Students celebrate their art at Strum and Drum in Pablo

By MICHELLE LOVATO

Lake County Leader

There are few adornments more stylized and unique than those invisible momentary notes wafted into the air by music. So when a group of men, women and children from around the Flathead and Mission valleys gathered at the Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theatre on the Salish Kootenai College campus in Pablo March 9, concert attendees heard a masterpiece in the making.

Sponsored by the joint efforts of the Salish Kootenai College Foundation and the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and emceed by Anderson Radio’s Dennis Anderson, the second annual Strum and Drum concert raised money to pay for scholarships that will then be awarded to guitar students.

The Wednesday night concert showcased a variety of musicians, starting with SKC beginning guitar instructor and former Crown of the Continent Scholarship winner Tim Torgerson and his family.

Known as Creation Highway, the family of Tim and Alex Torgerson and their three children, Joseph, Elle and Matthew began the 2.5-hour concert with a series of soothing musical pieces. 

When they were done, five guitar class students took the stage and wowed the crowd with their new-found skills.

The Salish Kootenai College students began their journeys with Torgerson five semesters ago, when the college began offering beginning guitar classes.

Along with the concert itself, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a silent sealed-bid auction for a beautiful guitar and case, which were donated to the event by the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation.

Concert goers were treated to two special performances, both by former Crown of the Continent Scholarship winners.

Torgerson travels to Pablo to teach beginning guitar to students at SKC as well as students at Valley View Elementary School.

Torgerson’s five SKC students performed at the Strum and Drum concert as well as four of the five 2015 scholarship winners. Guitar students included Jason Ries, Whisper Camel-Means, Andrea Mitchell and Isaac Wal.

Last year’s winners were Doug Ruhman, Jorren Gies, Jordan Albert, Nick Adamson and Marthe VanSickle.

Former scholarship winner, Mike Murray and the Mike Murray Band performed as well.

The fifth semester of SKC’s beginning guitar classes begins this spring. Guitars and other equipment needed for class students are provided if students are unable to bring their own.

Diane Kautzman, executive director of the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop said that students who get to attend the week-long summer event are treated to an intense, creative, music-centric experience with well-respected and renowned musicians.

Though the second annual Strum and Drum raised money for scholarships, students who want to attend the 2016 Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop still need to raise more money. 

The Salish Kootenai College Foundation manages about $640,000 in student scholarships through endowments.

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation is a non-profit group of donors, sponsors and supporters whose mission is to provide an inspiring atmosphere for participants, scholarship and fellowship winners and to create life-changing experiences.