18 College Fairs throughout the state will feature anywhere from 60-80 higher education institutions and $1,000’s of scholarship money given away.

The Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council (MPSEOC) will host three weeks of college fairs throughout Montana beginning September 9^th (schedule attached).  MPSEOC has conducted statewide college fairs since 1987.  As many as 11,000 high school seniors and/or juniors will attend the fairs with their classmates, families, and guidance counselors.

The college fairs give students an opportunity to contemplate their options after high school.  Students can visit with representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities, technical and trade schools, and military branches.

“The best tip I can give a high school student with regard to their post-secondary plans is to check out all of their options.  College fairs allow students to see exactly what is out there and fuels excitement about finding the best fit for them,” said Amy Leary, MPSEOC Executive Director. “These statewide fairs also help emphasize the quality and variety of colleges and universities available in Montana.  With 25 accredited higher education institutions in our state, students are bound to find something that works for them."

Although the fairs are geared to high school students, they are open to the general public and parents are encouraged to attend as well!  Anyone who is interested in pursuing post-secondary education is welcome to attend.

Another highlight of the college fairs is the College Ca$h Scholarship Program.  The College Ca$h Program gives away 1000’s of scholarship dollars to students across the state.  The scholarships are awarded by a random drawing from the names of students who attend the college fairs.  Both high school juniors and seniors are eligible to sign up. The scholarships are made possible by the donations from sponsors.  These sponsors and partners are:  Montana University System – Student Financial Services, GEAR UP, the Office of Public Instruction, Reach Higher Montana, and the Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities council (MPSEOC).

   |  Eastern Region College Fairs:  September 9 ‐ 12, 2019
   |  Central Region College Fairs:  September 16 ‐ 19, 2019
   |  Western Region College Fairs:  September 23 ‐ 26, 2019

       *See the detailed schedule of events attached.

Each September, we ask everyone to join in the annual celebration by showing their support for our Montana students.  Therefore, we have extended an invitation to all Montana communities to join in this three week College Fair Tour by joining in the “Support Students Month” to show their support of Montana students.  On behalf of all Montana colleges and universities, we invite you, your employees, your school faculty and staff, and communities across Montana to participate in this Montana celebration to support Montana’s students together.  What an incredible opportunity to encourage higher education by promoting education through those most visible to our Montana students, the faculty, staff and administrations in our schools.  We hope you will participate and encourage others in your area to do the same.  The goal of this statewide celebration is to encourage staff, faculty, administration, parents, and community members to wear a shirt or clothing representing the college they attended (preferred).  They could also choose to represent an institution nearest their community or simply choose a college or higher education program they are a fan of or support.  Our hope is to have a tremendous cross-section of higher education from all Montana institutions represented as well as many out-of-state colleges, private universities, ivy-league institutions, training programs, etc. represented also.  Help us show students all of their options after high school!  Help us support Montana students together!  To show your support of Montana students by spreading the word, wearing your college gear, and/or donating a $1.00, visit:  www.SupportMontanaStudents.org .   Together we can help Montana students reach their dreams!

We hope you will join in this Montana celebration, and we hope to see you at this year’s Montana College Fairs!

Being that you’re a small business owner, your biggest competition (aside from the other small businesses in your vicinity) is the big-name companies with big budgets, right? Yes. Well, do you know the most effective way to knock them out of your competition? Believe it or not, your secret weapon is right in your backyard… No, it’s not a real weapon in the shed in your backyard… your secret weapon to beating out those big name companies lies within your very own neighborhood. In fact, it’s called Neighborhood Marketing, and it is vital to the success of your small business.

What is Neighborhood Marketing?
So what exactly is neighborhood marketing, you ask? Well, neighborhood marketing is a process of marketing your business from the inside out, meaning, you’re bringing awareness about your business in your local communities first and then branching out to the larger communities… that’s why it can be looked out as starting out “in your backyard” as a figure of speech.

Typically, with neighborhood marketing, the system never takes place further than a five to ten minute drive away from your business but the focus of this type of marketing is to take all aspects of the great customer experience people find in your store and serve it up (promote it) in high doses to people in your community who can receive the greatest impact and benefit from your business.

