Our Team
Jennifer Stephens
Artistic Director
Jennifer is a native of Durango, Colorado, where she grew up singing in the Durango Children’s Chorale under the direction of Dr. Rochelle Mann and Diane Estes. She earned her undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she studied under Tim Peter, Sandra Peter, and Weston Noble. Her first teaching job was in Salem, OR, where she had the good fortune to meet her husband, Dow. Jennifer received her Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Northern Arizona University under Edith Copley and then spent 5 years teaching elementary music, strings, and choir grades 3-12 at Korea International School in Seoul, South Korea. The Stephens moved to Montana in 2012 when Jennifer was hired as the choral director at Columbia Falls High School. In 2014 she began her current position as the choral director at Flathead High School. Jennifer and Dow spend their free time keeping up with two adventurous daughters, Ada and Isla.
Nathan Connell
Executive Director, Accompanist
Born in Reno, Nevada, Nathan moved to Kalispell in 8th grade. The music program at Glacier High School shaped Nathan’s career path. With David Barr, Sandra Lee, and Sherry Simmons as teachers, Nathan’s love for music grew and he went on to study percussion performance and vocal music education in Kentucky at Morehead State University. Nathan performed with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and served as student conductor for the Morehead State Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Greg Detweiler. After graduating, Nathan accepted the position as choir director at Glacier High School. During his five years at GHS, he created the Composer Festival, A/V Concert, hosted original Pentatonix bass singer Avi Kaplan, and saw record numbers of students selected for state and regional honor choirs. He is beyond excited to serve the music community in the Flathead Valley through the FVYC. He enjoys just about any activity outside, and loves spending time with his wife, Ellie.