WILLI PRINCE

Band Teacher/Conductor

Willi Prince grew up in Florence Montana.   She graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's in Music Education and later returned to receive her Masters in Integrated Arts.  In her time at UM, she was the assistant director of the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, and performed in numerous ensembles.  Willi started her teaching carreer as the choir director in Absarokee Mt for one year and then moved to Corvallis Mt, where she taught band for 12 years. After receiving a $25,000 Steele Reese Foundation grant and a $12,000 Corvallis Schools Foundation grant, she purchased new rental instruments for Corvallis School District.  Willi founded the Virginia Vinal Womens Jazz Festival and the Virginia Vinal Womens Swing Orchestra and co-conducts the Bitterroot Community Band in the summer.  Her family consists of her husband Robert, daughter Eliza, and a small barnyard of animals.  Painting, ceramics, horseback riding, and playing saxophone are some of her hobbies.