So why would you put your focus on a smaller number of people first than reaching out to the larger communities? Well, you want to start in your local communities first because that’s where your best customers will come from. Not only that, but that’s where almost all of your customers will come from. Anyone living outside of that five to ten-minute drive might not be as willing to make that drive for a new business they know nothing about.

Where Most Go Wrong...
That’s where lots of small business owners go wrong. When you decide to start your own business, there are things you need to know upfront but marketing in your own neighborhood is something that small business owners seem to forget about; they always want to start out with big marketing efforts for the larger communities and end up running out of money within the first two years, according to the Small Business Administration.

So instead of following in the footsteps of failed small business owners, why not take the road that they didn’t travel? Why not start small, in your own community first, then branch out? If you’re a small business owner, take a look at how neighborhood marketing is vital to your small business.

Neighborhood Marketing Enhances Your Business’ Prestige
As a small business owner, do you know what one of the biggest things going for you is, especially when you’re first starting out? It’s your reputation. If you indeed do want to eventually branch out to the larger communities, you need your local community to deem you as a reputable and prestigious company first.

If your local community member shop at your store and have wonderful customer experiences, the word will spread like wildfire, and guess where it will spread to… the larger communities… in due time. You may have bigger dreams for the larger communities but it’s also important that you realize your local neighborhood is where your neighborhood marketing efforts will have the biggest impact and bring you the most sales.

Neighborhood Marketing Allows Your Business to Be Active at Community Events
Community events are the best ways to not only get to know other local businesses but to also get to know the locals that live in the community. Whether it’s a fundraiser you have a tent set up at or an event your business is helping sponsor, it’s the perfect time to hand out “swag” to the locals in attendance. What is “swag,” you ask? Swag is merchandise that represents your business… you give those items away to people who visit your booth or tent.

You might want to purchase notepads with your custom logo and company name on them, that way when people need to jot things down, they’ll always see your business and be subconsciously reminded that if they ever need your services to contact you.

Neighborhood Marketing Allows You to Network With Other Local Businesses
You want to team up and network with other local businesses to increase your exposure and attract new customers. This is especially important and beneficial to your business if there’s no other business in the local area with products or services your business provides. You can ask a business to post a flier in their high traffic areas or on their door or window. As thanks to them, you can offer to do the same for them.

The Mountain States are eight separate states spread across the western part of the United States. In no particular order, they include:

Wyoming
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Nevada
Utah
Arizona
Colorado

Even though they are all grouped together under the moniker of “mountain state”, all of these states are vastly different. Even though they are all different, each state boasts some great fishing.

So whether you are heading out of state for vacation or staying local, be sure to channel your inner angler and head to one (or more!) or these fishing spots.

Missouri River, Montana
Let’s start as local as we can here! The Missouri River is regularly ranked as not only the top fly fishing location in Montana, but one of the best in the entire country. No matter what time of year you go, you’ll be found to catch something but the recommended time is between April and November.

Start your first fishing stories here with some of the biggest trout in the state.

Henry’s Lake State Park, Idaho
Although Idaho is mostly known for its potatoes, it doesn’t come up short on fantastic fishing spots. The state park is home to plenty of fish in a beautiful, picturesque lake.

The only downside is that the park is open for fishing from May to October. It is also neighbors with Yellowstone National Park, meaning you can catch all the fish you can before heading over to one of the country’s most famous natural areas.

Corn Lake, Colorado
Choosing a top fishing spot in Colorado is like choosing what to munch on first at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Corn Lake is located just outside of Grand Junction and shares proximity with other fishing spots, including the Colorado River.

If you’re traveling with children, Corn Lake is often rated as one of the top spots for beginning fishermen. Just remember to grab all your gear before you bounce from spot to spot.

Logan River, Utah
Logan River is a fantastic spot for beginners and veteran alike, as the river running through the northeast corner of Utah draws people in from all backgrounds. Here, you’re likely to find trout and till.

There are more than 30 miles to choose from along the river, meaning you’ll be able to find that perfect secluded spot and enjoy some relaxing fishing.

