Local choir students perform in All-Star Honors Choir

Choral students from Libby and Troy traveled to the University of Montana in Missoula to participate in the All-Star Honors Choirs.

The students were taught and directed by world-renowned conductors Dr. Alan Raines and Dr. David Edmonds. Raines is a professor of music and director of choral activities at Baylor University. Edmonds is director of choral activities at the University of Montana.

Students Raiven Mathiason, Galen Graziano, McKenzie Cosgriff, Kristen Lindgren, Jasmin Snyder and Laurynn Lauer from Libby and Anada Jones, Natesha O’Neil, Jonathon Sator, Joel Lentz and Johnathon Fossen from Troy met with students from Montana, Wyoming and Idaho participating in master classes and rehearsals for three days in preparation for a final gala concert. 

The students came home inspired, rejuvenated and over-all better musicians. 

Raiven Mathiason says that one thing he enjoyed most was how “Dr. Raines was so passionate and emotional with the music and how that passion and emotions were passed on to the students.”  

Galen Graziano, who was chosen to sing a solo in the Master Class as well as for the concert says, “I feel inspired to make my own music a work of art rather than just notes on a paper.” 

It all came through in the final performance Sunday afternoon in the George and Jane Dennison Theater on the University of Montana campus.