Big Sky Series Brings Artists to Schools

"I was in those exact same seats, watching these very same performances." Though those same seats she referred to were in Malta, not Glasgow, the sentiment expressed by Kristen Estelle rang through. Her hard work and pursuit of her musical dreams brought her back to northeastern Montana to perform and answer questions from local music students.

The Northeastern Arts Network's (NAN) Big Sky Series brings in a diverse array of musical performers each fall and winter for public performances and for the artist informance program (AIP). The AIP takes the artists into local schools to perform for students, answer questions, and inspire students to nurture their own artistic and musical talents. Over the course of five days, musicians make appearances at 10 schools, and perform three community concerts. NAN committee member Allison Nichols estimates the program reaches 10,000 people in northeastern Montana.

On Oct. 2, Kristen Estelle and the Heartstrings, composed of Patrick James on electric bass, Sam Quiggens on cello, Molly Aronson on cello, Trevor New on viola, and Ally Jenkins on violin, put on a special interactive performance in the Glasgow High School Auditorium for eighth-grade and high school music students.

Performing covers of contemporary music and original compositions, the performance was interspersed with music lessons and inspirational messages for students. Estelle's enthusiasm for her art was on full display as she sang and answered students' questions. Students even took to the stage to participate in an improv performance and dance back-up for the band.

All members of the group teach music in New York City, though Estelle stressed that teaching is done on a smaller scale, one to four students at a time. In Glasgow, Estelle said, "I was amazed with this group. The students had really good questions," Her overall lesson to the students was one of persistence. She asked them to surround themselves with people who are level-headed and believe in them in order to find their way musically. She was thankful to have the chance to come back to northeastern Montana and give back to the communities that supported her in the pursuit of her musical dreams.

The program enjoys the support of area music teachers as well. Luree Green-Chappell said, "The Northeastern Arts Network Concert series benefits our kids by showing them the scope of careers available in music and allows them the opportunity to meet professional musicians. Another benefit is that students get to see music they like merged with a more classic style which not only diversifies their tastes, but allows them to develop an appreciation for music history."

Glasgow senior Ben Miller, who is looking to study computer tech with a focus on sound engineering, said, "I think it's really cool to get to see mobile sound setups and the equipment the performers use. It's also a great opportunity to talk to professionals and ask questions about how to get better or how the professionals got better. It helps the music students learn, and it shows the public a variety of traveling artists."

The Big Sky Series is made possible in part by the Montana Performing Arts Consortium Presenter Development Program which is supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Montana Arts Council, and legislative grants from Montana's Cultural Trust, and the Western States Arts Federation.