Boysen Reservoir, Wyoming
Even though Wyoming may be famous for having the smallest population in Wyoming, it is home to over 4,200 lakes. One of the best locations in Boysen Reservoir and is regularly known as one of the best walleye and trout fishing spots.

With over 76 miles of shoreline and a plethora of other activities, you may find yourself contributing to Wyoming’s small population when it’s all said and done!

Bluewater Lake State Park, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a rare catch, head to Bluewater Lake State Park. Here, you may be able to catch the tiger muskie. Originally introduced to control invasive species, the tiger muskie remains a tough catch.

The park is also a hotspot for ice fishing in the winter and an easily accessible park by car throughout the summer. So just in case you miss the summer months, don’t worry and bring a thick coat.

Lees Ferry, Arizona
Situated along the Colorado River, Lees Ferry is an ideal place for fly fishers looking to snare the big catch. Lees Ferry is also an ideal fishing location year round thanks to the Arizona climate.

The spot offers boat rentals if you want to get out further into the water or you can simply stay along the 13 miles of shoreline.

Sheep Creek Reservoir, Nevada
Escape the casinos and nightlife and head north to Sheep Creek Reservoir. Located on the border with Idaho, Sheep Creek is fairly isolated and is a hot spot for trout fishing.

Ideal for fly fishers and dry-baiters, the reservoir is known as the best spot in the area to catch smallmouth bass. There are also plenty of camping areas and docks, meaning you could be spending a few days here, trying to break the record for smallmouth bass set in 2010. An angler pulled one out that weighed nearly nine pounds!

There’s so much going on with the IT industry―updates here and advancements everywhere! Staying relevant, however, is no longer a matter of how well you did at school but rather how well you keep up with the trend. And you can do so by adding certifications into your profile.

But the main question is―what is the best certification at present if you’re a professional eyeing to strengthen a career in IT security? For most security experts, they would suggest to get CompTIA Security+ certified first before jumping into other security certifications.

If you want to know why CompTIA Security+, together with its corresponding SY0-501 exam, is a great way to reinforce your security career, here’s everything you need to know.  

Offered by a world-renowned IT company
Did you know that this global certification is offered by Prepaway CompTIA, a world-renowned IT association with an extensive number of IT certifications? That means passing SY0-501 exam shows your strength as a professional. CompTIA’s amazing reputation in the IT field has been going on for many years. They have been tagged as a reliable IT company with over 10 top-rated certifications for different professionals. And one of its most popular certifications is no other than CompTIA Security+.

Tagged as core security certification among many
The recognition of CompTIA Security+ isn’t something to question. Thousands of professionals can attest to its importance in the real-world setting. As a result, it has been considered as a notable security certification among those with working in IT administration, particularly in the security aspect. The reason for such distinction is that this foundational certification establishes a core understanding of different cybersecurity roles.

So, whether you are a system administrator, a security engineer, or a penetration tester, you will appreciate this credential because it features all the important security topics as well as cover top security practices.

Labeled as a badge of proficiency by most recruiters
One of the reasons why many professionals want to pass SY0-501 is that it gives them great leverage during job hunting. When applying for a job, you always want to stand out from the hundreds of applicants for just one position. And you can do so by having that icing on your cake―which is your certification. Once you successfully pass the certification exam, you won’t just be awarded with global validation but also recruitment recognition. Employers would always prioritize those who have showcased resiliency and proficiency through the completion of certification exams. Well, passing an exam isn’t as easy as you think. Hence, employers give what is due to this certification holders―and that is highlighting their application.

Now that you know the main reasons why CompTIA Security+ is a praise-worthy credential, it’s time to organize your plans for SY0-501 exam. Don’t worry―we’ll help you get through it with these amazing tips!

SY0-501 exam and everything in between
The first thing that you should know is that SY0-501 exam is a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. A total number of 90 questions must be completed within a span of 90 minutes or 1 hour and 30 minutes. That means you need to spend your time answering the question wisely because of the limited time frame. Plus, the performance-based questions are quite challenging as it assesses your skill in answering problems in a virtual environment―but not a live lab.

