MISSOULA — Local school bands and choirs represented the Valley well at district music festivals over the weekend.

Arlee’s band and choir received superior marks from judges in the Disrtict II event.

“The band has never gotten all ones before,” Music Teacher Richard Brinkman said.

Each ensemble is given a rating of I, II or III, with I being superior, II being excellent, and III standing for good.

“I think that they were just prepared very well, and they seemed to play pretty confidently,” Brinkman said. “But the odd thing is, they were so young, too.”

Many in the 10-member band are freshmen or even eighth graders, he said. Only eight students are in the choir.

“So we have really small groups, but they perform very well,” Brinkman said.

Band and choir are good ways for students to learn more than just how to read music, he said. Some additional skills include how to work in a group and how to listen to others.

“They’re really multitasking,” he said.

“You have to play your instrument in tune, in the right rhythm, at the right balance and at the right time,” he added.

Ronan’s show and concert choirs received good ratings for their performances, with 10 students competing in small ensemble or soloist categories at the District II competition, Choir Director Rebecca Seago said. Four of those students received superior ratings and will go on to compete at state, Seago said.

The experience was positive for the students, she said, adding they received feedback from judges who might note different things than she does and do so in a different way.

“So it gives [students] a better chance to get a grasp on some of the concepts we’ve been talking about in choir,” she said.

Competing is also a fun way to show off what’s been worked on all year.

“It’s kind of a reward after all the work you put in to get to share that music,” Seago said.

Ronan’s concert and jazz bands received superior ratings, and 24 students will continue to the state music festival.

St. Ignatius’ band and choir both received excellent ratings during the District II competition. The performances are on par with last year’s, although the band’s numbers included vocal aspects as a change-up from the expected, Music Director Kendal Anderson said.

“And they really enjoyed, especially the choir, working with the judges — hearing a different perspective on things,” Anderson said.

Polson band and choir members, travelled to Kalispell to compete in the District I competition.

The concert band received a good rating, and the symphonic band earned an excellent rating. Both the women’s select choir and mixed choir also received excellent ratings. The concert choir received a superior rating.

Thirty-seven Polson High students qualified for the state festival.