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Fall High School Musicals

November 10, 2024

Ahhhhh, ’tis the season

I love attending the high school musicals in the fall. It never fails, I walk away every time thinking, WOW, I am so impressed that high schoolers rise to the level of a great performance. Many of the actors are not new to the stage yet others are just beginning. As you know – the voices, costumes, set, acting, make up, lights, sound, and music are all critical components of the final performance. I am aware that bringing together all of the pieces can be very challenging. When the curtain goes up most people in the audience are not aware of what it takes to create the fall musical. Schedules, illness, grades, transportation, a willingness and commitment from everyone involved (students and adults), and other factors contribute. I was fortunate to have first hand knowledge helping some with middle school plays and again when my own sons were in high school, one on stage and the other on tech I supported in many ways. They both were part of community theatre as well. The commitment that students and staff and parents contribute is enormous. At some level it is collaboration at its VERY best. Perhaps our community (and beyond) leaders should take a close look at theatre programs.

I know that some (perhaps many) will not agree with me when I say IF we could only have one discipline of visual and performing arts education in schools, I’d pick Theatre, every time. Think about it – visual arts students work on the design of the stage, set, program, and costumes. Music students play in the pit band and on stage singing. Dance students are moving. Media Arts students are creating the sound and lights. Theatre students are center stage. I especially love it when the hesitant students are needed to take on a part and right in front of our eyes they grow into the role.

Why do I feel strongly about every student being involved in the theatre program? Besides involving all the arts disciplines it allows learners to literally and figuratively move to the edge (of themselves and the stage). It encourages them to take a chance and challenge themselves. Throughout the “play” process they engage in problem solving and improvising. Let us not forget the literature they are learning, not by reading script and keeping it inside, but speaking and putting into action the words and lines and story. They synthesize, analyze, ideating as the play formulates over a period of months. The story builds within each participate as they learn their positions and parts. Without the others on stage with them it doesn’t come to fruition. They depend on each other to help provide what the audience sees, hears, experiences and in the end hopefully, appreciates. The climax is the applause and perhaps a standing ovation that helps them realize, all the time and commitment they’ve made IS appreciated and worth it! I can tell when I look into their faces during the curtain call, the pride is evident. Sitting in the audience is me smiling from ear to ear. Even though I may not know the actors, musicians, dancers, and artists who made it happen, I can feel their pride.

Whether you have children of your own in high school or not I encourage you to find out when and where the plays in your area are scheduled. Don’t let another fall musical season pass without attending at least one. Below are some listed (some have passed) that I am aware of at this time. If you’d like one added to the list please email me (Argy Nestor) at meartsed@gmail.com.

  • Medomak Valley High School, Waldoboro, Guys and Dolls, last performance today, November 10, 2:00. Learn more!
  • Camden Hills Regional High School, Strom Auditorium, Into the Woods, November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Learn more!
  • Freeport High School, Mamma Mia, November 8 and 9.
  • Thornton Academy, Saco, Little Women, November 22-24. Learn more!
  • Falmouth High School, Mean Girls High School Edition!, October 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2, 3.
  • Oceanside High School, Rockland, Legally Blond The Musical, November 8, 9, 15, 16, 17. Learn more!
  • Mount Desert Island High School, Chicago, November 15, 16, 22, 23. Learn more!
  • Fryeburg Academy, Amelie the Musical, November 14, 15, 16. Learn more!
  • Lake Region High School, Little Shop of Horrors, January 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Learn more!
  • Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham, Our Town, December 6-8, and Spring musical Mamma Mia, March 7-9. Learn more!

Posted in Communication, Community, Creativity, Dance, Media Arts, Music, story, Technology, Theater, Visual Arts, VPA | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

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Inspiring Poet

May 28, 2024

Maya Williams

Not long ago I had the opportunity to attend a segment of the Maine Council for English Languages Arts teachers conference. To kick off their annual learning opportunity teachers gathered at Portland Stage for an evening of poetry provided by Maya Williams. I was delighted to hear Maya recite her own poetry. While working at the Maine Arts Commission I was responsible for the state Poetry Out Loud program for high school students. That experience provided me the opportunity to listen to many many poets, some students and some professional poets at the local, state and national level. During that time I never heard anyone recite like Maya. She has passion and energy that invited me to the edge of my chair to listen very carefully.

