It Just Got Even Easier For Kids To Rock In Bangor

Last summer, Maine Academy of Modern Music finally got to debut their Rock Camp here in Bangor. It's something that's been a goal for years now. They're a wild success in Portland, and their summer camps have been moving into other parts of the state as well. They also feature choral groups, a brass band, and many other programs to make kids feel included at literally an skill level.

Today, MAMM put out a press release, and thanks to a grant from the Maine Community Foundation, MAMM has received funding to put some real muscle behind expanding the Bangor program. It will provide the chance to offer more summer camps, and to begin running some weekly programs through the school year. It will also provide more scholarship money to kids who'd love to go, but are financially strapped.

I was a band leader last summer at the Bangor camp, and it was truly one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my career as a musician. Watching those kids push themselves on material that was extremely challenging, and then seeing them light up when they finally nail it, is one of the coolest things I've ever witnessed.

There will be two camps in Bangor this summer. The camps will serve students ages 11-18, and provide an excellent opportunity to play in a band, perform covers, and write original music. They are being held at the Bangor Arts Exchange on Harlow Street, in conjunction with Launchpad. Both organizations have really stepped up to the plate, and are committed to getting this program out to kids in the Bangor area.

The camps will be held the weeks of July 8-12 and August 19-23 and cost $300 per week. Scholarships are available thanks in part to the support of the Maine Community Foundation grant. Students can register online at right here at MAMM's website.

If your kid loves to rock, this is the place to be.