Rob Quist, Don Collins, Don MacDonald and Gary Funk met while students at The University of Montana in 1966. They formed a folk group called The New Big Sky Singers that became quite popular at UM and in western Montana. The ensemble has gotten together in Montana for reunions almost every summer for the past 14 years often touring the western part of the State.

Since the active days of the NBSS, Rob Quist has continued to perform, compose and tour with a number of groups including the Mission Mountain Wood Band, The Montana Band and Great Northern. He has released 15 CD’s and shared the stage with people such as Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton and Jay Leno, to name a few. Because of his remarkable career, Rob was one of the first inductees into The University of Montana’s College of Fine Art’s “Hall of Honors”.  Rob is originally from Cut Bank, Montana.

Don Collins was also inducted into UM’s “Hall of Honors” for his distinctive career as an opera singer, actor and most recently, as Director of Development for the Missoula Children’s Theater which he founded with Jim Caron. Don has a passion for the theater and what it can do for children in establishing confidence in themselves. A fine actor with a beautiful baritone voice, he performed as a guest artist at the St. Timothy Festival in 2008. Don is originally from Missoula.

Don MacDonald is the driving force behind the NBSS.  His love of music and his passion for playing the guitar has kept the group together during all of these years. A graduate of UM’s School of Law, he has had a distinguished law career in both Missoula and Anchorage, Alaska. Born in Alaska, Don graduated from Sentinel High School in Missoula.

Gary Funk is currently serving in his 14th year as the Director of Choral Activities at his alma mater, The University of Montana. He has composed and arranged many pieces for choir, co-authored a book on the status of higher education, written many articles about the arts and education and is currently working on a book with co-author Robert Hoyem titled: “The Great Secret to Singing: the Life and Teaching of John Lester”. In addition to his work at UM, he has conducted the Butte Symphony Chorale for seven seasons. Gary was born in Missoula.