Maya is the seventh Poet Laureate of Portland and currently an Ashley Bryan Fellow. Fortunately, Maya took the time from her busy schedule to answer some questions for me. Maya graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work and a Bachelors of Art in English in May 2017. In May 2018 they graduated with a community practice-focused Masters in Social Work and Certificate in Applied Arts and Social Justice from the University of New England. Maya graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts Creative Writing with a Focus in Poetry at Randolph College in June 2022. You can read more about Maya’s background at THIS LINK.

Congratulations on being the seventh Poet Laureate of Portland. What responsibilities does this include?

Thank you! Responsibilities include working with the Portland Public Library to facilitate poetry programming for Southern Maine’s community.

I had the chance to visit with Ashley at his home on Little Cranberry Island in 2018. What an honor to be an Ashley Bryan Fellow. What has the recognition afforded you?

I truly wish I had the chance to meet him. I have been able to meet with fellow writers of color and have more resources and opportunities from the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance.

Please tell the blog readers about your background in writing poetry. When did it begin, who or what influenced you?

I have been writing since the age of 5, writing poetry since the age of 8. What really influenced me was learning more about spoken word poetry in late high school, and then competing in the collegiate poetry slam scene all through college. 

What or who inspires and/or motivates you?

Youth inspires and motivates me. Community inspires and motivates me. My mother inspires me all the time. Poets such as Anis Mojgani, Kaveh Akbar, Paige Lewis, Melissa Ferrer-Civil, Mia Stewart-Willis, Shay Alexi, Julia Bouwsma, and so much more. 

When providing opportunities for young people to hear your message, your content includes BIG and IMPORTANT topics: suicide awareness, mental health, faith, entertainment media, grief, interpersonal relationships, intimate partner violence, and healing. I’m imagining that it takes
some front loading to be sure that your audience is ‘ready’. What happens beforehand to help teachers prepare their learners?

This is a great question. I’m really upfront with teachers in advance. I also let them know that I use content warnings before performing along with encouraging students to take care of themselves by walking around, leaving the room and coming back as needed, doodling, whatever they need. 

You’ve received recognition for your poetry including finalist for Slam Free Or Die Qualifier Slam for their National Poetry Slam (NPS) 2018 team and a runner up of the Slam Free or Die Individual Slam Championship in 2018. Congratulations! What advice do you offer to young people interested in writing?

Thank you! I would say to always be sure you’re finding fellow writers to write with. Writing does not have to be as lonely of a process as we initially think it does. 

When you shared your poetry at Portland Stage as part of the Maine Council for English Language Arts Annual Conference you were amazing. In my past I was responsible for the Maine Poetry Out Loud program and have had many opportunities to listen to poets recite. I’ve never heard anyone recite with the passion and in the style that you offered. I found myself wishing that every young
person could have the opportunity to hear you. You are a gem. What words of wisdom, from your experience, do you offer to others who are learning to read and share poetry?

You’re so so kind. I want to encourage people to know that you don’t have to share everything you’ve written. You can share when you’re ready to share and either feel comfortable or feel ready enough to push yourself slightly out of your comfort zone. Also, not writing still counts as writing. There’s so much life to live before getting it all on the page and sharing it in public.

You can find Maya’s workshop and school visit information on her website at https://www.mayawilliamspoet.com/ Maya has written many poems and has published books available on her website as well. If you have the chance to hear her in performance please don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed!

Teachers at Portland Stage while Maya recited

Posted in Communication, Community, Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Food for thought, Opportunity, Professional Development, story | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Teacher Appreciation Week

May 11, 2024

Satisfaction

A huge THANK YOU to the teachers reading this blog post. Even though I’m not in the classroom every day I have a glimpse of your roles and responsibilities when I substitute. The part that amazes me is how much the role of a teacher has shifted in a relatively short period of time. You’ve become teachers, parents, social workers and much more. I read with sadness the article in last weeks Maine Sunday Telegram about the number of students without homes and the responsibility of the schools to help students get to school and stay in school by providing meals, clothing, and a place to clean themselves. It is clear that without everyone working together children won’t learn and be successful. My huge THANK YOU doesn’t express how grateful I am to each teacher who cares deeply about students.

At this point in my life I’m having opportunities to see former students as community members. Some of you know that I am co-chairing my town of Union’s Sestercentennial celebration – 250 years. The town appointed committee started work in September of 2022 and the culminating event is July 19, 20, and 21, 2024. I work with amazing community members and school personnel who are all about collaborating to create the best possible celebration.

