The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Congratulations to the choir of Big Sandy for being chosen to represent the small towns in Montana on PBS, national television. What a fantastic group of students and teachers we have!

Amanda Robertson said, “The students in Big Sandy have been great to work with, and I am so excited that the choir has the opportunity to perform and record for PBS. I’m not sure what the nomination process was or who nominated the choir, but the students should be very proud to represent our town of Big Sandy and our state of Montana. There’s a lot of talent in the music program and a great group of upperclassmen to help lead the younger kids. The unique thing about small-town choirs is that you’ve got a wide range of kids and voices because there are grades 7-12 together. It’s challenging to get their voices to blend and to choose appropriate music for all vocal ranges. These kids prove year after year that with hard work (and constant reminders about vowels, consonants, and blending) that they are up for any challenge you throw their way. I am very excited that these kids have this amazing opportunity to record a couple of songs for PBS, and I am very proud of what they have accomplished the past several years. I will be joining the choir and Mr. Bond in Bozeman when they go to record in January. I want to thank Mr. Bond for asking me to come along to be a part of the group.”

Amanda had had quite an impact on the students here as the music teacher before, TJ Bond, she decided to stay home and raise her child. They all look up to her and admire her very much. She grew up in a town called Huntington, Indiana, and has taught music since 2011; she taught in Big Sandy for four years now.

After talking with TJ, I realized how excited and proud he is of his students. This is his first-year teaching in Big Sandy, but music has always been a huge part of his life. He says his Christian faith is integral to the person he is now. He taught music and American sign language and music in Michigan through homeschool partnerships.

He says,” This is a wonderful opportunity for the students, and I am greatly looking forward to helping the students showcase their best talent, along with representing Big Sandy with pride! This is a wonderful opportunity for the students, and I am greatly looking forward to helping the students showcase their best talent, along with representing Big Sandy with pride!”

Wish our choir luck when they leave for Bozeman in January to record for PBS!