Scot Cannon is Delightful!
Scot chatting with Michael Trautman at his exhibit
The 275 Arts Connect conference participants were immediately engaged by the performance of Scot Cannon on Friday just before lunch as part of the conferences “Artist Showcase”. The showcase gave the artists an opportunity to share their talents and the participants an opportunity to think about the possibilities of tapping into the incredible Maine artist resources we have. Not to mention it was down right fun to be treated to such spectacular performances.
Information about Scot Cannon in Scot’s Own Words…
“The most rewarding moments I have as a teaching artist besides knowing an audience of 300 children understand why I am standing in front of them is when one child does not. I watch that child for 45 minutes hoping that my message, most of the kids seem to get, will reach him. When I finally see him engage, and the light in his eyes, I know I have had an impact.
The other times are when during a rehearsal with kids I find just the right part that will make a student shine. It usually is someone that reminds me of myself.
Someone on the edge of disaster..must of been told by the teacher this would be good for him… just wants to go home and have some cereal. If I can get this kid on stage and let him feel a little of what I do …. I can go home for cereal too.
I really only had two goals as a child. One was to play football for the NY Giants…… I was too small. The other was to be onstage probably with a guitar. That did not seem possible. With my speech problem and fear of stages I seemed out of luck.
My formal training was music ed and arranging at Berklee College of Music. I knew I could stand in front of a class and teach. Some days were better than others. My wife and I taught at the same junior high school. We started taking kids home with us that needed a little more than they were getting. Whyman became our son and Tracey our daughter. They are all in their 30’s & 40’s now.
During this time I took a two year leave of absence to develop my character education programs. That was 22 years ago. It went rather well. I studied with Kenyon Martin from Boston, a session with Marcel Marceau and of course Tony Montanaro, with whom I learned the most.
In residencies I hope to able to teach children to express themselves through mime, music and their written word. I want them to experience something new. I need them to realize they have the power to change not only their life but the lives of those around them. If they can feel the healing power of art I have done my job.
Oh…I also want them to have a really good time!!
I have character education programs for school age children from kindergarten thru high school. My mime and/or music programs I do for all ages. I sing and perform anywhere for any reason any time. I want never want to be afraid to evolve as an artist.
Now that I know I will never play wide receiver for the NY Giants my goal is to be an artist for the rest of my life as long as my wife Paula is there to see me. Without her there is nothing.”
Scot was a joy to watch and have fun with. He was masterful at bringing us into the performance within seconds of him stepping onto the stage. I hope, in the near future, that I have a chance to watch him perform with children. His message is so very important, especially during these days of uncertainty. If you were one of the fortunate ones to be there at the conference please post a comment below.
More information is available on Scot’s websites by clicking here or here. He can be reached at scotthemime@comcast.net or by calling him at 207-338-3608 or 508-269-1574.
excited to offer Maine Schools and community programs, working with children (k-12), Service Learning Project Awards of $1,000 or $4,000 focused on STEM activities (science, technology, engineering, math).
Additional information and applications can be obtained online at VolunteerMaine.org or 
me arts ed 