Two artists-in-residency’s have taken place at Union Elementary School with all students in grades PreK-6. Music educator Scott Dyer has written a musical called The Trees Remember based on the history of our town. As arts educators we know that when students are provided opportunities to sing, dance, recite, create costumes and sets that they rise to the occasion and shine! And shine they did in front of an audience of 400 which included families and community members.

The second residency is with music and dance teaching artist Chrissy Fowler from Flying Shoes who is teaching the learners contra dancing. This form of social dancing is community-based, helps connect people, cultivates pro-social behaviors, and supports social/emotional learning. The figures and dance steps are simple, which helps all skill levels and ages participate together. On May 17, 6:00-7:30 the community is invited to a contra dance at the school where families and the greater community will come together and dance.

These are just two of the many activities I’ve been fortunate to work on with the town of Union and the Union Historical Society. If you want to learn more about the 3-day event please CLICK HERE for the schedule.

You may be wondering what does this have to do with teacher appreciation week. Through my volunteerism on the Sestercentennial I’ve had the pleasure of watching and listening to many former students who are involved in our town on different levels. The work we do while teaching is one thing but to see students as adults integrated into community and their world of work is fascinating. Appreciation has shifted for me to a different lens. It has never been more clear that the education we provide students goes way beyond the classroom. The social, communication, collaboration and flexibility skills that we teach are critical to the health of our communities. I’m learning, first hand, that the impact goes way beyond the few years that young people attend school!

Here is one example of the importance of our teaching…

Andrew White was a very creative student in my middle school art classroom. He graduated from Medomak Valley High School (Waldoboro) in 1992 and went on to Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He returned to our community and on occasion our paths crossed during the last few years. One time he was working with elementary students building a pizza oven at a nearby school when I had a chance to see him in action with learners. He wasn’t just building a pizza oven but teaching the learners about the Fibonacci Sequence. Immediately I realized what an integrated thinker Andy is. Today he is a maker, a combination of designer, fabricator and problem solver. It’s evident in conversation that his multi-dimensional thinking is interwoven throughout his thinking and being and is what he brings to every task. He specializes in architectural steel work and supporting the arts community of Midcoast Maine. He works out of and manages Midcolab, a collaborative co-working shop in Thomaston.

Andrew in Midcolab, his collaborative co-working shop in Thomaston

Fortunately, he agreed to look at one of the projects we’re tackling as part of the Sestercentennial. Come Spring is a book based on the lives of the early settlers of Union. Inside the front cover there is a map with locations showing the places shared in the book. In 1968 the map was painted by an artist who split her time between Brooklyn, NY and Union. It sits on an angle and is 5′ X 5′, and is on the corner our common. It was repainted in 1982 by Donna Morine who has lived in Union for many years. From all the years in the sun the painting as faded, the frame bent from the frost and the legs are rotten from the road salt. The Sestercentennial planning committee decided this was a great time to refurbish it.

Original map created in 1968

Andy immediately offered his expertise and brought an artist/sign painter to look at it who agreed to make the painting. There was lots of discussion, email and text exchanges and Andy kicked into action creating possibilities. In addition, the collaboration includes a graphic artist, a stone mason (another former student) and consultation with several others who Andy has worked with over the years.

New location and front and back sides – concept

Earlier this week Andy and I did a presentation to the Select Board for approval of the concept. (Talk about fun!). The work has gone to the next level and we are grateful for the town support, including donations from individuals and families to fund the project.

Andy and I waiting for our turn to speak at the Select Board meeting

Needless to say I am over the moon when I think about Andy sitting in my art room all those years ago and seeing where he is today. (Please note: I don’t take any credit for Andy’s success). My smile is wide thinking and learning about the meaningful work (directly related to art or not) that these young people are doing (OK, maybe not so young, Andy will turn 50 in July), I couldn’t be more proud. Teacher Appreciation Week has turned into Student Appreciation for me. Former students like Andy are living their dreams every day. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Posted in Communication, Community, Creativity, Food for thought, Leadership, story | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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Learning, Always!