For you to pass the exam, you need to score at least 750 out of 100 to 900 scale. It might seem difficult to successfully ace the test, but of course, you can! There are many efficient tips and tricks to help you become more than 100% ready before the scheduled exam day. Here’s how.

Don’t underestimate even if this is just an entry-level certification
Some people would think that SY0-501 exam is just an easy test because it’s a foundational exam. But don’t take it too lightly because this exam is very important to give you core security understanding. So, make sure to focus on the exam topics, which include fundamental cybersecurity skills, penetration testing, network architecture concepts, vulnerability scanning topics, public key infrastructure, management controls, wireless security settings, identity services, and related topics. But there’s no need to worry because there’s a specific study guide provided by CompTIA for the exam, which is available in eBook or printed format. Plus, this study guide covers all exam objectives.

Avail of different learning resources
While books are still essential references when preparing for an exam, online training courses have been more advantageous to most professionals. It’s because these are very convenient, allowing you to train anywhere and anytime. Not only that, CompTIA has a designated E-learning content for Security+, which is loaded with training videos, flashcards, and practical practice tests. In addition to physical and online resources, enrolling in an interactive lab is highly recommended so that you will be showered with realistic training and substantial practical skills. This hands-on lab environment is offered by CompTIA CertMaster Labs.

Practice makes perfect!
Before you get to the real battle, answer as many practice tests as possible. This will surely help you enhance your skills, not just for Security+ exam but also in most cybersecurity jobs. One of the most reliable exam prep websites at present is PrepAway, which is a notable source of practice tests, training courses,audio guides, and more! Their collection of questions and answers are valid and always updated.

Conclusion
Be one of the few, highly regarded security professionals in the cybersecurity field with the help of CompTIA Security+. But of course, you should first pass its core test - SY0-501 exam. So, bring into reality your professional goals and start planning for the exam!

A recent Montana State University graduate who won a student competition to install art in the new Norm Asbjornson Hall will debut his work at a public reception set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, on the first floor of the building.
 
Holden Roberts’ “The Human Collective,” a multimedia installation of painting, video and sculpture, will be displayed for three years on all three floors of Asbjornson Hall. Roberts, who graduated in May from the School of Art in the College of Arts and Architecture, was the winner of the MSU Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering’s Asbjornson Hall Student Art Contest. The engineering college and MSU Honors College are both housed in the building, which opened in December.

 
“It has been a wonderful journey to see Holden Roberts’ original proposal come to life in the building,” said Rob Maher, the MSU engineering professor who coordinated the eight-member selection committee composed of representatives from both the engineering college and the College of Arts and Architecture. “I really admire his ability to craft each and every element of the artwork, tying together the three panels in the heart of the building.”

 
As the winner of the competition Roberts won $30,000 to cover costs of the three 10-by-20-foot installations and an additional honorarium of $7,000.
 
Roberts has been working on the installation since he learned he won the competition in March. Maher said 16 contest submissions were narrowed down to four finalists. The committee sought work that was “innovative and captivating, utilizing the three separate spaces in an effective, coherent and compelling manner.” Roberts was “the unanimous choice,” Maher said.

 
Roberts’ core idea for the piece, which was his senior thesis, was installed in March on the third floor of the hall. It is composed of 120 small color block acrylic paintings – six rows of 20 paintings -- inspired by pedestrians on MSU’s Centennial Mall. Each pedestrian is represented in a painting by the colors of their clothing.

 
The idea is amplified by more recently completed installations on the lower floors. The second-floor piece includes a short, motion-activated video loop, which Roberts also shot, of four students standing on MSU’s Centennial Mall. Students randomly walk through the four posed students in the video. The colors worn by the students in the video are represented by color block paintings. Also, a pair of portraits attached to wooden chains mounted to the right of the video alternate as the chains rotate. Roberts said the installation, was inspired by the paintings of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and the films of Wes Anderson.

 
The first-floor installation is like the second except the video shows students maneuvering through a large rock field in Hyalite Canyon. Roberts hand-cut the pieces of the wooden chain on the first floor, which is also slightly larger than the similar operation on the second floor.
 
Roberts said that the works are inspired by the relationship between two- and three-dimensional space as well as the connection between people and space.
 
