Ali McAlister Makes Cut for All NW

By Alyssa Tompkins

Ali McAlister, a junior at Capital High School, is going to All Northwest in Portland, Oregon for playing bass. For five days she will be playing alongside of the most talented musicians from all over the Washington state, Oregon, Montana, and surrounding areas. Around five thousand highschool students sent in audition tapes and only nine hundred and ninety are chosen to participate in the event. Though just shy of one thousand people are chosen, the majority of the musicians are a part of the chorus, not the orchestra or band groups. Capital has sent choir and band students in the past, but McAlister is the first orchestra member in recent years to represent our school. Molly Brandt (CHS ‘20) on french horn and Ali McAlister on bass are the only students from Capital High who were chosen to play this year.

McAlister attributes her success to both Kevin Cleary and Zach Harris, her orchestra teachers. According to McAllister, “He [Cleary] laid all of the foundation for my success.” She explained that Cleary pushed her to start her journey with the bass. McAllister was nearly a cellist in sixth grade, but with help from Cleary, she found the instrument that was right for her. After the best foundation possible was laid down, Zach Harris stepped in as her high school orchestra teacher. She states “He pushed me to play harder music; he pushed me to get better.”

Though she is slightly nervous, McAllister is very excited to go to Portland. She describes the thought of attending All Northwest as surreal, even going as far as being speechless and only being able to say “wow.” One part of the excitement stems from McAllister being able to play such difficult music that she feels she can play to her full potential. She is also excited about being able to push her limits in fourteen-hour long rehearsals.

McAllister departs on December 4th alongside Harris and Brandt. She is excited to travel with her team and for the opportunity to showcase her talents alongside other very talented musicians.