It would be difficult to deny that the band department is one of the most well-regarded and accomplished programs offered at LHS. While it might be easier to attach this success to a string of good luck or to a timely fluke, the program’s proclivity to success can be attributed to an established culture of hard work and ambition. Decorated with extensive trophies and plaques (and most often teeming with students) the band room itself is a perfect testament to the program’s emphasis on diligent work. As a result of these efforts, this most recent All-State Band season has seen more LHS acceptances than ever before in school history.
An annual tradition for high school bands across South Dakota, All-State Band is the culmination of months of tedious practice and individual effort. This year, the event itself is scheduled for March 27-29 in Watertown, SD. It consists of two days of rehearsals and is rounded out by a final “grand concert.” The process to reach this final concert; however, is not so simple.
“It really starts right after the auditions from last year end,” said LHS band director Drew Balta. “The kids who make it in are the ones who don’t cram the last couple of weeks. They’re [the ones] working all summer long.”

All students auditioning for All-State Band are given the same music. From a set of scales, an etude, a prepared solo and a sight reading section, students are advised to make the most of their time leading up to the audition—this music is not easy by any means.
“The material gets handed out about three months in advance of the audition date,” said LHS junior Henry Oppenheimer. “The day it got handed out was the day I started preparing.”
Aside from the personal victory of being accepted, the culture created during the All-State Band season only reinforces the value of such time and effort.
“We put so much emphasis on All-State because of all the life skills it teaches,” said Balta. “The time management and work ethic can apply to everything that they do at our school.”
Not only does the auditioning process give students a sense of responsibility and drive, but it can also create a uniquely conducive environment for consistent personal improvement.
“The motivating factor of making All-State and the inevitability of the audition gets me to focus more on practicing and start thinking more deeply about what I can do better,” said Oppenheimer. “I [don’t] believe that I improve as much at any point as I do when [I am] preparing for All-State.”
Of the 104 students that auditioned this year (roughly half of all band members), a record 48 were accepted. This also means that LHS students alone account for 27% of the total All-State Band participants.
“Regardless of whether or not you make it in, you’re still going to spend all those hours preparing and practicing,” said Oppenheimer. “Any amount of practice will make you better, and if you audition for All-State, you have to practice. No question.”

While not required, participation is highly encouraged and is not limited to any particular group.
“When you’re in concert band or symphonic band, all the people there are good—and they want to get better,” said LHS freshman Liam Haugan. “You have a good community [to] get better with and it’s fun.”
One of just four freshmen accepted this year, Haugan practices his trumpet five to six times a week and will continue to challenge himself in this way during the years to come.
“The end goal is how much you’re going to improve by the process,” said Balta. “So, if that’s the philosophy, then every single person—regardless of their ability— is encouraged to try it because you’re going to get better from it.”
As for Oppenheimer, All-State Band has been a marker for all three years of his high school career. While he secured first chair on alto saxophone this year, he has been first chair for All-State Jazz Band for the both of the past two.
“Getting to spend time with my instrument working hard for the audition allowed me to grow a deeper appreciation for it and allowed me to enjoy playing more than I already do,” said Oppenheimer. “The more you do something, the more you’ll enjoy what it is that you’re doing. Practicing can feel like a pain sometimes—like something that feels like a chore or homework—but if you consistently practice, it turns from a bore to a hobby.”