Carol Huck loves a challenge.

After graduating from North Dakota State University in 1981 with a degree in music education with emphasis in piano, the Mandan pianist has filled her life with music while raising three children with her husband, Don.

After spending four years away from music early in her career to be a stay-at-home mom, Huck returned as an accompanist for Bismarck and Mandan junior and senior high schools choirs.

"I did a lot of running around," Huck said. "It was very hectic, but it was fun."

In addition to her busy daytime schedule, Huck privately instructed 20-25 students a week at night, as well as playing for years with the Tuesday Night Big Band, a local swing and big band. She also sang 17 years with the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus.

After 16 years, Huck left the school system and cut her private instructions to a single student in 2002. The Bismarck native found a new challenge. At about that same time, Huck became an accompanist for the Central Dakota Children's Choir.

"We do harder (music) literature," Huck said. "It's fun doing something a little harder. It's a chance to be a part of something bigger and better."

Now with two of her children grown and her youngest a teenager, Huck is toying with the idea of doing more evening private instructions.

"The house was always filled with music. I'm finding I miss that connection with kids."