March 24, 2024

Stretching and thinking back

Maine Arts Assessment Institute, summer 2011, phase 2, Maine College of Art + Design

Over the past few months I’ve been working on a talk that I am giving called The ARTS at the Center at the New England League of Middle Schools conference in Springfield, MA. I have 60 minutes to speak about arts education to a room full of about 400 middle school educators. Perhaps half will be arts educators. To prepare I’ve looked at current and past research, I’ve scanned files, I’ve read papers and documents, I’ve found photos, and I’ve spoken to several educators. Every time something seems important to be sure and include I’ve made a note. The content kept growing and when i started to practice I realized that I had about two and a half times more content then I need. I’ve been cutting during the last week. It is filled with stories and I disliked cutting stories but I had no choice. We all have stories, especially educators.

Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, summer 2012, phase 2, Maine College of Art + Design

As I pulled out of the driveway to leave for the conference today my husband assured me that it would go well. As I headed down the road I thought about how important it is, especially as teachers, to challenge ourselves, step out of our comfort zones and really stretch. For one thing it reminds us of how our students feel. For some students, teachers ask them to do hard stuff every day. Stretching ourselves is important and helping our students stretch is equally important. Most adults can put supports in place as we’re stretching. For kids that’s not always the case. It’s important that we are mindful of supporting our students as they grow and learn.

Rob Westerberg and Catherine Ring, Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, winter retreat, Zillman Art Museum

Lately I’ve thought about many of the professional development and learning opportunities I’ve been part of planning and attending. The photos that I’ve looked through have brought back many memorable moments. I especially love the photos I’ve included in this blog post and the sweet memories that accompany them.

Mpamila Village, Malawi, 2016, 10 day Arts Integration workshop
Karen Montanaro, Nick Kleiner perform The Soccer mime, Farnsworth Art Museum, statewide arts education conference, 2008

Posted in Communication, Community, Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Food for thought, Leadership, Research, Resources, story, Technology, VPA | Tagged | 1 Comment »

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School Ambassador Fellowship

December 17, 2023

USDOE

The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) is pleased to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Ambassador Fellowship on December 1, 2023.  Launched in 2007, the School Ambassador Fellowship is a unique professional engagement experience designed to improve the outcomes for students nationwide by leveraging the voices of outstanding school-based practitioners to inform the Department on a range national education policy issues.

Founded on the principles of partnership, collaboration and cooperation with school-based educators, the Fellowship seeks to:

  • Establish an active community of teachers, principals, counselors, psychologists, social workers and other school-based staff members who share expertise and collaborate with Department of Education leaders on national education issues.
  • Engage school-based educators in development of policies that impact learning environments nationwide.
  • Showcase the power of practitioners’ voices and expand the critical leadership role of educators at the national, state, and local levels.

Ideal candidates for the School Ambassador Fellowship can demonstrate that they have made significant contributions to student learning and culture throughout their professional careers. They promote excellence in education through their collaboration and leadership.  Further, School Ambassador Fellows demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of education stakeholders both internal and external to the Department.

How do local school districts benefit from having a School Ambassador Fellow represented at the Department of Education?

  • Through their interaction with leaders at the U.S. Department of Education, Fellows provide a direct line of contact and engagement between the Department and their local school districts and are positioned to elevate pressing educational challenges faced by the students they serve.
  • Fellows build, foster and facilitate relationships between their school districts and the Department’s nationwide network of educational organizations.
  • In collaboration with Department staff and resources, Fellows take on important projects intended to solve complex challenges that will directly impact the students, families and educators within their local communities.

The deadline to apply for the 2024 – 2025 School Ambassador Fellowship is Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  On December 12, 2023 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm EST, the School Ambassador Fellowship Program Office will conduct a virtual informational and question and answer webinar about the program.  Prospective applicants and others seeking to learn more about the School Ambassador Fellowship and the 2024-2025 cohort application and selection process should follow the link below to register for the webinar: https://shorturl.at/doFJX.  For additional information about the Fellowship, please visit the School Ambassador Fellowship program webpage as well as the 2024-2025 School Ambassador Fellowship Program Flyer and School Ambassador Fellowship Program Brochure for more information about the types of Fellowship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and to access the online application. We look forward to engaging great educators from your district and/or network at the Department as we partner together to improve educational outcomes for all of our nation’s children.

Prospective applicants can contact SAF@ED.gov with any questions about the School Ambassador Fellowship program or about the application process.

