Enrich. Engage. Educate.

Moving Music Forward

For nearly 40 years, the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras) has been building community and enriching lives across Montana through the shared enjoyment of orchestral music. Representing seven symphony organizations, Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras exists to connect, enrich, inspire and advance artistic culture in Montana through the power of music.

concert symphony orchestra music

Mission

The mission of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras is to encourage, promote, and assist in the development and maintenance of quality musical programs throughout Montana.

Vision

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras’ vision is to enrich and elevate Montana’s communities through the finest symphonic music and ensure the long term future of orchestral music in the state.

Collaboration

Build our internal and external relationships as we create gateways for new audience members to develop a lifelong love for orchestral music.

Education

Promote and support engaging music education programs, host professional developmental conferences, and provide services to foster interest in and inspire lifelong enjoyment of music.

Legacy

Invest responsibly in our present, plan dutifully for our future, and nurture our communities’ investment in us.

Performance

Facilitate performances of great symphonic music at the highest level of artistic excellence to educate, entertain, and enhance cultural life.

Community Engagement

Encourage meaningful relationships with our communities through musical performances, programs, and collaborations that engage the hearts and minds of our listeners.

Founded in 1981, Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras was formed by a steering committee composed of representatives from six of Montana’s symphonies in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula. Glacier Orchestra and Chorale in Kalispell later joined in 1984 for a total of seven symphonies. Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras is governed by a board of directors whose voting membership comprises the seven symphonies, each with up to four members on the board. Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras is funded by dues assessed from member orchestras, the Montana Arts Council, the Montana Cultural Trust, D/A Davidson Companies, the Gilhausen Family Foundation, and the sales of “Montana is a Symphony” license plates.

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras is deeply committed to serving our community by encouraging, promoting, and assisting in the development and maintenance of quality musical programs throughout Montana. It does this by sharing resources, encouraging networking, and supporting orchestras, choirs, professional staff, community volunteers and musicians of all ages. Through our annual education conference, semi-annual meetings and workshops our members are able to network with others, grow professionally, and share in their passion for music. Our bi-annual Young Artist Competition spotlights Montana’s up-and-coming young musicians by offering them a chance to compete for the opportunity to perform with one or more of the state’s orchestras. The competition serves as a scholarship opportunity and professional stepping stone and inspires youth to pursue their dreams.

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras celebrates Montana’s great history of symphonic music, but is ever preparing for an even greater future through advocacy for the livelihood of our members and for a thriving future for symphonic music and the arts in Montana.

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Board of Directors
Adam Collins
President

Missoula

Madeleine Folkerts
Vice-President

Great Falls

Antonio Jarvey
Secretary

Great Falls

Brad Constantine
Treasurer

Billings

Lowell Stuck
Member Symphony Executive Director Representative

Butte

Julia Tai
Member Symphony Music Director Representative

Missoula

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Administration
Dylan Dwyer
Executive Director

Missoula

Lisa Bollman
Music Librarian

Billings