“They are a snapshot of time and space, as represented through color,” he said.
 
Roberts said that when he was growing up in Whitefish, he thought he would study architecture at MSU. But he changed his mind when he enrolled in an Honors seminar called “Radical Creativity” that was collaboratively taught by art professor Sara Mast, former MSU physics professor Nico Yunes and Jessica Jellison, a Bozeman architect and instructor in the School of Architecture. The class, a mix of art and science, was “a huge step forward in deciding where I wanted to go” with a career, he said.

 
Maher said Roberts’ work is an excellent example of the student art wall concept he proposed to Brett Gunnink, dean of the engineering college, in 2018.
 
“The idea was to have some aesthetic aspects of Asbjornson Hall be permanent, such as the artwork in the Montana Room and elsewhere in the building, while other aspects would change over time, just like the progression of students, faculty, and staff,” Maher said. He said there will be another call for proposals in about two years for a project to replace Roberts’ work in 2022.

 
In addition to Roberts' installations, several other pieces of art have been permanently installed in Asbjornson Hall, and additional artistic works are under consideration, Maher said. Hanging in the Montana Room, a large meeting room on the third floor next to the Honors College, is a 5-by-8-foot oil painting by artist Paul Waldum, “Spring Along Knox Ridge Road - Missouri River,” which depicts the stretch of river near Asbjornson’s hometown of Winifred.

 
“Unbeknownst to Mr. Waldum, Norm Asbjornson surveyed the landscape as a teenager and immediately recognized the landscape with great fondness,” said Ilse-Mari Lee, dean of the Honors College.
 
Waldum is an MSU graduate and Honors College instructor whose work has appeared in galleries and shows throughout the country. Lee said Waldum gifted the painting to MSU. His two children are both currently MSU undergraduate students.
 
Also installed in the Montana Room is a large, illuminated bronze relief Montana map by Bozeman sculptor Mitch Billis. Billis’ work has been displayed in galleries throughout the world, and his father, Mitch Sr., was a math professor at MSU. The hand-crafted conference table in the Montana Room was donated by Martel Construction, contractors for Asbjornson Hall. And, a bronze bobcat, a smaller version of bobcat statue on Alumni Plaza, north of Montana Hall, also is installed in the Montana Room.  The sculpture was created by artist and storyteller Bob Stayton, a 1951 graduate of Montana State, with the casting provided by Jack Muir, a 1970 graduate.

 
After Thursday’s reception, which is free and open to the public, Roberts said he and his girlfriend plan to travel the country before they enroll in graduate school. He hopes similar installations will be in his future.
 
“This is my dream of what I want to do,” Roberts said.

SLAM, (Support Local Artists and Musicians), is proud to present the 5th Annual Sip&SLAM Tour. This is another fun event hosted by SLAM celebrating our talented Montana artists and musicians!

Throughout the months of September and October, MT libation-making locations around Bozeman will host the artistic creations of a SLAM artist. At each of the participating locations, you can pick up a tour card listing all the locations, artists and special Give Nights. Bring this card with you when you visit the locations any time throughout September & October and get your card stamped by the bartender. If you visit all the fabulous host locations on the tour during these months, you can submit your completed card to be entered into a drawing for a special grand prize! Just simply leave it at your last stop where it was completed. Additionally, each location will be generously hosting a special Give Night when they will be donating a portion of their sales to SLAM!

Sip&SLAM is a great way to sample the fantastic craft libations made right here in Bozeman, appreciate and buy art from local Montana talent, listen to live music, and support SLAM at the same time!  All the artwork on display will be available for purchase from the Artist, with a percentage going back to support SLAM.  

Don’t miss these fun opportunities to Sip&SLAM buy art, drink art and help us keep SLAMmin’ during 2019 CHEERS!!

