Musically inclined students perform at the 2026 All-State Music Festival
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 hours, 1 minute AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | October 23, 2026 12:00 AM
Top high school musicians from the region performed at the All-State Music Festival Gala Concert Oct. 16 in Bozeman.
Students from around the state auditioned and were selected to play with the All-State band, orchestra or choir. For the gala concert, students learned to play multiple pieces from guest conductors Oct. 14 and 15.
The Montana High School Association festival was organized by the Montana State University School of Music and Bozeman School District.
Following are students who were selected to perform from Flathead, Glacier, Whitefish, Libby and Polson high schools.
Flathead
Band: Logan Allery, trumpet; Erek Benson, clarinet; Essence Burdick, clarinet; Alexa Correll, trumpet; and Jack Provo, trumpet.
Orchestra: Aedan Baier, cello; Jacob Braach, French horn; Chris Clostio, trumpet; Xinnia Hansen, violin 1; and Forest Sanderson, violin 1.
Choir: Charlie Adamson, tenor 2; Ole Bridge, tenor 2; Reece Brotherton, bass 2; Caleb O’Connell, bass 2; Madelynn Danford-Komenda, alto 2; Teyvia Davis, soprano 1; Jerrick Erickson, bass 1; Kolter Farrell, tenor 2; Alex Fletcher, tenor 1; Elisabeth Friess, alto 2; Akaiyan Fuller, soprano 1; Melody Hantz, alto 2; Lincoln McElwain, bass 2; Jaydon Pesola, bass 1; and Jolee Pitts, soprano 1.
Glacier
Band: Abigail Harris, flute; Sophie Landreth, tuba; Edward Nelson, trombone; Jonah Sphuler, oboe; Lilah Wellemeyer, bass clarinet; and Cristiano Wright, trombone.
Orchestra: Naomi Saito, oboe; Ben Weddle, trombone; and Duncan Young, viola.
Choir: Brent Humbert, tenor 1; Myla Lamson, alto 2; Miel Newton, alto 2; Brecken Thorn, bass 2; and Audrey Willis, alto 1.
Libby
Band: Jack Lampton, bassoon.
Choir: Elena Haugen, soprano 2; and Rylee Hutchings, soprano 1.
Polson
Choir: Annalyse Lozar, soprano 1.
Whitefish
Band: Ginger Bergland, euphonium; Lydia Buc, clarinet; Sophie Douglas, flute; and Cohen Gates, clarinet.
Orchestra: Kalina Bruckerhoff, violin 1; and Marlis Nargi, bass.
Choir: Maya Demarais, soprano 2; Kendall Dye, soprano 1; Roman Shestack, bass 1; and Madeline Spear, soprano 1.
Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.
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