Take A Break For Music In December
One of the many benefits of music is that it serves as a “social glue” encouraging contact, coordination, and cooperation with others. Your support enables us to develop and offer programs that invite group participation and are designed to attract people of all ages and musical backgrounds so that there is a point of entry for all who have interest.
The holidays can be a busy and stressful time for many. Taking a break to sing, play some music, or listen to music may be just the thing that we need to fully take care of ourselves and enjoy the holidays.
In the coming weeks, 317 Main is offering a number of musical opportunities and events that may be just the thing to get us in the spirit. We'll be singing together, presenting the Songs of the Season concert and jamming on ukuleles.
Please take a look at our events calendar at the bottom of this email and join us in December. Thank you for your support and passion for community music!
In gratitude,
John
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Will You Support 317 Main on
Giving Tunesday
December 3rd?
As a supporter of 317 Main, you know that your support of our mission is essential. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to
share your passion for 317 Main with your friends and amplify your impact by encouraging them to give.
We've set an ambitious fundraising goal of
raising $3,170
before the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday, December 3rd and we're confident we can get there with your help.
We're calling the 24 hour challenge
Giving Tunesday
for 2 reasons.
First, your donation will give the gift of music to others by supporting financial aid and partnership programs at 317 Main. Thank you!
Second, in exchange for your donation, our students and teaching artists will give you the gift of music.
Here's how it works.
Your $20 Donation
= A pair of 317 Maracas.
Your $75 Donation
= A pair of tickets to Songs of the Season.
Your $100 Donation
= a 317 Main ensemble performs a holiday song for you that we'll post on social media.
Your $200 Donation
=
317 Main Kazoo Orchestra performs a song of your choice on social media.
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It's easy to donate.
Support GivingTunesday here, via social media, through our website, or drop your donation into the open guitar case in our lobby.
Stay tuned throughout GivingTunesday for updates and songs!
And don't forget to tell your friends why community music means so much to you.
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Dropping The Beat at Portland Public Library
Five teenagers sit quietly in a conference room in the Portland Public Library as Ahmad Muhammed, also known as Kafari, demonstrates how to adjust the background metronome in the music software, Ableton. New knowledge in hand, they return to their own digital creations.
This is 317’s Partnership Program, “
Drop the Beat,
” with the Portland Public Library. Each week, Kafari guides the teens through the basics of Ableton helping them build their skill set.
"After 11 weeks, I've noticed the students bring a sense of adventure and curiosity to this classroom," Kafari reflects. "This space is a place to try something new and everyone brings some sort of musical expertise."
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Now in its second year, the program is extremely popular; Portland staff, social workers, security, and librarians all peak their heads in and eagerly await the creation of these beats. Every week, the sign up list grows and the meeting room is crammed.
Most importantly, this workshop is
free
for teens to drop-in and explore, with no strings attached. With MIDI keyboards in hand, students get to create music and explore on computers supplied by 317 that have Ableton preinstalled.
All teens are welcome.
Drop the Beat will continue to run every Wednesday until December 18th.
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Drop the Beat is made possible through generous support from foundations, Portland Public Library, and donors like YOU!
Foundation support for our partnership programs includes grants from:
Anonymous
Margaret E Burnham Charitable Trust
CMA Foundation
Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust
Bob Crewe Foundation
Maine Arts Commission
Wind Point Foundation
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Ensemble Spotlight: Acoustic Beatles Ensemble with Steve Roy (VIDEO)
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We've noticed a trend in the last few years where more musicians are gravitating to group play either instead of, or in addition to, private lessons. During the fall of 2019 we had a record 15 ensembles playing music every week! Ensembles provide an excellent opportunity for musical growth, while in the familiar territory of a favorite genre. We visited Steve Roy's Acoustic Beatles Ensemble on a recent Monday evening to talk with students about the benefits of ensemble playing. (VIDEO)
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317 Main Installs Solar Panels
As part of our ongoing effort to become more energy efficient, Revision Energy installed solar panels on our roof this fall.
The array atop our historic building should pay for itself in 10-15 years.
The funding for our energy efficiency upgrades came from
Grants to Green Maine, Horizon Foundation, Davis Family Foundation,
and our community of donors. (which includes an anonymous foundation and individual gift.)
Upgrades to date include: adding insulation, air sealing, installing LED lighting, converting to heat pumps for heating and cooling, and installing a solar array.
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Give The Gift of 317 Main!
Consider giving the gift of 317 Main this holiday season. We'll have merchandise available at the front desk and we're happy to do gift certificates for private or group instruction this winter.
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OUR MISSION:
317 Main encourages creative expression, personal growth, and community connection through music.
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There's Still Time To Sign up for
Workshops & Winter Session
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Workshop Week
Dec. 2nd-5th
Play the Mountain Dulcimer, learn how to ace an audition, or sing the songs of the 70s. There are so many workshops from which to choose and they're included in cost of fall tuition plus, family members attend for free.
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Winter Session
Begins Dec. 9th
Do you usually take private lessons? Consider joining a group or ensemble! We've got dozens of classes from which to choose.
And don't forget, starting in Winter Session,
we'll be open Saturdays 9-1-pm
with 2 Little Roots classes and private lessons for all ages.
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Copper Beech Tree Lighting at the PMA
Friday, Dec 6th, 6pm
Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square FREE
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For the 2nd year in a row, 317 Main teaching artists will lead the holiday singalong at The Portland Museum of Art's annual tree lighting. Dress warmly!
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Community Caroling!
Saturday, Dec 7th, 11am-1pm FREE
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All ages, voices, and instruments are invited to join us for caroling on Saturday, December 7th. We'll leave 317 Main at 11 am and serenade shoppers at the craft fairs.
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Songs of the Season
Friday, Dec 13th 7pm
First Parish Congregrational Church
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Our Winter Holiday Concert features The Main Street Revelers - an ensemble of 317 Main Vocal Instructors singing holiday favorites and hidden gems.
Meet at 6:30 p.m. on the front steps of First Parish Congregational Church for caroling and hot cocoa before the show.
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Holiday Uke Jam
Sunday, December 15th 4pm
Brickyard Hollow FREE
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Our monthly uke jam with Mitch Reed at Brickyard Hollow gets jingly this month. Let's Strum some holiday tunes and attempt a few harmonies. VOCALISTS ALWAYS WELCOME! Don't have a uke? Email amy at amy@317main.org and we'll loan you one.
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All Ages Carol Sing at Owl & Elm
Saturday, December 21st 2-4pm
Owl & Elm FREE
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Our friends at Owl & Elm break out the cookies and carols as we gather for this afternoon singalong hosted by the Local Vocals-317 Main's Community Chorus. All ages and voices welcome.
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Winter Community Contra Dance
Saturday, Jan 25th 5-8pm
$15 families/$6 individual
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Do not be afraid! Our community contra dances are geared toward beginners and families. Fiddler Ellen Gawler leads the All-Comers band with Maggie Robinson calling. We'll start the evening with a potluck at 5pm and start dancing at 6pm.
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Tim O'Brien In Concert
Thursday, March 12th
First Parish Congregational Church
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317 Main is delighted to present Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tim O'Brien in concert Thursday, March 12th. Details and ticket info coming soon!
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317 Main Community Music Center
317 Main Street, Yarmouth
207-846-9559 I frontdesk@317main.org I 846-9559
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