Phone: 406-728-2402
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
B.M. Music Ed & Performance - Lawrence University M.M. Performance - University of Illinois
Mr. Jesse Dochnahl
Welcome! I passionately believe that a comprehensive music education is important to every single person. Band students study music to learn the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to effectively perform, create, connect, and lead with excellence. My goal is to help every student become self-directed, self-assessing, life-long learners and leaders, AND to find out how much joy there is in making music with others.
If you have any questions, please email. If you can volunteer with our band boosters or donate to our program, please visit the Band Parent Page. Thank you!
– Mr. Dochnahl, excited to be your teacher-conductor
Jesse Dochnahl is a saxophonist, educator, and has proudly served as director of bands at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana, since 2022. Prior to his appointment at Hellgate, Dochnahl held similar positions as director of bands at Big Sky High School (MT), C.S. Porter Middle School (MT), and Sheboygan Falls High School (WI). He has led student trips with performances and volunteer services in Honolulu, New Orleans, Chicago, Boston, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He has served on the faculty at the University of Montana and Lawrence University & Conservatory (WI) as Instructor of Saxophone and First-Year Studies. Dochnahl was recognized as the High School Educator of the Year by the Missoula Education Foundation in 2024.
Dochnahl is an active member of the Montana All-State Jazz Project, Montana Bandmasters Association, MMEA, the University of Montana Jazz Advisory Board, and has served on the board of directors for the Montana Area Music Association. In 2024 he will serve on the National Association for Music Education Band Council as the Northwest Division Representative.Mr. Dochnahl holds a Master of Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Debra Richtmeyer. He graduated magna cum laude from Lawrence University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education and Music Performance, and studied saxophone with Steven Jordheim. Dochnahl worked ten seasons as a trail technician with the Forest Service near Ennis, MT, his hometown. He resides in Missoula with his wife, Caitlin Cisler, their cat Finn, and a garage full of bikes, backpacks, and skis.
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Ms. Lexi Vine - Assistant Director, Pep Band/Percussion/Low Brass
Lexi Vine is the K-5 General Music teacher at Paxson Elementary School, and the Assistant Band Director at Hellgate High School. She instructs low brass and percussion students where she provides individual lessons and rehearses the drumline. Previously, she has worked with the Big Sky High School Bands since 2015. As a trombonist, she performs with the Missoula Symphony Orchestra, Ed Norton Big Band, and the Missoula Jazz Orchestra. In 2020, she co-founded the University of Montana Alumni Quintet as a euphoniumist and arranger. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Montana in 2019. When not in school, Lexi enjoys solving twisty puzzles, juggling, and spending time outdoors.
Email: lvine@mcpsmt.org
Phone: (406) 728-2400 ex. 4558
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Ms. Alli High - Assistant Director, pep band/woodwinds
Hi! My name is Alli High and I am beyond excited to be back as Hellgate Knight!
I graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor's of Music in Instrumental (flute) performance, and a Bachelor's of Music Education. I am the general music and beginning band teacher at Franklin Elementary (go Bulldogs!). I am passionate about building creative minds, leaders and collaboration through the love of music and positivity. I am eager to be back in the Hellgate Bands family, getting to know you all, and making some music!
When I'm not teaching, you can usually find me playing in the Missoula Symphony, MCT pit orchestras, or just making music with friends. I also enjoy reading, hiking, skiing, and spending time with my partner, family and friends.
Looking forward to a great year of music making!
ahigh@mcpsmt.org
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Mrs. Rory Genazzi - Assistant Director, Horn Instructor
Hi, I'm Rory Genazzi, the 5th grade band teacher at MCPS, and an assistant director at Hellgate High School. I instruct color guard, brass sectionals, and private lessons.
I graduated from the University of Montana (go Griz!) with a Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education and a certificate in Entertainment Management. I am passionate about building leaders, creative thinkers and collaborators through music. I'm looking forward to getting to know every student, being a part of a supportive community, and making some wonderful music!
Outside of teaching, I coach swim team at the Missoula YMCA and enjoy spending time with my husband, friends, family, and exploring Missoula and the great Montana outdoors.
rgenazzi@mcpsmt.org
