West High School - Visual Art

“Ever since I was able to hold a paint brush art has shaped my life. Summers, school years and all my spare time have been spent expanding my passion for this work. In elementary and middle school I loved attending AWB summer camps and appreciated the extra growth they provided. Through out high school I have taken every art class that is offered and am currently enrolled in West High’s pilot AP Art and Design course in which I am developing my college portfolio. I am so excited to continue pursuing my love for art through college.”

West High School - Band, Choir, Visual Art

“Music/arts has given me so much. The friends I've made, the talents I've practiced, and even the confidence I have, was all because of music. Music will become a major part in my life as I plan to pursue teaching the arts and teaching my passion to younger generations to come.”

Senior High School - Orchestra, Band

“For me, music provides. Music provides human connection, lifelong friendships. Music provides an outlet of expression, space for creativity and growth. Music provides opportunities and challenges, stretching the boundaries of potential. Music provides windows that peer into the lives of others, empathy. Music provides reality, no matter how cold. Music provides sweaty hands and heart palpitations, stress and exhaustion, blisters and callouses, but I can’t stay away from it because the truth is music provides everything that makes this life beautiful.

I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but I do know for certain that music will be there to provide for me, no matter what.”

Lockwood High School - Band

“Music has been a cornerstone of my life, especially through my passion for playing the saxophone. Being part of the Billings Community Band and participating in Magic City Jazz Jams at Craft Local and the Jazz Jams at Levity has deepened my love for music and fostered collaboration with fellow musicians. As I look to the future, I am committed to becoming a music performer and educator. I want to inspire others to explore their own creativity and develop their musical talents. Whether I am teaching or performing, I would like to aim to create an environment where music serves as a source of joy and connection for everyone.”

Skyview High School - Band

“Music has impacted me greatly throughout my life. Music serves as a way for me to destress and enjoy something that others can enjoy at the same time. The more involved I get into music, the more I learn to enjoy it in its entirety. In the future, I plan to continue music at University of Montana, majoring in Music Education. I hope to be able to teach music to many more people and hopefully show them how amazing music can be.”

West High School - Choir

“It is almost as if my passion for music is in my DNA. I started taking private piano and voice lessons in Kindergarten. I worked hard in these pursuits as I had grown up watching my older siblings also excel musically. Playing the piano, singing, listening to the music and performing always brings me peace and happiness as it takes me away from my other commitments and concerns. Choir is always my favorite class of the day! The thing I love most about choir is the special friendships I have developed with those I would have otherwise never met. The choir room is a judgment free zone where everyone can just be themselves. Not only do I find love and acceptance there, but I have also learned to be inclusive and welcoming. The relationships with my classmates and music teachers are bonds I truly love and never want to loose. Music is a part of me and my passion will fuel and serve me as a continuing to participate in college and community choirs.”

Skyview High School - Orchestra

“Music has impacted my life through giving me a universal way to express things going on in my life. As I am getting ready to plan my future I am planning to continue my journey in orchestra as I go through college and integrate music into my life through church worship teams.”

Senior High School - Band

“Music has helped my self so much. It’s improved my work ethic, and self esteem. I’m unsure what I want to do for college, but I know I can’t do it without band.”