About Us

Ron Bond - Director

Whether he was performing in his high school show choir, church choirs, or teaching music to children and adults alike, Ron Bond has been sharing his love of music for most of his life.

The Columbia Falls Community Choir was founded by Ron Bond with the loving support of his wife, Mary, around 1970. He has directed the choir, or sung in it, since then.

The approximately 100 voice choir draws all types of people from across the valley, from Kalispell, Whitefish, Olney and West Glacier and many points in between. They practice for a couple of hours every Sunday from January into April, with additional practices on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Mr. Bond starts as early as a year in advance, sifting through libraries of music trying to choose a variety of songs for an unknown grouping of voices.

All the other details, such as organizing sheet music, putting together an annual family chili feed, contacting sponsors, putting together a reception, and arranging for the choir to perform post-concert at local retirement facilities, are tackled by the choir's administrative committee.

In exchange for all the hard work, the choir peforms its music to a community invited audience at the Little Theatre in Columbia Falls. In addition, they perform at several nursing homes in the days that follow their concert. They also participate in the Columbia Falls Lions Club summer concert series held at Marantette Park, usually in August.

Penni Chisholm - Accompanist

Penni Chisholm attended high school in Columbia Falls. Ron Bond was very influential in her life as he was one of the people who taught her how to play the piano. They also did piano duets together. She was the pianist for the high school’s jazz band, the Columbians.

Penni attended college at the University of Montana and played with their jazz band.

Penni currently teaches at the Junior Music Academy with lessons for various instruments and voice. She is also the substitute pianist for the Don Lawrence Orchestra here in the Flathead Valley.

Penni is married to Dean Chisholm and they have three children.