This week I have been participating in all kinds of activities for the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman! I kicked off the week in Missoula to attend events to honor the endowment of a music scholarship in the name of my esteemed vocal coach, Esther England. In addition to my regular vocal coaching sessions, I was able to attend a master class taught by a former student of Esther’s, Michelle Berger, who has been performing for the Opera in Switzerland the last twenty or so years. The workshop involved body work from Pilates to help breath support and sound–it was quite amazing how Pilates can really make a huge difference in a vocalist’s sound. It was also really fun to see Holly Matz, my Miss Montana’s Sweetheart and first-runner up, and to hear all about her preparations for next year’s Miss Montana competition!
When I was done in Missoula, I hurried back to Bozeman, and thankfully beat the huge snowstorm that hit that evening. The next day I participated in events for the Homecoming at Montana State University in Bozeman. At the President’s Luncheon, I was honored to meet Geoff Gamble the President of the University and to mix and mingle with other University administration and alumnae. After the luncheon, I headed off with the marching band as an escort to the dedication of the new Alumni Plaza and sculpture of Spirit the Bobcat.
Oh! A major highlight occurred on the way back to my car after the dedication. I met Katie Blair’s brother!! A few year’s ago, Katie Blair was our very own Miss Montana Teen USA who went on to represent us so well at Miss Teen USA and won the the national title of Miss Teen USA! It was so exciting to meet one of her family members!
Overall, this was a wonderful week of homecoming activities, and it was wonderful to be able to support the wonderful educational institutions in the state of Montana.
Miss Montana 2009 