As summer draws to a close, Kody Diekhans, visiting instructor of music at the University of Providence, can be found organizing and categorizing the University’s catalog of music scores that, for many years, has been tucked away.
Now, there is a reason to dig in and dust it off. Why? Because a well-known community choir that was founded at the College of Great Falls is moving to a new home at the University of Providence.
Last spring, just a three-minute drive away at the College of Great Falls, Cynthia Stevens packed up her office as she prepared to retire. Another educator, passionate about music, she has spent the past ten years growing the community choir program from a small group of passionate singers to a renowned community ensemble who has performed at hallmark venues such as Carnegie Hall and even traveled abroad to perform.
She was looking for someone to whom she could pass the literal and figurative baton.That’s when Diekhans, who is also the principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School, took on the role of visiting instructor of music at the University of Providence in an effort to transition the well-established choir program that has been thriving in Great Falls for more than a decade.
"We have a rich history of music at our institution, which was originally established by the Sisters of Providence,” said Father Oliver Doyle, University of Providence president. “This transition is a wonderful opportunity to reinvigorate our musical traditions and bring new life to our campus.”
Diekhans’ role is pivotal in this transition. As he delves into the archives, he is not only selecting the repertoire for the choir but also breathing new life into historic pieces that have long been dormant. "It’s overwhelming but incredibly fulfilling," Diekhans shared. "I hope to bring together the choir's rich history and the vibrant future we envision at the University of Providence."
Many of these pieces were written by the Sisters of Providence and date back to the university's early days. "The sisters started the university as an educating arts institution, so music was obviously extremely important,” Diekhans said. “Resurrecting some of the music that was performed and possibly written at the university many decades ago will be quite a special task."
The members of the choir, which includes singers that range in age from 14 to 90 years old, will have new opportunities at the University of Providence. The transition promises to expand the inclusivity established by Stevens, inviting more students and community members to join and enrich the choir’s legacy. The University plans to integrate the choir into its academic and community events to further support its mission.
"Bringing back music to campus in this way gives students an opportunity to earn credit and it also fosters a holistic educational environment, which is central to our mission," said Greg Johnson, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
In this seamless transition, the Great Falls College Community Choir finds a new home at the University of Providence, promising continued harmony and growth. The baton has been passed, and the music plays on.
Great Falls Community Choir: By the Numbers
1800s: Era when the Sisters of Providence began writing some of the choir's music.
100+: Pieces of choral music to be organized and cataloged by Kody Diekhans and future choir members.
90: Oldest member of the choir
50: Approximate number of choir members each season
14: Youngest member of the choir
10: Years Cynthia Stevens directed the Great Falls College Community Choir
3: Major events the choir will perform at each year: Christmas carol service, spring concert, and graduation ceremonies.
2: Countries where the choir has performed internationally (United States and Italy)
1: New home for the choir at the University of Providence
Do you like to sing and perform? If you are interested in joining the Great Falls Community Choir email kody.diekhans@uprovidence.edu.