The following locations, artists, musicians and special Give Nights are part of the 2019 Sip&SLAM Tour

OUTLAW BREWING - 2876 N. 27th
Artist: Sarah Medeiros
Give Night: Monday, September 16th with Musician: Rob Lethert

BUNKHOUSE BREWERY - 1216 W. Lincoln Street
Artist: Zach Hoffman 
Give Night: Wednesday, September 18th with Musician: Peter Green

BRIDGER BREWING - 1609 S. 11th Avenue
Artist: Andrew Guttenberg
Give Night: Monday, September 23rd with Musician: Clint Anderson

MAP BREWING COMPANY - 510 Manley Road
Artist: Liz Chappie Zoller
Give Night: Monday, September 30th with Musician: Marcie Lovegren

VALHALLA MEADERY - 875 Bridger Drive Artist: Brenda Stredwick
Give Night: Tuesday, October 1stwith Musician: Tom Cook

BOZEMAN BREWING COMPANY - 504 N. Broadway Avenue
Artist: Scott Wheeler
Give Night: Sunday, October 6th

MOUNTAINS WALKING BREWERY - 422 N. Plum Avenue 
Artist: Bryan MackieGive Night: Monday, October 14thwith Musician: Neil Filo Beddow 

UNION HALL BREWERY & BOZEMAN SPIRITS - 121 W. Main Street
Artist: Matt Long
Give Night: Wednesday, October 23rdwith Musician: Steve Squared

The studios of KGLT are tucked into the third floor of Montana State University’s Strand Union Building, but the station’s growing reach extends well beyond campus.

In the last few years, the station brought in new listeners in the Big Timber area and strengthened its signal around Helena. This summer, the station expanded to Big Sky.

“At KGLT, we’re primarily focused on delivering this alternative, free-format radio to our listeners,” said KGLT General Manager Craig Clark. “We want to provide as much access as possible.”

A new translator in Big Sky has been on the station’s wish list for years. Service in the area was spotty and depended on how the main signal broadcasting from near Logan bounced through Gallatin Canyon. But at the end of July, KGLT installed the new translator on Andesite Mountain, near the top of Big Sky Resort’s Ramcharger and Thunder Wolf lifts. The 20-watt translator broadcasts, like the main KGLT transmitter, at 91.9 FM. The signal is fed over the internet to a facility at the top of the mountain, where it is translated into radio waves that cover Big Sky Town Center and Meadow Village.

Clark said an informal car radio test of the new signal showed drastically improved reception. And though mountainous topography still cuts off the signal in some areas, Clark said he was satisfied the translator would open up a new community of listeners.

“We’re providing more opportunities for people to listen wherever they go in the Gallatin County and eager to make connections in the Big Sky community,” he said.

KGLT has been working to acquire a translator in the area for about a year and a half, spearheaded by former station manager Ellen King-Rogers. Aside from the costs of equipment, frequencies are only available by license through the Federal Communications Commission and infrequently. The station was able to secure a license, then applied for a permit to change the frequency to 91.9 FM.

“It’s rare to have a translator at the same frequency,” Clark said, adding that it will help create seamless listening for those commuting between Big Sky and Bozeman.

Ron Craighead, marketing and underwriting director for the station, sees potential for creating greater connection between Bozeman and Big Sky over the airwaves. He and Clark are looking into partnerships with existing underwriters in Big Sky as well as ways to represent area nonprofit organizations through the station’s public service announcements.

“We’re just excited to welcome Big Sky into the KGLT family and look forward to serving the Big Sky community,” Craighead said.

KGLT began as a student station in 1968 and is still a program of the Associated Students of Montana State University. The station’s DJs include students, faculty and staff of the university as well as community members. Students also fill roles in production and support staff, such as the chief announcer and assistant music director.

“ASMSU is proud to support KGLT, our community radio station,” said Sophia Elias, ASMSU vice president. “We're thrilled the new translator will help reach Bobcats all across the Big Sky.”

The station broadcasts at 91.9 FM and 97.1 FM in Bozeman; 91.9 FM in Big Sky; 89.1 FM in Helena; 89.5 FM in Livingston; 107.1 FM in Gardiner; 90.5 FM in Big Timber and online at kglt.net.

Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) is proud to announce the promotion of Lee Dingman to the position of President and Chief Commercial Officer. Lee commenced his new duties on August 1st, leading the commercial team towards business goals and objectives.

