WHO WE ARE

ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONIC CHOIR
The Symphony Association's orchestral and choral program is composed of a 75-member orchestra and 80-voice symphonic choir. Members of the orchestra and choir come from Great Falls and surrounding communities as far as 200 miles away. Auditions are held each September. The concert season consists of seven concerts. Other special events are presented throughout the year such as choral dinner theater, a free Summer Pops concert, and special events such as ballet or national Broadway touring shows. Twice each season, free educational concerts are presented for students from Great Falls public and private schools, an average of 30 rural schools, senior citizens and developmentally disabled persons.

CASCADE STRING QUARTET
The residency of a professional string quartet celebrates its 29th anniversary season this year. Although the faces in the quartet have changed throughout the years, the mission to enhance educational opportunities and provide quality performances of classical chamber music throughout Montana has remained constant. Members of the Cascade Quartet serve as principals in the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, teach privately, serve as adjunct players with several other orchestras in Montana, perform four double concerts on the Great Falls Symphony Chamber Music Series, and travel several thousand miles annually presenting public and private concerts and educational school programs throughout the region.

CHINOOK WINDS QUINTET
This woodwind ensemble (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and horn) was first established in 1992 to serve as a professional performance group and as resources to band programs in rural Montana. In 2001 the structure of the group changed to a trio. In the 2006 - 2007 season the configuration of the group returned to a traditional woodwind quintet. All members of the group serve as principals in the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra, teach privately, perform as import players in other Montana orchestras and perform on the Great Falls Symphony Chamber Music Series. They are available for master classes, educational school programs, public and private concerts throughout Montana.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Established in 1997, the Great Falls Youth Orchestra serves an average of 75 young musicians annually from numerous local public, private and home schools, as well as schools in communities outside Great Falls, as far away as Helena and Sunburst. The mission of the Youth Orchestra is to foster a lifelong love of music which contributes to the quality of life through musical education and appreciation and creation of quality orchestral performances. Music plays a powerful role in promoting academic excellence and developing discipline. These were motivating factors in the Great Falls Symphony Association's decision to establish a Youth Orchestra program. Parents say the experience teaches their children about teamwork and "provides skills which will be helpful whether their students pursue music or another career in college. Auditions are held at the beginning of each school semester.