At Montana Tech in Butte, school leaders have been looking for a way to bridge the gap between students and the surrounding community.

“This isn't just a good class for Tech students, this is going to be good music and that's something I really want to emphasize,”

That's one of the many reasons why the school is expanding its new music program.

“It gives the chance for both the college and the community to get involved in that and build something really strong,”

And now the community is invited to sing with the school's choir.

“It's a combination of community members that are going to be here at Montana Tech as well as the students here at Montana Tech,”

The school is hosting auditions in late August and anyone with a basic music background is welcome to try out.

Additionally, organizers said that the music program will give students more academic options, allowing them to use music to earn credits toward their degree.

“Music plays into science and engineering and all of that in so many ways, it's structured, you know, it's something that is mathematically based and lots of really good scientists and lots of really good engineers make good musicians,”

Auditions are scheduled for August 27th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the auditorium located on Montana Tech's campus.