Evans passes 2VS torch to Kirsten McGlynn

SEELEY LAKE – "It's been a blast and I love working with all the artists, but it's time to pass the torch to someone else," said 2 Valleys Stage Director Carol Evans.

Citing travel plans and other responsibilities that would interfere with her 2VS obligations, Evans notified the Alpine Artisans' Board of Directors of her decision to step down at the end of the 2017-18 season. Accordingly, the board advertised the position opening.

The following qualifications were desired of applicants: 1) independent contractor status with strong organizational skills; 2) a background in music including contacts with musicians and other performers; 3) an understanding of the desirability for elementary and high school students to be exposed to and interact with talented musicians; 4) a willingness to perform the necessary grant writing and fundraising chores required of a non-profit organization.

Three applicants applied, two were interviewed and Kirsten McGlynn of Missoula, Mont. was offered and accepted the position. McGlynn officially took up the directorship Aug. 1.

McGlynn graduated from the University of Montana in 2010 with a master's degree in flute performance. She has been a member of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra for the past 12 seasons. In addition, she is a board member of the Montana Flute Association.

Also in 2010, McGlynn started her own flute studio where she works weekly with an average of 20 students ranging from age eight to adult. In addition to lessons, she organizes performance experiences for them twice each year. For more than ten years she also has been involved with the Center for Music by People with Disabilities program. In that program she pairs with a guitarist to go into area schools to perform and teach music classes to differently-abled students. McGlynn is also co-director of a community flute choir called Zootown Flutes which presents public performances throughout Missoula.

Asked why she was willing to add 2VS to her already busy schedule, McGlynn said, "I just have a passion for music and the fine arts and music outreach to schools. Plus, I was really drawn to the close-knit community that Seeley-Swan is."

McGlynn said in addition to having good friends in the area, she and her family love the Seeley Lake area and enjoy taking advantage of the recreation opportunities available.

McGlynn's husband Brendan is also a musician. He is the new band and general music teacher at Target Range Elementary School in Missoula. He also plays trumpet with the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Ed Norton Big Band, which plays jazz and swing music. Four-year-old Lilah and two-year-old Anders round out the family.

Between herself and her husband, McGlynn said she has contacts among musicians covering a range of music styles. Another asset McGlynn hopes to bring to 2VS is the ability to find additional grant and funding sources and come up with new fundraising strategies.

Though Evans is leaving her with the 2018-19 season in place, by January it will be time for McGlynn to start organizing the following season's performances. McGlynn said she looks forward to it and points to the Gary Schocker Flute Festival that she helped organize for University of Montana Music Department.

"I found out I really like working with artists," said McGlynn. "I had such a good experience with that. It entailed fundraising and contract negotiation. I really enjoyed doing it and look forward to doing more of it."

 

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