me arts ed

High School students visit UMA

About 100 students from 5 high schools participated in the District III jazz day on the UMA campus. Students and teachers were welcomed by UMA President Allyson Handley. Students had three opportunities during the day. One was with others who play the same or similar instrument (including voice). The second was a mixed group of students from the different schools. The third was a chance to visit the sound recording studios to learn more about UMA’s program.

The day finished with a concert of the different groups to share what they had learned. I had the chance to catch some of the groups and it was obvious that the day was a success. The last group to play was one of the UMA jazz groups.

I understand it has been a few years since District III offered this opportunity for high school students and it is clear that reinstating it was a great idea. UMA has an outstanding program and it is wonderful they’ve collaborated with teachers to arrange for students to take advantage of this learning environment.

Thank you to Brunswick Jr. High School’s Heidi Anderson and UMA’s Rick Nelson and others who made the arrangements for the day. FMI please contact either of them at handerson@brunswick.k12.me.us or  richardn@maine.edu. Thanks to Rick for the photos in this post.