Jennifer Stephens knew the Flathead Valley needed, and deserved, a youth chorus.

Having grown up herself experiencing the power of choral music, Jennifer saw the need for young musicians in the Flathead Valley to reap the same benefits she experienced as a child in Durango, CO. Passionate about teaching the joys of music to the youth of the Flathead, Jennifer longed for the opportunity to bring the project to life. Enter Nathan Connell. Nathan, a graduate of Glacier High School, studied music in Kentucky then returned to Kalispell to teach choir at GHS. During his time at Glacier, Nathan and Jennifer found themselves to be kindred spirits in their vision for choral excellence and the impact high-quality performing arts experiences have on young people. After years of dreaming up ways to work together, Nathan and Jennifer decided it was finally time to embark on this community project in earnest.

Nathan, Jennifer, and the founding board of directors started Bear Grass Performing Arts - a nonprofit with a vision of bringing performing arts opportunities to the Flathead Valley. Learn more about Bear Grass Performing Arts here.