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Stories

December 6, 2023

Don’t wait

I’m fortunate to be collecting stories from the citizens of my town. Mrs. Mildred O’Jala was the oldest at 102 until she passed away over Thanksgiving. Grateful that we taped her life story in October. She was alert, articulate and happily showed us the basket of mittens and hats that she made for the elementary students and the church Winterberry Fair. The fair was held last Saturday and you betcha, I was there to purchase one last hat created by MIldred’s careful hands. The stitches absolutely perfect! Mrs. O’Jala may be gone from earth but her stories will live on. I’m certain that her hats and mittens will keep many heads and hands warm for years.

I’ve been thinking about the importance of stories as we plan the Sestercentennial (250 years) celebration for my hometown of Union. I know that many businesses are using stories to promote their product in an indirect way. This one is truly memorable and I just had to share. How do you use stories in your classrooms?

This could be the best ad of the season — or, maybe, the decade

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Supportive Mainers

November 7, 2023

Doing what we can through the Arts

It is not a surprise that the arts are playing a part in helping to heal and supporting Mainers during this time to make sense of the tragedy in Lewiston. As we learn more details we are also learning the ways that the arts are a vehicle for helping us to ease the pain and process the event. Below I’ve included some that have come to me through multiple avenues. I invite you to share some of what you are involved with or are aware of by “leaving a comment” at the bottom of this blog post or by emailing me at meartsed@gmail.com. I have been making cards and sending them to those who I know personally that have been impacted by the event. If you know of someone who could benefit from a handmade card please email me. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims and to all the educators who are there for students. Please remember that whatever you’re doing is enough and the right thing.

Turner Art Teacher

Miia Zellner, an art teacher from Turner, Maine, attaches a heart cut-out with a message of positivity to a tree in downtown Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. Zellner wanted to show her love and support for the community in the wake of Wednesday’s mass shootings. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro

James Taylor

Known as the Battle of the Bridge, last weeks football game featured cross-river rivals Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School of Auburn. James Taylor was there to sing an acoustic version of the National Anthem before the kick-off of the game.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=1IbL7FdqkeI%3Fsi%3DJyILV4I9sG5nZbXJ

L/A Arts – the Arts agency for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn

An open call for artworks to individuals and organizations at the local, state and national level to express your thoughts in the form of a postcard. We call upon all mothers, fathers, and children; teachers and their students at all levels; artists, whether novice or seasoned; wordsmiths; dreamers, thinkers, feelers and doers of all ages and backgrounds. Share your hopes and your fears, your remembrances and your well-wishes.

These postcards can be addressed directly to the victims and/or their families, the immediate community of Lewiston impacted by the tragedy, or more broadly address growing concerns over the horrific frequency of gun violence across the nation.

  • Paint or draw a picture
  • Send a photograph
  • Write a poem
  • One word can be as powerful as one hundred
  • One image as impactful as a montage or collage

Please mail your submissions to:

To Lewiston, with Love

Attn: LA Arts

PO Box 3753

Auburn, Maine 04212

Direct all inquiries for this project to: lovetolewiston@laarts.org

You can also visit: https://laarts.org/programs/to-lewiston-with-love/

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Congratulations Joshua!

October 11, 2023

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year

At a surprise school assembly this morning, (11 October), second and third grade teacher at East End Community School and drama director at Deering High School Joshua Chard was named the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. Joshua represents all teachers in the state of Maine and his quote below articulates what he firmly understands about our profession. Starting today and into the future he’ll have multiple opportunities to communicate this belief. As the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, Chard will spend his year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking to the importance of education in preparing Maine students for the future. He will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.

“Teachers across our state do amazing things in their classrooms every day”.

Joshua Chard
East End Community School, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher
Portland High School, Drama Director
2024 Maine Teacher of the Year

Last spring Joshua Chard was selected as the 2023 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. His approach to designing and implementing curriculum for young learners always starts through a culturally responsive lens. Joyful relationships are at the heart of everything Chard does in his classroom and he is inspired every day by the honor of lifting up and celebrating his diverse learners.

Chard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Theater from the University of Southern Maine, a Master of Science degree in Education with a K-6 Literacy focus from the University of New England, and a Certificate in K-6 Standards Based Mathematics from The American College of Education. He is also certified as a K-12 teacher of English to speakers of other languages. During his 31-year career, he has been an educational technician, has taught fourth and fifth grade, and has been an instructional coach with a focus on mathematics. