05/20/2026
Congratulations to our Mandan Middle School Band for this fantastic honor!
BISMARCK, N.D. (MAY 20, 2026) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong today announced that the Mandan Middle School Band and the Bottineau High School Concert Choir have been selected as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2026-2027 school year.
“Music has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities and enrich our lives, and these two groups play an important role in making their schools and hometowns more vibrant places to live, work and raise a family,” Gov. Armstrong said. “Congratulations to the outstanding musicians from Bottineau High School and Mandan Middle School. We appreciate how well they represent their schools and our state through their dedication, creativity and hard work. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how they continue to share their talents across our great state.”
The Mandan Middle School Band ensemble consists of approximately 110 students in eighth grade under the direction of Sara Baumann, Brandon Bondley, Whitney Naas and Stephanie Frank. Band members perform throughout the year in concerts, parades and festivals. Mandan Middle School also supports two extracurricular jazz ensembles for seventh- and eighth-grade students. Band members participate in solo/ensemble festival, the Big Muddy Band Festival, multiple jazz festivals, and the North Dakota Junior High All-State Band Festival. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the International Music Camp.
The Bottineau High School Concert Choir is comprised of approximately 70 members under the direction of Jaque Marum. Each year, members consistently earn Outstanding Performance awards at the Region 8 Large Group Competition, and many students earn top ratings at both regional and state solo and ensemble competitions. Several have been selected for the UND Honor Festival and North Dakota All-State Choir. Members volunteer time performing at the local hospital and nursing home several times a year, as well as with the local AmVets to put on a community Memorial Day parade and program, and the choir is asked to sing each year at the annual 9/11 ceremony at the International Peace Garden. Members also are involved in many co-curricular and extracurricular activities and organizations.
The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. They may be invited to perform at official state functions throughout the year.
View release here:
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