"They Can't Take Away Our Music" - Eric Burdon and War
Web Sites by E-most Fred
Easternmost Fred - Photos, poems, stories and things that live in Fred's head
Avialantic - once focused on mid-atlantic area aviation, in the future it will be of a historical nature
YouTube - CB Music concerts and other videos - music, birds, bird music...
NEW THINGS COMING!
The following originally appeared as a letter to the editor of the Quoddy Tides. Being in the process of re-purposing CB Music from producing and hosting concerts to helping others in the arts community, I of course signed up for this. I've omitted June and Rosalee's contact information to spare them a spam inundation and ask that you respond via the "Contact" form through the top menu.
Also be sure to visit the LAMPS site - linked above. They have so much going on I can't keep up! I said a couple of years ago I'd be sending out a newsletter "soon." Well, yes - in geological time I'm still on target. Really - any day/week/month now. Meanwhile, I hope you'll find the following to be as exciting as I did.
The Future of Classical Music in Downeast Maine A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) revealed that “significantly fewer American adults are attending cultural activities such as classical music concerts, theater productions and movies than they did before the coronavirus pandemic.” That is not surprising to those of us who live and breathe the arts in Downeast Maine. Not only is it reflected in reduced attendance, but also in reduced opportunities for participation. The impact is apparent in the dissolution of the Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra in July 2023, the inability of the Washington County Children’s Chorus to regroup following a pandemic hiatus, and the possible pending closure of the SummerKeys music program in Lubec. The loss of these programs hurts local economies that benefit from those who visit our towns to participate in programs and attend performances. The SummerKeys program, for example, involves the entire community from living accommodations and places to eat to frequenting the laundromat. Grocery stores and gift shops benefit.
While it is impossible to determine all of the factors that have led to these circumstances, there are a few that are apparent. First, Covid fatigue caused many people to fear attending performances in enclosed spaces. The pandemic changed people’s lives and priorities. Second, we are aging out. Our area of Maine is one of the oldest in the state. Forty-one percent of Washington County residents are 55 years of age or older. That impacts not only participation in music but also leadership in music organizations. With the reduction or elimination of music programs in schools, a new generation is not being introduced to the benefits that music brings to both physical and emotional well-being. Third, because our area is remote and the population is widely distributed, many people cannot drive long distances in all kinds of weather to attend rehearsals and performances. Finally, many of the leaders and participants in our organizations are volunteers. Typically, in a year of PBSO, for example, board members and musicians donated more than 3000 hours of time with no compensation for mileage or other expenses. Those who are paid, receive far less than they would in more affluent areas. That takes a toll on willingness and ability to participate. Perhaps the biggest obstacle confronting our arts organizations is funding. Because we are sparsely populated, it is difficult to attract funding from larger foundations who believe that their contributions will not impact enough people. It is difficult to raise funds when we are “off the radar” to many foundations. In addition, our organizations strive to keep our programs and performances accessible to all by keeping prices low. While economizing, expenses continue even during forced shutdowns. SummerKeys, for example, lost income for two years during Covid but still had to pay mortgages, utilities, insurances, and maintenance of the properties, including necessary tuning of numerous pianos. And now that organizations are back in operation, they feel the same impacts from inflation that all citizens experience. Many people feel that organizations that rely heavily on volunteers do not require income. That is far from reality. So, what can be done? One thing is to support the organizations that continue to exist through donations, participation, and performance attendance. Although PBSO disbanded, the non-profit is continuing as the Harald Saeverud Music Program (HSMP) and will present chamber concerts in Calais, Eastport, and Machias beginning in December 2023. While not the full orchestra that the community has come to love, the performances will bring inspiring classical music for all to experience. SummerKeys is planning for a robust program in the summer of 2024. Another action is to encourage schools to value visual and performing arts programs and provide opportunities for our youth to actively engage in those programs. For people who want to participate in music making, opportunities are available. A community band is just starting across the border in St. Andrews and welcomes all. Quoddy Voices in Eastport welcomes vocalists to join its ranks. Some former PBSO musicians are forming small ensembles – a string quartet, a woodwind quintet, duets, and trios. A venue in Calais is available for rehearsing. For more information about any of these opportunities or ideas of your own, please use the Contact/email form. Let’s keep classical music alive and well in Downeast Maine. |
Although PBSO disbanded, the non-profit is continuing as the Harald Saeverud Music Program (HSMP) and will present chamber concerts in Calais, Eastport, and Machias beginning in December 2023. |
Music Now & Next
08 Dec 2023n07:00PM - nHarald Saeverud Music Program |
09 Dec 2023n03:00PM - nHarald Saeverud Music Program |
10 Dec 2023n03:00PM - nHarald Saeverud Music Program |
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Jason Roach is perhaps best known as the thunderous keyboard guy with Coig, but he's an outstanding visual artist too. Have a look at Outer Strathspace Folk Art for an otherworldly mix of bird-sea-music something. I like it so much I even overlook someone's penchant for referring to various bird species as "seagull."
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The Stockford Park stage - mural by Sherry Ashby - http://sherryashby.com/
Putep’s Tale: The Lost Finback Whale of Lubec, Maine
Putep's Tale, by Rhonda Welcome and Chuck Kniffen, tells the true tale of a finback whale that washed up on the shore of Lubec, Maine and how it has become a part of the community. With illustrations by Andrew Long, artwork by Sherry Ashby and performed by Kit Rodgers, the book is brought to life by Maine Public Television.
Purchase the book at Turtle Dance Totems
http://sherryashby.com/