Support of Arts Education
Jerry Shively

Jerry Shively was born and raised in Idaho Falls and thought, like many young men in the 1950s, he would grow up to be an engineer. While studying to achieve that goal at the University of Idaho, he played piano at a college Christmas party and one of his professors kindly suggested that perhaps Jerry should drop engineering and study music!

Jerry listened to that teacher's good advice and got his Masters in Music Education. He spent the next twenty-two years teaching music to Idaho Falls Junior and Senior High School Students.

In the 1980s, Jerry was offered the position of Music Coordinator of the Idaho Falls School System where he served for sixteen years until his retirement last year.

His devotion to music education extends far beyond the traditional classroom.

Mr. Shively has served as President of the Idaho Falls Arts Council and on the boards of the Idaho Falls Symphony. . . . Opera Theatre. . . and Community Concerts.

He is currently representing Idaho on the Arts Northwest Board and is President of the Idaho Falls Rotary.

Mr. Shively's talents are multi-disciplinary. He directed a Barbershop Chorus, played the tuba for the Idaho Falls Symphony, sang in the Symphony Chorale, and directed the Idaho Falls Opera Chorus.

He has already been honored with the Idaho Music Educator of the Year Award and the Idaho Falls Arts Council Ð Arts Award. We are pleased to add yet another honor to his resume.

Click here to watch RealVideo of Governor Dirk Kempthorne recognizing Mr. Jerry Shively with the Governor's Award for Arts Education.