Mitchell Students to Perform in All-State Orchestra
Jet Shi-Haines and Lillian Strong will join a large ensemble for an Oct. 31 performance in Rapid City.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Classical
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Jet Shi-Haines and Lillian Strong earned spots in the South Dakota All-State Orchestra after a competitive audition process. The pair will join more than 1,000 student musicians and singers for a concert on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Why it matters
The South Dakota All-State Orchestra showcases high-achieving student instrumentalists from across the state in a large-scale collective performance. Participation represents a significant academic and musical milestone for young students at the high school level.
Lillian Strong secured the third chair for trombone, while Jet Shi-Haines earned the eighth chair for second violin. These placements come from a field of over 1,000 total participants selected to represent their schools.
The players
Jet Shi-Haines
A 16-year-old junior at Mitchell High School who plays the violin.
Lillian Strong
A 16-year-old junior at Mitchell Christian School who plays the trombone.
The details
Students prepared for the selection process by practicing assigned etudes, orchestral repertoire, and terminology during the summer before performing for judges in Huron. Both juniors are 16 years old and represent Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, respectively.
Timeline
Students began receiving audition music in Summer 2026.
The South Dakota All-State Orchestra performance takes place on October 31, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The selection process highlights the ongoing regional tradition of the South Dakota All-State Orchestra as a major platform for student performance. This event serves as a central fixture in the state's classical music scene, bringing together students from diverse school sizes and backgrounds.
The concert is scheduled to take place at the Monument in Rapid City on Oct. 31. Attendees should confirm ticket availability and event details through the venue ahead of the performance date.
The takeaway
Student musicians should note that consistent practice of etudes and terminology throughout the summer is critical for success in competitive auditions. These results demonstrate the high level of technical preparation required to secure a chair in a state-level ensemble.
Further reading
For more information on the regional music scene, visit the Classical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mitchell Republic.
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