The Leadership Team

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  About Maria:

  a Montana native, classical guitar teacher, songwriter, founder of her band Why We Came West (WWCW) and advocate for those hoping to find their voice. She believes in creating an organization that not only lasts, but helps to create a sustainable and nurturing environment for musicians looking to thrive in Missoula. She is passionate about helping others see their gifts and uplifting those around her. Her project, WWCW consists of songs that she has written over her years living in Missoula and spread messages of self-love, overcoming trials, the beauty and importance of the wild, and the power of intention. As a teacher to 5-14 year olds, she sees the importance of boosting our youth through the arts, positivity, and a sense of belonging. When she is not immersed in music, you can find her wandering trails with her two dogs, Tidus and Pollux.

• About Anthony:

  a Madison, WI native, received his bachelor's from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He was the founder of the collegiate a cappella group, 7 Days, along with serving as the vocal percussionist of the nationally touring act, (Mike Droho) Compass Rose. He has written and produced musicals and plays, released 6 solo studio albums, has appeared in a variety of educational and independent films, radio dramas, live events, and has also served as the creator and host of Songwriters Circles in Seattle and Missoula. Anthony has shared life experiences through his writings, music videos, and community events and projects. Anthony also has a passion for helping kids reach their full potential with work through local schools or other private and non-profit organizations and programs. Anthony is the winner of more than a half dozen of the Madison's MAMA Awards and a past nominee for Song of the Year at the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards. Anthony is happily married to his wife, Bonnie, and enjoying his role of being a father.

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  About Callie:

  Callie Morris grew up in Kalispell, Montana and was influenced musically by her father (Gary Morris), her voice teacher (Marcia Siblerud), and her high school choir director (Kevin Allen-Schmid). She is a recent graduate from the University of Montana with a degree in Music and a certificate in Entertainment Management. She is involved musically with a Missoula based non-profit choir, Dolce Canto. In addition she is creating her own musical project with Dylan Dwyer called Secondhand Shenanigans and singing with Why We Came West. You can usually find Callie at many Missoula music events such as local shows, Songwriter's Circle of Missoula, or managing the box-office for Big Sky Brewery shows. She feels passionately about music and more specifically the local music communities that feed into our larger musical ecosystem.

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  About Jack:

  Jack is a soon to be graduate from the University of Montana with a BFA in Media Arts and a focus in Digital Arts and Technologies. Landing her dream role as the Brand Ambassador for MAMA, Jack gets to let the creative and logical pieces of her brain mingle together with web, graphic and merch design. While Jack isn't musically talented herself, she appreciates and admires those around her who are, and is pleased beyond belief that she found an ability to contribute to the Missoula music community in her own way. Outside of being a part of the leadership team for MAMA and slinging coffee at Copper Mountain, Jack interns at Gecko Designs to further develop her knowledge base. You may have seen some of her work as she designed the new logo for Wolf and The Moons, created all of the content on this website, and is currently working on the websites for local band "Why We Came West" and local artist "Anthony Lamar(r)".

• About Natalie:

  At a young age, Natalie, growing up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, had a strong appreciation for music. As she grew older, her love for music grew even more as she discovered new genres and artists. When coming to the University of Montana, she was eager to be apart of the college radio station in town, KBGA College Radio, and wanted to share her love for music with others around her. After being trained as a DJ for the station, and volunteering for the non-profit, she was later hired to be apart of the student run staff where she now holds the position of Program Director. While at the station, Natalie was able to experience the Missoula music scene head on and sat down with some of the musicians within this growing scene. In the past few years her love for music along with strong connections she has made with artists has lead her to MAMA, where student representative for the University of Montana. As a student rep, Natalie hopes to help the music scene she loves in ways that will impact it positively for years to come.

• About Aeriel:

  Aeriel moved to Missoula from eastern Montana in 2016. She grew up watching more music videos than movies or TV as a family pastime, instilling a love of music at an early age. She expanded on her interest in music by playing trombone in her middle and high school. This is an interest she would continue with, becoming a member of the University of Montana Grizzly Marching and Pep bands for three years. Aeriel currently studies marketing at the University of Montana, and intends to graduate in 2020 with a media arts minor and a certificate in entertainment management. She hopes to use these for a career in music marketing or artist management after graduation. Along with the marching band and now MAMA, Aeriel has spent the last couple of years working with Lakebottom Sound, #WomenCrush Music, KFGM Ballroom sessions, and Switchback Records - the university’s student record label where she’s serving as the director of both marketing and A and R. She looks forward to serving the Missoula and UM music communities.

JJoin our emailing list to be a part of the MAMA team! Here we will send you updates, news and key events! Our website is open to all through the end of the year. Come January 1st, 2020 you will have to be a member (sign up through email) to access all of the opportunities our website will provide. Website design by Jackelyn Stob.