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:  2-5-2025

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, New York City, 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.  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. After a year, many move on to the Advanced Orchestra.

For those ready for a bigger challenge as a freshman, 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.  This information is usually shared 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

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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.

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. Angelica Kalasz

Please contact your 2025-2026 High School Orchestra Director to set up a time to record your audition.