Young musicians gather for Mission Valley Band Festival

With 145 excited band students from high schools in Charlo, Noxon, Plains, St. Regis, Superior, and Thompson Falls in a group at Ronan High School for the Mission Valley Music Festival, the joint was jumping last week. The kids were divided into two groups – concert band and percussion ensemble – and rehearsed all day Nov. 14. 

Alicia Lipscomb, band instructor/director for Ronan High School, set up the festival specifically for smaller schools so students have an opportunity to play in a bigger school setting. 

Playing with other high school kids allows them to work with more difficult music and possibly try out a new instrument.

“We have all the clarinets, saxophones, French horns and percussion instruments they may not have at their schools,” Lipscomb added. 

Derek Larsen, band director and superintendent at St. Regis, handled the job as guest instructor/conductor for the festival, Lipscomb said. The final concert was held Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ronan Event Center.