Hi-Liner Musicians Shine on State Stage in Strong Class B Debut

The Valley City Hi-Liner Band took the stage at the Class B State Music Contest on Saturday, May 2nd at Bismarck State College, delivering a performance that reflected both the growth of the program and the commitment of its student musicians.

After advancing through regional competition in early April—where only about one-third of performers qualify for state—the Hi-Liners earned the opportunity to compete among North Dakota’s top Class B musicians. With seven events qualifying for the state stage, Valley City arrived prepared—and proved they belonged.

When the performances began, the results followed.

Leading the way were three standout performances that earned Star ratings, the highest distinction awarded at both the regional and state levels.
Andon Bulow delivered a strong bass solo performance, while Reed McConnaughey followed with an impressive showing on the baritone saxophone. In the vocal division, the SSA trio of Ashlynn Hartsell, Anna McMenamin, and Kylie Van Bruggen combined for a performance built on precision, control, and blend—earning one of the day’s top honors.

While the Star ratings highlighted individual excellence, the overall results told a bigger story about the strength and depth of the Hi-Liner program.

Valley City added multiple Excellent ratings, the tier just below Star, across both instrumental and vocal categories. Mark Santos and Claire Shankeno contributed with a mixed instrumental duet, while Anna McMenamin added another strong showing with her flute solo—highlighting her impact across multiple events.

The Hi-Liners also showcased depth through two SAB vocal ensembles. Contributors included Andon Bulow, Elijah Drummond, Ashlynn Hartsell, Colin Hoff, Lauren May, Anna McMenamin, and Kylie Van Bruggen, along with a second ensemble featuring Jordyn Aarseth, Marie Becker, Kaydence Kietzman, Cambri Pfennig, Sam Thiel, Isaiah Turrubiates, and Abby Wangrud. The ability to perform across multiple group settings reflected both versatility and preparation throughout the program.

For Band Director Tedi Dimmer, the results were a reflection of consistent work over time—not just a single day of performance.

“For this being our first year as a Class B school in Fine Arts, I believe VCHS had a very strong showing,” Dimmer said. “We brought seven events to state, and three of them starred. It is such a privilege to see these students grow as musicians and performers on a day-to-day basis and watch their hard work pay off at these contests.”

That context matters.

This marked Valley City’s first year competing in Class B Fine Arts, and stepping into a new classification often brings uncertainty. Instead, the Hi-Liners responded with a performance that showed they can compete—and succeed—at this level.

State competition demands a different level of preparation. Performers are given limited time to execute, receive immediate critique, and perform under pressure in an unfamiliar environment. It’s a setting that tests not only technical ability, but composure and confidence.

Those are the same qualities that carry beyond music.

What Valley City showed on Saturday was a program continuing to build those habits—preparation, consistency, and the ability to perform when it matters.

With multiple top-tier performances, strong depth across categories, and a successful introduction into Class B competition, the Hi-Liner Band continues to establish itself as a program on the rise—one that is not only developing skilled musicians, but confident performers ready for the next stage.

Star Ratings:

Andon Bulow – Bass Solo
Reed McConnaughey – Baritone Saxophone Solo
Ashlynn Hartsell, Anna McMenamin & Kylie Van Bruggen – SSA Trio

Excellent Ratings:

Mark Santos & Claire Shankeno – Mixed Instrumental Duet
Anna McMenamin – Flute Solo
SAB Vocal Ensemble: Andon Bulow, Elijah Drummond, Ashlynn Hartsell, Colin Hoff, Lauren May, Anna McMenamin & Kylie Van Bruggen
SAB Vocal Ensemble: Jordyn Aarseth, Marie Becker, Kaydence Kietzman, Cambri Pfennig, Sam Thiel, Isaiah Turrubiates (not pictured) & Abby Wangrud