What is music? Well, according to Noah Webster & Co., it is “the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity”. But, in reality, we all know that music means so much more than that. Music has the power to lift a person up when they are feeling blue, or to unveil emotions and responses that a listener never even thought possible. Music has the ability to tell stories, and often in a way that is more memorable than other forms of media. Perhaps most importantly, music can bring people together.

This spring, the Northwest Montana History Museum will attempt to do all of these things and more with the Museum's latest exhibition, titled Making Music: Hitting the High Notes with Music and Artists from Big Sky Country. The gallery will be arranged like a classic parlor, evoking memories of a simpler time, and features such artifacts as a Victrola Cabinet phonograph and a stand-up player piano. Music and compositions from Northwest Montana will, of course, be of special emphasis. This exhibit also features and displays several autoharps from the private collection of Marion’s Bill Bryant, one of the finest autoharp players in the world.

This fine exhibition is slated to open on Monday, April 19, from 5 - 8pm. Admission to the Museum will be free and beverages will be available. For an extra special treat, Bill Bryant has been good enough to demonstrate a few selections on his autoharps LIVE at 6pm during the reception! Making Music will be on display through the entirety of 2021, but you only have one chance to see Bill Bryant live and in person on April 19th