Contact: Ms. Angelica Kalasz
(Director of Big Sky High School Orchestra)
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New Information RECIEVED: 4-18-25
Audition Information:
Hello Incoming Freshmen!
Below is the information for advanced orchestra auditions. Students must complete the
requirements with at least 90% accuracy to be accepted into the advanced orchestra (playing
correct notes, accurate shifting, tempo, and rhythm requested). All audition folders must be
submitted to your current orchestra director by Friday, May 2nd to be considered for placement.
Please compile videos of you playing the following scales into ONE folder.
Please label this folder with your first and last name.
Preferred method: google drive.
1. Students must turn in a recording of themselves playing each of the major scales in two octaves.
2. Providing a separate recording for each scale.
3. Scales should be in half notes, quarter note = 84
4. These scales include:
These are the same requirements that will be asked of the current intermediate students to
place into advanced orchestra. Please adhere to the tempo/rhythm asked. A part of this audition
is seeing how well you follow directions, as well as how well you play!
Resources for Violin scales:
https://shop.theviolincase.com/pages/Printable-Scales.html
Resources for Viola scales:
https://www.wphsorchestra.org/uploads/5/4/1/3/54130443/orchestra_scales_-_viola.pdf
Resources for Cello scales:
https://paulfox.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cello-scales.pdf
Resources for Bass scales:
https://doublebassblog.org/downloads/2_octave_scales_with_fingerings.pdf
I cleaned up the scales into a single file with common shifting and finger positions. Follow LINK HERE
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: 5-7-2025
Hellgate Students All-State Audition Sign-Up: https://signup.com/go/BopxFNG
Sentinel Students All-State Audition Sign-Up: https://signup.com/go/KnsDSFC
Auditions will be scheduled during the weeks of May 27th and June 2nd.
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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
Contact: Larysa Blavatsky
(Loyola Instrumental Music)
https://missoulacatholicschools.org/
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.
Sentinel or Hellgate High School ----Contact: Mr. Ryan Davis
Big Sky High School ----Contact: Ms. Angelica Kalasz
Please contact your 2025-2026 High School Orchestra Director to set up a time to record your audition.