Hey Hellgate Band Families,

Good afternoon and happy March to everyone. We're just getting into the exciting and rewarding performance season, so here are a handful of reminders and updates to keep us unified and strong -- at our very best. -Mr. Dochnahl

Upcoming Events - See our Events Page for the Full Calendar (updated)

• March 1, Jazz Bands 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 ish
  • Attire - Red Hellgate band shirt and jeans
• March 4-5, AA Band Festival in Missoula (Wind Ensemble members)
  • Info and schedule (please note changes)
  • All other bands MUST watch these excellent concerts at 7pm on March 4 and 5. Don't miss the free live music, AND a chance to support your peers from across the state. You won't regret attending!
• March 8-9, Pep Band at the State Basketball Tournament in Missoula
  • It's our favorite time of year with the pep band - STATE!
  • Game schedule TBD (I'll contact you early next week with times)
  • You must keep these dates open and flexible so that we can play at anytime. Pep band game times depend on our teams' win or loss during the tournament. 
• March 14, All day and night, UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival for all jazz bands
  • Itinerary for HHS
• April 17, 7:00 PM, Spring Festival Band Concert at Hellgate
• April 18, 8:15 - 11:00 AM, all bands perform for MHSA judges at HHS
• April 20, 8:00 AM -3:30PM, District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Big Sky
  • For Jazz Groups, Percussion, Solos, and all Small Ensembles

New Orleans 2025 Band Trip Kick-Off Letter! Check your email for the Kick-Off Invitation Letter that was sent to your inbox. Hard copies were handed out to students on Feb 27. You won't want to miss this tour for 2025!

"Swing for a Knight" Fundraiser Dance - Save the Date:  May 8, 6:30-9:00 PM, Home Arts Building at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

• It’s official - Swing for a Knight is back and will be our first big fundraiser for New Orleans!  The evening will begin with swing dance lessons provided by members of UM’s Foresters’ Ball Can-Can and Grizzly Stomp from 6:30-7:00 pm.  From 7-9 pm the evening really gets to swinging with dancing to live music provided by your Hellgate musicians.
• Students will be selling tickets to the event during the month of April. 100% of the proceeds of each pre-sold ticket will go to student band accounts.
• Donation of auction and raffle items - large items (such as a cabin for a weekend or a guided fishing trip, etc) will be available for bidding online ahead of the event; smaller items will be included in a silent auction or raffles during the event on May 8. 
• We need your help in soliciting donations!