Lee Dingman has been a fundamental team leader since AVT was established back in 2015. Lee’s strength in sales and strategy has supported business growth and development. In his new role, Lee will direct commercial strategy, leading the global Sales and Marketing Department. Lee joined Ascent Vision after a successful career in the medical industry. Prior to this, Lee served 9 years of military service as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. Lee is a combat veteran of the Iraq War and a 2000 Graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point.

CEO at AVT, Tim Sheehy, said “I am delighted to announce Lee Dingman as President and CCO of AVT. Lee has been an instrumental member of the leadership team at Ascent Vision since its founding in 2015 and he continues to lead the team into exciting new growth markets.”

About Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT)
AVT specializes in innovative systems for counter UAS; air defense; ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance); and target acquisition for the defense and aerospace industry. AVT is a world-leading provider of CUAS solutions. The X-MADIS, eXpeditionary Mobile Air Defense Integrated System, is a proven fully integrated solution that detects, locates, tracks, identifies and defeats sUAS for fixed site and on-the-move mission. AVT designs and manufactures high-performance, multi sensor, gyro-stabilized imaging systems for airborne, ground and maritime domains, which are fielded in over 50 countries.

Find out more about AVT by visiting www.ascentvision.com.

After launching their search earlier this year, having received over 200 applicants for the position of Music Director, the Bozeman Symphony has selected six finalists to be featured throughout their upcoming 2019-2020 concert season. Finalists were identified by a search committee using a process that included reviews of materials, interviews, and additional research. The organization’s Board of Directors will host the finalists over a span of two weeks as each finalist participates in guest conducting rehearsals and performances, along with scheduled activities to include meetings with the orchestra, choir, administrative staff, Board of Directors, donors, community partners, media, Montana State University and the public schools. Music Director finalists will participate in the season’s programming as they present a “conductor’s choice” highlighted at each concert series performance held at Willson Auditorium. The list of finalists along with their scheduled performance dates and a short biography follows. 


Stefan Sanders: September 28 & 29, 2019
Stefan Sanders, conductor and arts advocate, cultivates cultures of artistic excellence, sustained growth and development, and meaningful engagement within the communities he is fortunate to serve. This year, Stefan embarks on his seventh season as Music Director for the Central Texas Philharmonic, his third season as Music Director for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina, and his second season as Music Director for the Spartanburg Philharmonic in South Carolina. Stefan has several upcoming guest conducting engagements including several weeks as the cover/assistant conductor for the New York Philharmonic. In 2016, Stefan was a featured conductor for the League of American Orchestras “Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview.” The prestigious conductor showcase is designed to feature talented young conductors poised for music directorships with American Orchestras. Prior to his conducting career, Stefan was an internationally renowned trombonist. Website: http://www.stefansanders.net/



Andrew Crust: October 26 & 27, 2019
Andrew Crust is the newly-appointed Assistant Conductor of the Vancouver Symphony, starting in the 19/20 season, where he will conduct the VSO in a variety of concert series each season.Previously Assistant Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Crust conducted over 35 performances each season. Recent positions include Assistant Conductor of the Portland Symphony, Cover Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony and Nashville Symphony, Assistant Conductor of the Boulder Philharmonic, and Assistant Conductor of Opera McGill. In 2017-18 Mr. Crust served as Assistant Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA with Michael Tilson-Thomas, Marin Alsop and Giancarlo Guerrero. Recent invitations include concerts in Hartford, Winnipeg, New Orleans, Lima, Bozeman and others. International invitations include l'Orchestra Giovanile Italiana, the Hamburger Symphoniker, the Moravian Philharmonic, the Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile and others. In 17/18 he was awarded first prize at the Accademia Chigiana by Daniele Gatti.Website: https://andrewcrust.com/



