Youth Enrichment Initiative

Connecting young people with music, culture, and the world. 

The Montana International Choral Festival's Youth Enrichment Initiative expands access to the Festival's artistic and cross-cultural experiences for youth in Missoula and throughout the surrounding Western Montana communities.

Through partnerships with community organizations and summer youth programs, MICF creates pathways for young people to experience international choral music, meet visiting artists, and engage with cultures and perspectives from around the world.

Festival participation is free for youth ages 18 and under.

Through the Youth Enrichment Initiative, transportation to and from Festival concerts and experiences will be provided at no cost to participating youth programs.

By partnering directly with organizations already serving young people in our communities, MICF hopes to reduce barriers to participation and introduce the Festival to youth and families who may not have experienced it before.

  • Youth & Community Organizations

    MICF is developing partnerships with organizations and summer programs serving youth in Missoula and surrounding communities. Together, we'll identify opportunities that complement existing youth programming and create meaningful ways for young people to experience the 2027 Festival. Contact our Youth Outreach Specialist to learn more.

  • High School & College Students

    Want to get involved behind the scenes? High school and college students can participate in the Festival through volunteer opportunities. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.

  • Parents & Families

    Families can experience an even deeper cultural exchange by welcoming visiting youth singers into their homes during the Festival. MICF's Host Family Program creates opportunities for personal connection and friendships across cultures. Visit our Host Family page to learn more.

Youth Outreach Specialist

MarLynn Cloud

Our current AmeriCorp VISTA serving as the Youth Outreach Specialist in lead of our Youth Enrichment Initiative, MarLynn recently moved to Missoula from Billings after working in higher education for the past four years. She received her Bachelor of Science in 2022 from MSU Billings in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Sociology with a minor in Native American Studies.

An enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and community advocate with a background in youth outreach, higher education, and nonprofit engagement, MarLynn especially enjoys helping others navigate barriers, connect with resources, and find opportunities for growth. Her own experiences with the arts during high school helped foster creativity, belonging, and confidence on her path to becoming a first-generation college graduate.

She believes access to the arts can open the world to young people and considers herself fortunate to bring that passion for service and community to the Montana International Choral Festival, where she is inspired by the Festival’s ability to connect young people and families with cultures, communities, and experiences from around the world.

The Montana International Choral Festival takes place July 28–31, 2027. 

Interested in connecting your youth program with the Youth Enrichment Initiative?

Contact us to start the conversation.

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