Debbie Merrill is the band instructor for the Superior School District and is very proud of every one of her students, especially the four who were recently invited to participate in the All-Stars Band Festival. 

“Almost 400 kids from all over the Northwest applied from Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Eastern Washington. They only select 225 out of all the kids who apply,” she beamed. “They only pick the best of the best and they know who's the best based on District Music Festival ratings and summer camp participation.” 

But still, the musicians must fill out an application for consideration to participate.

Jason Merrill is a senior who will attend college next year and be a member of the Montana National Guard. He’s been playing the saxophone for 2 or 3 years.

 “But I started on the clarinet and it’s similar to the saxophone.” 

Merrill is musically inclined as his mother is his instructor, but he genuinely has enjoyed playing since the 6th grade.

Lanie Crabb is a senior and finds this appointment exciting. 

“It’s an honor to be picked to play at this event and a good way to finish out band in my last year here,” she said.  

Crabb has been playing the bass clarinet since the 5th grade and when she was a sophomore, she received a No. 1 rating at the State Festival which put her on the radar for this upcoming event. Many young adults mothball their instruments after graduation and Crabb looks to be another one. 

“I’ve not really thought about it (continuing with the bass clarinet). I mean it would be cool if I would, but I don’t see playing after this year.”

However, at least one of Crabb’s bandmates plans on continuing to play after high school. Lane DiGiando has been connected to her clarinet since she was 10 years old and enjoys everything about her instrument. 

“I like the warm tone of the sound. I like single reed woodwinds and overall, just enjoy playing it.” 

As a sophomore, DiGiando said performing at this event is an achievement that she has worked towards. 

“This is really important to me because playing my instrument is one of my favorite things in the world and I’m very excited to have been selected.”

When Abby Wheeler was in the 6th grade, she started playing the oboe and as a junior, she still has fun performing and plans on continuing when she goes to university, but not as a major or a minor. Wheeler was personally invited by the University of Montana to participate because she had auditioned, and was selected, to participate in All State Band. But this will be different. 

“I actually get to go back and play with another band at this festival. It’s exciting to get to play with all of the kids from larger schools since we’re smaller so there are different levels we’ll participate in,” she said. Encouragement from her boyfriend has been appreciated as he also can see the gift that she has.

The All-Stars Band Festival will be at the University of Montana for three days Nov 10, 11 and 12. 

“They have three different groups and they are directed by famous conductors from all over America. They practice with all the kids for two days and have a concert on the 12th,” explained Debbie Merrill. “Anyway, I am really proud of them and excited that they got selected. It's a really great opportunity because the bands are 75 kids each and all the parts are covered which small school kids rarely get to be a part of.  They will stay overnight two nights and the registration is costly.  So, I am grateful to Band Boosters for paying.  Most of the businesses in the community support the Band Boosters calendar fund raiser so I think it would be nice for them to see how their support is being used.” 

To order a 2024 Superior Band Booster calendar, call 406-822-3600.