The Valley is Alive With the Sound of Music

The valley along the winding Milk River danced and kept time as beautiful music and harmony filled the winter evening on a near full moon night. Students from Malta, Saco, and Whitewater joined voices, talents and sounds on Monday, January 30, 2023, at the District 12 & 13 Honor Concert. Held in the gymnasium in Glasgow, the near-to-capacity crowd was well entertained, enjoying the blend of 14 schools. The collaboration is an annual event. Students are selected and submitted by the teachers and give a performance following a day of practice together.

The band from Malta was directed by Eric Engebretson, while choral direction was provided by Hannah Lane. Saco students were under the direction of Chris Pippin, while leading Whitewater was Tricia LaBrie. Nancy Murdock accompanied the students on the piano.

Students from Malta (M), Saco (S), and Whitewater (W) attending were: 1st Flute: Sadie Branham and Lola Snell (M), 2nd flute: Megan Morser and Mariana Drabbels (M).

1st Clarinet: Madyson Bain (M) and Paige Wasson (W); 2nd Clarinet: Ally Kunze (M), 3rd Clarinet: Kinlee Cummings (M).

Oboe: Krista Meisdalen (M); and Bass Clarinet, MacKayla Bachmeier (M).

1st Alto Sax: Addison Ulrich (M) 2nd Alto: Kendall Scheffelmaer (W).

Tenor Sax: Reese Brown (M); Bari Sax: Kora LaBrie (W) and Kelbie Nelson (M).

1st Trumpet: Lauren Tuss (M); 2nd Trumpet: Blaine Downing, (S), Addy Anderson (M); and 3rd Trumpet: Jared Engebretson (M).

2nd Trombone: Jacob Stark (M).

For Baritone: Tia Siewing; Bass Guitar: Kennedy Koss, French Horn: E'MBow Saint Louis; and Percussion: Madilyn Ohl, and Kaden Bishop (all from M).

For vocal students: Soprano: Ashlyn Sauter, Lela Domire, Layla Messerly, and Jeanessia Nilsen, all of (M), Sommer Green, Samantha Wisher, Shelbi LaBrie and Kendra Cummings (W).

Alto: Chloe Van Nus, Gracie Honey, Aubri Werk and Isabel Hansen, all of (M); and Kennedy Simonson and Ana Hanley (W).

Tenor: Carter Pippen and Nathen Salveson (S), Bohdi Brenden, Bradley Brown; Mason Simanton, Seth Siewing, Kash Stiles, Kyle Darrington, Treyton Wilke, all from (M); and Tyler Scheffelmaer, Austin Hanley and Korbyn Skubbina (all from W).

Finishing with Bass was Draven Lageson, David Schaldak, Ivan Lefdahl, Chuckie Brettin (M); and Hunter Ellis (W).

The full choral group sang three selections, while the men's choral and women's performed one selection each. The full band performed four arrangements.

Mr. Eric Engebretson said he was pleased with the behavior of the students, the attendance and how well everything went.

He said, "The (band) judge, John Combs, was extremely pleased with quality of music that a group from eastern Montana could put together." While it wasn't the largest event held over the years, it was a fun and a relaxing gathering...showcasing the kids and their talents.

Lana Hekkel, a music teacher from Sidney, worked with the choir.