Norman Huynh: December 14 & 15, 2019
Norman Huynh is currently the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Associate Conductor of the Oregon Symphony. Now in his third season, he is responsible for conducting an array of concerts including classical subscription, film, education, family and specials. This season, Norman makes his debut with the Rochester Philharmonic, Grant Park Music Festival, Omaha Symphony, and a reengagement with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Norman has served as a cover conductor for the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics. Prior to Oregon, Norman was the Assistant Conductor for the Portland Symphony Orchestra in Maine from 2013-2016. Norman is a graduate of the prestigious Aspen Music Festival and School studying under the tutelage of Robert Spano. One of Norman’s greatest passions is educating the next generation of musicians and music lovers. With an extensive background in music education, he develops youth concerts to provide a tailored and meaningful experience for concertgoers of all ages. His performances have been nationally broadcasted on American Public Media's Performance Today. Norman studied orchestral conducting at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University working with Gustav Meier, Markand Thakar, and Marin Alsop.Website: http://normanhuynhconductor.com/



Wesley Schulz: January 25 & 26, 2020
Wesley Schulz, in his first two seasons with the North Carolina Symphony conducted 150 performances. This included a last-minute Masterworks debut conducting Bernstein’s Serenade with violinist Philippe Quint as well as the entire ballet score to Bernstein’s Fancy Free and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. As the main conductor of the Symphony’s Pops series, Schulz has collaborated with Pink Martini, Cirque de la Symphonie, Broadway By Request, Leslie Odom Jr., Michael Cavanaugh and more. In addition, Schulz leads dozens of performances in the Young People’s Concerts, SummerFest, Holiday and Education series. Schulz just completed his first season as Music Director of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra; one of the Pacific Northwest’s best regional orchestras. In their first year together, they presented works by Brahms, Anna Clyne, Respighi, Kevin Puts, Rachmaninoff and more. From 2014-2015 Schulz served as Conducting Fellow of the Seattle Symphony. Schulz graduated magna cum laude with Bachelor degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education from Ball State University and Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin. When not on the podium, Schulz can be seen running the streets of your city or playing endless fetch with his two dogs, Chewbacca and Han Solo. Website: http://www.wesleyschulz.com/



Thomas Heuser: March 7 & 8, 2020
American conductor Thomas Heuser has been widely recognized for his stirring leadership and energetic presence both onstage and in the community. Currently he serves as Music Director of the Idaho Falls Symphony in Idaho Falls, Idaho, as well as the San Juan Symphony, an innovative regional orchestra based in Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico, that serves the Four Corners. Thomas lives in scenic Durango with his wife, violinist Lauren Avery, and their son Theodore. Dr. Heuser was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for Orchestral Conducting in Germany while serving as a Conducting Fellow with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Moving from Munich to San Francisco, Thomas enjoyed three seasons as the Principal Guest Conductor of the San Francisco Academy Orchestra, working alongside members of the San Francisco Symphony. The son of two molecular biologists at Washington University in St. Louis, Thomas began violin lessons at an early age and studied piano at the St. Louis Symphony Music School. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College and within two years had earned his Masters in Instrumental Conducting (MM) from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Website: http://www.thomasheuser.com/Welcome.html



Janna Hymes: May 2 & 3, 2020
Versatility, passion and innovation are the hallmarks of American conductor Janna Hymes. Renowned for her inspiring performances, musical depth and energetic presence both on and off the podium, she has developed a reputation as an exciting, detailed communicator. Ms. Hymes is Music Director of Indiana’s Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 2017.  A popular guest conductor, Hymes continues to expand her relationships with orchestras nationwide. In May 2019 Ms. Hymes stepped down from her post as Music Director of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (VA). During her tenure, she led the orchestra on its first international tour at the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts and introduced several performance and education initiatives that are now part of the orchestra's season. Born in New York City, Janna Hymes is a Fulbright scholar, recipient of a 1999 Geraldine C. and Emory M. Ford Foundation Grant, and a prizewinner of the 1998 International Conducting Competition in Besancon, France. She studied under such prominent conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Meier, Otto Werner-Mueller and Gunther Schuller, and holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. She also studied at the Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival, the Festival at Sandpoint (ID), and the Conductor’s Guild Institute. Website: https://jannahymes.com/

The Music Director selection process will provide the opportunity for the community to participate in a landmark event for the Bozeman Symphony. A new Music Director will be appointed in 2020 at the conclusion of the Symphony’s concert season. Information about the search will be updated regularly on the Symphony’s website, www.bozemansymphony.org. For more information, contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585-9774 or emily@bozemansymphony.org.