hellgate jazz bands), students arrive at SHS 6:30 PM in concert uniform (tux/dress)
• Wednesday, Feb 19, all day: MCPS Pep Band Outreach Tour (15 select HHS students TBA)
• Friday, Feb 21, Percussion Ensemble rehearse with their respective band (2nd or 4th period)
• Monday, Feb 24, UM Concert Band Festival (schedule and info)
  • *For Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble
• Tuesday, Feb 25, UM Concert Band Festival (schedule and info)
  • *For Wind Ensemble only
• Wednesday, February 26, Festival Band Concert @HHS Auditorium: All members of Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), Percussion Ensemble will perform with guests from WMS.
  • Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room, in official concert uniform
  • Check classroom for sectional locations. Thanks to our leaders for your upbeat encouragement and high standards for each and every band member.
• March 3-4, AA Band Festival in Missoula (Wind Ensemble members)
  • Info and schedule
  • All other bands MUST watch these excellent concerts at 7pm on March 3, 4. Don't miss the chance to support your peers and hear stellar performances from 4 MT bands working together!

Pep Band's Last Games

• Pep Band Details and Schedule. Thanks for your continued commitment and awesome energy!

Band Photo Album:  Please view and add as our events get going. Thank you.

Thank you! -Mr. D

Hey Hellgate Band Family,

Happy start to the 2nd semester! The band program is already a month into my favorite part of the year: learning a folder full of festival music for the February and March concerts. I LOVE hearing the individual progress within each rehearsal, as the musicians give their best to play challenging music with intention, creativity, and proficiency. Here's to another exciting semester of playing more music together!

A few weeks ago, I invited author Brendan Leonard to visit the Wind Ensemble. His writing has appealed to me for over a decade. I was delighted that Brendan agreed to visit Hellgate to share his thoughts (and awesome charts) with the students. He recently published on his website "a slightly more detailed version of the talk" he gave to the class. I think every student and parent could connect with something in his story. I hope you enjoy!

https://semi-rad.com/2025/01/dont-quit-playing-your-music/

Happy 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:

• 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

Happy Winter Band Family!

It's winter band concert week for everyone--Wednesday, December 11! See the news below and be sure to triple-check our upcoming events. Thanks for making sure you have your uniform ready to go, instrument in rocking condition, and your usual awesome enthusiasm for excellence!

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar

• Wednesday, December 11, Winter Band Concert @HHS Auditorium:  All members of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band (advanced), Concert Band (intermediate), Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Bands will perform.
  • Students arrive at 6:30 pm, Hellgate band room, in official concert uniform
  • Check classroom for sectional locations. Thanks to our leaders for your upbeat encouragement and high standards for each and every band member.
• Jazz 1 Recording Sessions for Essentially Ellington Competition:
  • Tuesday, Dec 10, 4:40 PM (immediately after pep band practice)
  • Thursday, Dec 12 7:15-8:30 AM
• Pep Band Practices Tuesday (3:35) and Thursday (2:35) immediately after school
  • Pep Band Details and Schedule
• Friday, Dec 13, 4:00 PM, TubaChristmas at the mall:  Everyone should check out this world-wide phenomenon!
• Monday, Dec 16, 3rd Period:  Guest speaker Brendan Leonard
• Tuesday, Dec 17, First Pep Band game, 6:15 PM Call Time with your band shirt
• Wed, Dec 18, 9:30-11:10 AM: Wind Ensemble annual outreach concert at Bonner Elementary
  • During 2nd-3rd periods, buses depart 9:30, return in time for 4th Period
  • Leaders, please create a travel plan for large instruments/percussion
• Friday, Dec 20, periods 1-4, Holiday Assembly Concert for Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1. Details coming soon.

That's all for now. I wish you a wonderful week of concerts, games, school, and performances.

-Mr. Dochnahl

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

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:  

1. Sign up for Private Lessons - What could be a better gift for the holidays! Check the Band Handbook for a directory, or reach out.
2. Practice every day to build myelin and confidence. Help yourself improve and stay more engaged in music by putting in the quality play time.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Regularly check the Events Schedule.
6. 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.
7. Listen to excellent music and musicians that play your instrument. Every day. We learn through listening, so be active and specific about your choices.
8. Music is more joyful and productive with upbeat and mindful leaders and colleagues.
9. “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!