Through the dedicated support of our entire community, we are able to do what we do:
Make Great Falls a better place through music.
The Symphony’s mission is to infuse cultural vibrancy into the Great Falls community through transformative music events and education programs. We are a cultural asset in northcentral Montana that raises the quality of life for its citizens through outstanding performing arts programs.
Our collective pursuit of artistic excellence in collaboration with cultural and civic partners demonstrates how much our community can achieve when we work together with local organizations and businesses.
There are many ways for individuals, families, and local businesses to support great music in our region.
Explore the support links on this page or contact us to learn more!
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
Your impact on music education is profound. Could you share your journey as a music teacher and your experiences with students?
​
Bill Larson, my high school band director, truly instilled a love of music in me. I pursued a music education degree at Montana State University and upon returning to Great Falls, I was faced with a choice: teaching special education students or eighth-grade general music. My decision was clear, and I started teaching special needs kids. I ran the Great Expectations Band and taught valved brass instruments and percussion. We even performed at national and Northwest conventions during my tenure. That experience is where I really learned my teaching style and how to break down complex actions sequentially. Since then, teaching has always been my forte; I enjoy playing, but I find teaching to be more exhilarating.
​
​
Lauree Wenger
A percussion pioneer shaping the Great Falls musical landscape
Our favorite pixie-haired percussionist, Great Falls native Lauree Wenger, stands as a testament to the transformative power of music education and the enduring legacy of the Great Falls Symphony.
As we embark on our year-end fund drive to ensure the continuation of this cultural pillar, Executive Director Hillary Shepherd and Development Director Angela Costley share an inspiring conversation with Lauree, who has dedicated her life to teaching, performing, and investing in the future of our community through the world of music.
Lauree at an October 2023 rehearsal.
PAM LEMELIN
Lauree knew she wanted to be a percussionist since she was three years old. By 7th grade she was in marching band.
Additional programs under the umbrella of the Great Falls Symphony Association include Youth Orchestra, Sinfonia, the Chamber Music Series, the Youth Matinee Educational Concert Series, and our rural Outreach Tours.
​
These programs simply could not happen without the additional support of our generous donors.
Ticket sales cover only one-third of our annual expenses.​
Monthly giving ... the easy way!
Become a Sustaining Supporter
The Sustaining Supporter program gives you a convenient contribution option that provides stable support to the Symphony all year long.
Every contribution—no matter how small or large—helps us make Great Falls a better place to live through music.
Make your monthly donation by having your gift automatically charged from your debit or credit card. As a Sustaining Supporter, your gift is automatic– no checks to write, no payments to mail. You'll be supporting the many great Symphony programs and our talented musicians.
You have ultimate control and flexibility over your monthly gift because you can change or cancel your monthly donation at any time.
​
Support us through your direct IRA contribution.
Make a difference today and save on taxes.
A Smart Opportunity for Those 70½ Years Old and Older
You can give any amount (up to a maximum of $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as the Great Falls Symphony Association without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a difference in our community.
​
Why Consider This Gift?
-
Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
-
Beginning in the year you turn 73, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).
-
You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
-
Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
​
Tips
-
Be sure to seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor before you make your gift.
-
Make sure you give your gift on or before December 31 for your donation to qualify this year.
-
Use our legal name and federal tax ID.
​
LEGAL NAME:
Great Falls Symphony Assn
LEGAL ADDRESS:
11 3rd St N, Great Falls, MT 59401
FEDERAL TAX ID: 81-6014907