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.”

West High School - Orchestra

“Art has played a huge role in my life. It has served as an outlet for frustrations and emotions, as well as providing enrichment to my daily activities and identity. I hope to continue dance at MSU Bozeman on the dance team. The violin and piano will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never abandon those skills.”

Senior High School - Band

"Music has Impacted me in almost everything I do. Music has taught me how to set goals and work to achieve them. I've made a lot of friends and been a part of some very special groups and performances thanks to my love of music.

I plan to go to Montana State University Bozeman for college, minoring in music and being a member of the Spirit of the West marching band."

Skyview High School - Choir

“Music has been such an outlet for my emotions and tell stories to people through song. In the future I hope to continue singing whether that is in a choir or on my own and I will continue to volunteer and perform at Billings Studio Theatre.”

Senior HIgh School - Orchestra

“Music has impacted my life tremendously. I remember being in music for the majority of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing. Learning music has taught me to learn in a different way that not many people will understand. Music has opened so many doors and opportunities for me. Music is something I can continue to connect with and enjoy for the rest of my life.”

West High School - Band

“Music has made a huge impact on my life. It has taught me the importance of hard work, goal setting, and determination. It has given me amazing experiences and friends. I could never imagine my life without music. I plan to continue my musical education by playing in ensembles in college.”

Central Catholic High School - Orchestra & Choir

"Music has always been apart of me. Before even starting the cello, my parents had me put into Piano lessons and that’s where I truly fell in love with music. When thinking of how music effects everyone so differently, I have been given a means of escaping the harsh realities of this broken world. I escape into the world of music and creativity. I will continue playing the cello into college. I have discovered a string quartet at Carroll College in Helena, MT. I will take the gift of music with me wherever I go."

Senior High School - Choir

"Music has impacted my life in so many ways. Whenever I hit a rough patch in life, I turn to music to help me. Whether I am singing or just listening to music on my own, it has always pushed me through.

In my future I plan on singing in a choir in college then go into either music education or music therapy. I want music to be in my life for as long as I am alive. "

Central Catholic High School - Band

“Music has always been very important in my life. Everyone else chose sports and I did just to fit in with the crowd, but when High School came around, I dropped the sports and pursued music fully. Music has always been my escape from reality and I want to share it with others. I plan on going off to college and pursuing at least a minor in music. I also want to be apart of the marching band and play for the football games. I’ve always been in touch with music and I want to share it with others when I get out of college. Maybe I could be apart of the Billings symphony if I’m good enough.”

West High School - Orchestra

“Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so to say it has been impactful is an understatement. Music, specifically orchestral, is a part of my life and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. It has shaped who I am as a person, and my passions surround its common theme. As an artist and musician, I love the arts with every ounce of my being. Creativity is often overlooked by many people, so to have experience and knowledge within its confines is a wonderful gift that I will be forever grateful for. Thanks to the teachers and staff who have supported and taught me every step of the way, and to my parents who helped inspire my love for music, I am the musician that I am today.”

Senior High School - Choir & Art

“Art and Music are my life. I would be truly lost without them, because they guide me through my toughest moments. The community I have found in choir, the peace I have found in making art, the joy that creating beauty gives me, these feelings are what what make art and music so important. I know art and music will continue to be important in my life, and follow me as I embark on my journey into college. In the future, I hope to pursue animation and illustration. I also plan to join a choir as soon as possible.“

West High School - Band

“Music has impacted my life in many ways. Playing the flute and piccolo has given me discipline and motivation that I could not have gotten without it. My greatest achievements in my life so far have been from music. Music has also introduced me to my best friends. In the future, I plan to continue music recreationally through college groups and other non-music major programs.”

Skyview High School - Band

“When I entered band class my freshman year, I wasn't sure if even wanted to continue to be involved with music, but once I gave it a chance and got involved within the music department, music became something I love. Music has given me a sense of community within the school. I have made many lifelong friends and learned so much-- more than just how to play the saxophone. For much of high school, band has been the highlight of my day and has allowed me to realize that while I do not plan on going into a music-related career, I want music to be a part of my life forever.”

Senior High School - Choir

“Music has been such an amazing part of my life for so long and as a member of the Billings Senior High Choirs it has been transformative. My future music plans include remaining in choir in college and beyond. I recently became a member of Billings Symphony Chorale making those plans become reality. I will take my guitar to college continuing that passion as well. It is sometimes unbelievable that singing and being a choir member brings me such a sense of community and gives me so many opportunities for creativity including writing music and publishing on music platforms. Music has been there for me through all parts of my life, good and bad.”

Skyview High School - Choir

“Being a part of music has helped me to grow. I have become more confident and singing has brought me lots of joy. I will continue to sing and be part of choirs throughout the rest of my life.”