Some of the benefits of music programs for students are that the left side of the brain is better developed, and songs can imprint information onto young minds.

Even when using sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization is a tool that they will use their entire lives. And like in sports, the hand-eye coordination motor skills are strengthened.

The 34 band students at Superior High School can possibly name more, but the dozen that will be competing at state might want to add "nerve control" to the list.

Debbie Merrill, who is the music and drama teacher at Superior High School in her third year, is delighted that there are more of her students participating at the state level than in 2022.

“Well, last year we had six and I’ve been trying to get more and more of them to participate. The band is growing. The band has tripled since I started and we have 12 going to state this time,” she reported.

State competition will be in Missoula on the University of Montana campus on May 5.

“Professors will be judging them and there is a lot of misunderstanding about rural Class C school programs. They kind of expect them to have had private lessons with music being their main priority which is more of the Class AA school’s culture. It is what so many students focus on as their main priority. Here, that’s not our kid’s main priority, usually so they can get judged pretty harshly.”

The students that have advanced were pre-judged Saturday, April 15 and they had to obtain a high enough score to advance to the state level. On May 5, judges will be listening to instrumental solos, ensembles and singing. Montana state competition in music splits the state into east and west regions without a final overall state competition as people expect in sports.

“Last year it was held in Helena (for the western region) and it’s for all of the schools in western Montana. AA, A, B and C. And I haven’t seen many C school kids competing, so this is an exciting accomplishment already,” Merrill smiles.

The only senior competing is Trevor Wolff whose goal is to become a game warden in Montana or Alaska.

“I plan to attend the University of Montana in wildlife biology,” he said.

He recently discovered that music scholarships are available so that is also now on his radar to apply.

“I’ve always liked music so if I could get a chance to play in college as well, that would be great. The marching band would be cool or being a part of a big band.”

Along with Wolff competing in less than two weeks will be Jason Merrill, Perri Jasper, Abby Wheeler, Lane DiGiando, Taylor Awbery, Hannah Vanderploeg, Shaylie Smalley, Juliette Evans, Addison Martin, Maggie Haworth and Jenna Mellen.