University Communications and Marketing

September 24, 2009

Contacts:

Department of Music, 657-2350
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Katie Ellis, a piano performance major at Montana State University Billings, will be presenting her Junior Recital on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Cisel Recital Hall on the MSU Billings main campus. The recital is free and open to the public.

Ellis comes from a large family of six brothers and sisters and is the daughter of Jerry and Kathy Ellis of Billings. She began her college education at age 15, through the University Connections Program under the tutelage of MSU Billings professor Dorothea Cromley. The University Connections Program provides high school students with access to college courses for $100 a credit and gives them a jump start on their college career.

She has performed piano solos at numerous student recitals, church and community events, weddings and other functions throughout the community. Her former teachers include Trudy Poirier, Charlene Waddingham and In-Sun Lee. Ellis also teaches private piano lessons with a studio of 12 students. She is involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at MSU Billings as a musician and a student leader. She has also been on the dean’s list throughout her college career.

Her love and passion for music is best expressed by J.S Bach: “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Katie will be performing works by Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Liszt, Bartok and MacDowell at her recital.

For more information or to find out more about the MSU Billings music programs, contact the Department of Music at 657-2350. To find out more about the University Connections Program, contact the Office of New Student Services at 657-2888.