Our Team

Black and white photo of a smiling woman with glasses, earrings, and layered necklaces outdoors with blurred trees and cars in the background.

Jennifer Stephens

Artistic Director

Jennifer is a native of Durango, Colorado, where she grew up singing in the Durango Children’s Chorale under the direction of Dr. Rochelle Mann and Diane Estes. She earned her undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she studied under Tim Peter, Sandra Peter, and Weston Noble.  Her first teaching job was in Salem, OR, where she had the good fortune to meet her husband, Dow. Jennifer received her Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Northern Arizona University under Edith Copley and then spent 5 years teaching elementary music, strings, and choir grades 3-12 at Korea International School in Seoul, South Korea. The Stephens moved to Montana in 2012 when Jennifer was hired as the choral director at Columbia Falls High School. In 2014 she began her current position as the choral director at Flathead High School. Jennifer and Dow spend their free time keeping up with two adventurous daughters, Ada and Isla.

A smiling man with short hair and a beard, wearing a button-up shirt, standing outdoors with blurred foliage in the background.

Nathan Connell

Executive Director, Accompanist

Born in Reno, Nevada, Nathan moved to Kalispell in 8th grade. The music program at Glacier High School shaped Nathan’s career path. With David Barr, Sandra Lee, and Sherry Simmons as teachers, Nathan’s love for music grew and he went on to study percussion performance and vocal music education in Kentucky at Morehead State University. Nathan performed with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and served as student conductor for the Morehead State Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Greg Detweiler. After graduating, Nathan accepted the position as choir director at Glacier High School. During his five years at GHS, he created the Composer Festival, A/V Concert, hosted original Pentatonix bass singer Avi Kaplan, and saw record numbers of students selected for state and regional honor choirs. He is beyond excited to serve the music community in the Flathead Valley through the FVYC. He enjoys just about any activity outside, and loves spending time with his wife, Ellie.

Meet Our Board

  • Black and white photo of a smiling woman with long hair wearing a striped shirt, standing in front of a dark curtain.

    Dorothy Drury - President

    Dorothy leads a life full of music. As a mother of two, she sings with the Glacier Chorale and is a phenomenal piano player. Dorothy also is the Executive Director of the Kalispell Education Foundation, a nonprofit providing grants for the educators of SD5.

  • A woman with wavy hair wearing glasses and a light-colored top, standing in front of a dark curtain background.

    Jen Stein - Vice President

    Jen is the principal at Edgerton Elementary. She has two fantastic young musicians. Jen has a heart for service and for students with special needs. She is currently pursuing her doctorate.

  • Black and white photo of a smiling young man with short hair, wearing a plaid button-up shirt, standing in front of dark curtains.

    Wyatt Dykhuizen - Treasurer

    Wyatt is a Kalispell native, graduating from Flathead High School and the University of Portland. Wyatt's performing arts experience includes many choir, theater, and speech outings. He now coaches on the FHS Speech and Debate team. Wyatt holds a BBA in finance with four years' experience working as an accountant.

  • A smiling man with glasses, a beard, and tied-back hair, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt with a small logo on the chest, standing in front of a dark curtain background.

    Caleb Fitzwater - Media Specialist

    Caleb is a Glacier High Graduate who has always been involved in music and is the owner of Half Mile Media.

  • An image with a spotlight shining downward with smoke or fog swirling, and the words 'Coming Soon' in bold black text

    Day Scovel

    Day is a Kalispell native and graduate of Flathead High School. He studied music, business, and communication in college. Music continues to be an integral part of his life singing in the men’s a capella group Those Guys.