Corson new director at music school

North Valley Music School has hired Deidre Corson as the new executive director of the nonprofit school in Whitefish.

Deidre has been involved with the school for over three years as a board member and most recently as the board president. She brings an extensive background in music education having been trained in music education as well as performance at the University of Montana. Deidre has performed at many venues from solo artist to band member and formally trained in opera. Corson will hit the ground running this month with a full plate of scheduled events, fundraising, greeting new students to the school and managing the day to day operations of North Valley Music School.

The board invites the community to the North Valley Open House on Sept. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m., and the faculty concert on Sept. 30. The Open House is for everyone and offers the chance to learn more about the school and its variety of musical education opportunities for all ages. Meet the teaching and office staff and see the new landscaping donated by a local philanthropist.

The music school offers classes for all ages from toddlers to senior citizens. Visit the school’s website to look at all the options available for adults and younger students.

A concert is planned for Sept. 30 at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

Every Wednesday evening a free acoustic jam is led by NVMS instructor Don Rees. The jam includes everyone from beginners to accomplished performers enjoying the opportunity to play along with other musicians with a variety of music styles.

North Valley Music School operates on a $500,000 annual budget with roughly 80 percent from lesson fees and the remainder from donors, grants and volunteer labor. NVMS is a member of the Great Fish Challenge and received an award for having the most individual donors in the first phase of the challenge.