WHY THE WORK MUST CONTINUE
317 Main Executive Director
John Williams
Before we downshift into a slower summer pace, I want to reflect on the wonderful evening we shared recently at our Greatest Hits House Party. The night passed far too quickly as I greeted old friends and met new ones.
Perhaps it was because we were in a concert venue in downtown Portland rather than under the tent in our back yard, I was especially tuned into the music and how it mirrored our growth as an organization.
As some of you will recall, 317 Main started with bluegrass and roots music. 15 years later, we cast a much broader musical net, and the genres and instruments we teach are constantly evolving as we grow and reach new communities.
During the House Party, we enjoyed jazz and pop with Kelly Muse and Susie Pepper, choral singing with The Local Vocals, a community singalong led by Kathy Slack and Jeff Christmas, a bluegrass set from Flight 317, and a memorable performance by
WhyPlash
, a Casco Bay High School ensemble that came together during a recent
Songwriting Intensive
at 317 Main.
The teenagers’ message-driven song was a powerful reminder of why the work we do at 317 Main matters and why your support is vital. Without donations from foundations and from individuals like yourself, partnership programs like this one with CBHS, and the Lullaby Project in the story below, would not be possible. These programs are free to the students and their families, and are designed to reduce barriers to music education and increase access to musical expression.
The teens' song spoke to their generation's anxiety around school shootings, the impact of social media and global warming, and their anger that the older generation hasn't done more to address these issues.
Their performance reminded me that young people have so much to say and that we must provide these emerging voices with mentors who nurture their creativity.
The performance stayed with me as I know it did many of you.
Please consider a gift of support- your contribution matters. Thank you.
