On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Star Valley High School hosted the annual District Music Festival, bringing together students from nine different schools to compete in choir, band, and orchestra. The event highlighted months of preparation as students performed some of the most difficult music they will encounter all year.
Throughout the trimester, musicians spent hours rehearsing and refining their pieces in anticipation of the festival. Performances were evaluated by judges, who scored each group as superior, excellent, or good based on tone quality, accuracy, and overall musicality. For many students, this event represents the peak of their musical efforts.
Sophomore Kayvri Dockstader, participating in the festival for the first time, shared her excitement about the experience. “I am super excited about our songs because we are able to achieve a higher level of sound because there are so many people working together,” she said. Being part of such a large group allowed her to experience a fuller and more powerful sound.
Junior Peyton Hokanson also emphasized the impact of performing in a large ensemble. “It is fun to sing in such a big choir because there are so many of us and it is cool to hear the sound we make and the progress we get throughout practices,” she said, noting how the group improved over time.
For senior Gabe Matthews, who plays the cello in orchestra, the festival marked an important moment in his final year. “Orchestra festival is one of the biggest things we prepare for, and it really shows how much work we have put in all trimester,” he said. He added that “playing with a full group helps us create a stronger and more powerful sound,” and that it feels rewarding to perform challenging music and see it all come together.
Choir teacher Kari Allred highlighted the dedication students put into preparing for the event. She explained that the festival represents the highest level of music students perform during the year and serves as an important opportunity for both growth and evaluation.
After the competition concluded, all participating schools joined together for a final concert, showcasing their work in a more relaxed setting. The concert allowed students and audience members alike to appreciate the variety of performances and the talent across the district.
The District Music Festival not only demonstrates musical skill, but also reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of students throughout the trimester.
