Big Sky High School 

Orchestras & Audition Material Information  

Contact:  Ms. Kira Lee

(Director of Big Sky High School Orchestra)

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New Information RECIEVED: 4-25-2024

Students will be placed into the advanced orchestra based on availability within the instrument section in the following order:

1. Returning students who previously completed a year in advanced orchestra.

2. Students who successfully complete a MT All-State Orchestra Audition (audition materials available here; please contact me for more details on this).

3. Rising freshmen who have played in Missoula Youth Orchestra for at least one year.

4. Current Intermediate orchestra students who successfully prepare an advanced orchestra audition. 

5. Students who successfully prepare an advanced orchestra audition and a positive reference from their middle school orchestra teacher. (Find audition materials here).

I am presently assisting with some extra classes while Angelica is on maternity leave so I am not able to hear students in person and/or assist with all-state recordings until after the Memorial Day weekend. My preference is for students to submit a recording of their advanced orchestra audition by May 20 (HED4 has an extension to 5-22-24) so I can place them more quickly. 

Please encourage all students who are interested in any of these opportunities to email me. I have cc:ed Angelica Kalasz on this email in case you wish to connect with her, however, please don't expect a response right away since she is currently quite busy with her two-week old daughter! 

Thank you!

Kira Lee (she/her)

Big Sky High School Orchestra

Franklin & Hawthorne 5th Grade Orchestra

406-728-2400 x8676

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We will be recording advanced orchestra auditions on: Wednesday, May 22nd during 8th grade orchestra and String Ensemble classes.  Please be dress professionally, have your music ready and prepare a short: My name is _______________, I am in 8th grade at Hellgate Elementary, etc.

Mrs. Flesch handed out all Advanced and All-State Material in February 2024.  Please ask for another copy if you have lost yours.

Sentinel & Hellgate High School 

Orchestras & Audition Material Info 

 Contact: Mr. Ryan Davis, Hellgate High School

(Director of Hellgate and Sentinel High School Orchestras & Missoula Youth Symphony)

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New Information Received:  2-3-2025

Missoula County High School Orchestra Program- Performing Arts Department 

901 South Avenue W- 59801

Director of Orchestras- Ryan Davis

rsdavis@mcpsmt.org

Dear 8th Grade Students and Families,

Welcome to the Missoula County Public Schools High School Orchestra Program! My name is

Ryan Davis, and I direct the orchestras at Hellgate and Sentinel High Schools. I’m excited to

invite you to continue your musical journey as you move into high school. Our orchestra

program is known for its excellence, supportive atmosphere, and life-changing musical

experiences. We work hard to build a community that helps students form lasting friendships,

learn how to work as a team, and feel proud of what they accomplish.

Why Join the High School Orchestra?

1. A History of Excellence: Our MCPS orchestras are among the best in Montana. In

Missoula—an arts-focused city—you will grow as a musician while becoming part of a

group where every member’s effort matters.

2. Performances and Travel: Our orchestras have performed in cities like Memphis,

Chicago, and Washington, D.C. In the future, we hope to offer similar trips that will help

you improve your musical skills, broaden your view of the world, and create

unforgettable memories.

3. Academic and Personal Growth: Studies show that students active in strong music

programs often do better in school and score higher on tests like the SAT. College

admissions officers appreciate the focus, creativity, and discipline that come from playing

in an orchestra. Many of our students have earned scholarships and been accepted into

top universities, including Ivy League schools.

4. Community and Collaboration: In orchestra, everyone matters—there’s no bench.

Every musician’s part is important, and we learn to listen, cooperate, and adjust as a

group. These teamwork skills are valuable in many future careers. You’ll join a

welcoming community where older students help guide younger ones, making sure you

feel included and supported from day one.

5. Balancing Activities: We know you’re busy. Many of our orchestra students also play

sports, act in plays, join debate teams, run for student government, and take part in

clubs. If conflicts arise, we’ll work with you, your family, coaches, and advisors to find

solutions so you don’t have to choose between activities you love.

Which Ensemble Is Right for You?

Most new students start in the Intermediate Orchestra. If you’ve played in middle school—or

even if you’re coming back to your instrument after some time off—this is the right place to build

confidence and sharpen your skills. Most students move on to the Advanced Orchestra after

completing a year of Intermediate Orchestra.

For those ready for a bigger challenge, we also offer an Advanced Orchestra. Admission is by

audition, using the All-State orchestra materials that I’ll share with your middle school

teachers—usually toward the end of February. Students who want to try out for Advanced

Orchestra can audition around the beginning of June. I’ll send more information and a sign-up

link through your middle school teachers in May.

Planning and Commitment

Each orchestra group has its own schedule for out-of-school activities. Some require only a little

extra time (four concerts a year), while others offer more performances. We’ll give you a

detailed calendar so you can plan ahead. My goal is to make orchestra class something that fits

well with your other interests and responsibilities.

Have Questions?

I’m here to help. Feel free to email me at rsdavis@mcpsmt.org. If you’d rather talk by phone or

meet in person, let me know when you’re available.

We can’t wait for you to join the MCPS Orchestra family. Your unique musical voice will help us

keep building a program known for its excellence, inclusivity, and artistic growth. Keep playing,

keep working hard, and we look forward to seeing you in the orchestra!

Musically yours,

Ryan Davis

Director of Orchestras

Hellgate High School & Sentinel High School

Missoula Youth Symphony

Missoula County Public Schools

Loyola High School 

Instrumental Ensemble Information  

Contact:  Larysa Blavatsky 

(Loyola Instrumental Music)

empty@mcsmt.org 

https://missoulacatholicschools.org/

Missoula Youth Symphony 

Missoula Youth Symphony (MYS)  Audition Information

Contact: Mr. Ryan Davis

Students have the option to submit their All State recording for acceptance into the all-state orchestra. Students may use their advanced orchestra audition for consideration for the Missoula Youth Symphony as well or they may audition for that group in the fall. The audition material in the fall is slightly simpler than the All-State audition material, but if students have already prepared the All-State material, they do not need to work up a separate audition for MYS. The Missoula Youth Symphony is open to students in both the advanced and intermediate orchestras. In fact, we have many students from the Intermediate Orchestra participate in MYS each year. Students must belong to their school orchestra in order to participate in the Missoula Youth Symphony. 

Montana All-State Auditions

Montana All-State  Audition Information

Sentinel or Hellgate High School ----Contact: Mr. Ryan Davis

Big Sky High School ----Contact:  Ms. Kira Lee

Please contact your 2023-2024 High School Orchestra Director to set up a time to record your audition.