Sylvia Wood has accompanied the Missoula Community Chorus for the past three years….while she pursued her studies in composition at the University of Montana.

We are so happy that we can participate in her Master’s Recital—and we are honored to sing Slyvia’s composition “Purple Balloons”.

“Purple Balloons” was commissioned by Sing Me a Story Foundation for Loyola Sacred Heart Choirs. It premiered on December 25, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier.

The song was inspired by Everly who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. After several months in the hospital she won her battle against it.

Her story celebrates her resilient spirt and close-knit family as they made the most of the holidays that they celebrated together in the hospital.

Other performers featured in the recital are Bodily, Fink, Machek, Kirby, Boehm, Berg, Cavanaugh, Kirkpatrick, Folkerts, Brischli, Collins, Harrington, Grotbo, Mickolio, Abelin, Bouchard, Garrick Tse, and Reno.