The Crown of the Continent Choir will close out its 13th season at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on April 27, with a reception and silent auction at 3 p.m., followed by the choir’s finale concert at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

The Kalispell-based choir is made up of community members of varied ages, musical backgrounds and life experiences who sing free of charge at many community activities and fundraising events. 

All proceeds from audience donations go to nonprofits and causes like Kalispell Samaritan House, Creston Mountain View Mennonite Church and Sparrow’s Nest. 

The group gave a free performance at the St. Ignatius Mission last month which raised $1,200 for the mission. 

When Choir Director Craig Thomas Naylor asked Eunhwa Park to be the accompanist for the choir this season, Park said she needed to check her schedule, but she knew in her heart she would say yes. 

“One big reason is because I know Craig,” she said. “He was my music theory teacher at FVCC, and I trust him, not only as a musician, but as a person.” 

Working with Naylor was not the only part of the job Eunhwa found appealing. The choice of music was also a big draw. 

“I loved the variety of styles and the messages they carried: peace, togetherness, liberty, compassion and the beauty of nature,” Park said. “I wanted to help bring that music to life with like-minded people.” 

The Whitefish audience can look forward to a piece composed by Naylor called “River Spirit.” It includes the recitation of poems written by choir members. 

"The piece is inspired by nature, with each movement composed in a distinct style, full of rich harmonies and playful rhythms,” Park said. "It’s a lot of fun to play on the piano, too, though it was the most challenging piece for us to learn and bring together.” 

Park grew up in Seoul, Korea, and worked in global IT before moving to Kalispell in 2012 with her Montana-born husband and two children. 

She found adjusting to the quiet, calm lifestyle in the Flathead Valley difficult. After some reflection, she reconnected with playing the piano, something she had loved as a child.  

“Returning to piano here in Montana brought a different kind of joy -- it gave me comfort,” she said. “It helped me endure the loneliness of being far from home.” 

She took lessons and her skills grew. Park remembers the excitement she felt when mastering simple melodies.  

“In time, I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “I decided to return to school and study music more seriously. Now I teach, perform and share the joy of music with others.” 

Park earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music studies with a piano emphasis and a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Montana. She earned her Nationally Certified Teacher of Music accreditation in piano last year. 

She is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Humanities Division at Flathead Valley Community College where she teaches piano and collaborates with faculty and guest artists for ensemble performances. She also accompanies faculty soloists and the choral ensemble at FVCC. 

“Montana gave me room to rediscover myself and step into an unexpected path I might never have found otherwise,” Park said, then revealed other aspects of the valley she enjoys. “For fun, I like golf, enjoy light hikes with good company and love going on walks with my dog.” 

    The Crown of the Continent Choir performed a free concert at the St. Ignatius Mission and raised $1,200 which they donated to the mission. (Photo provided)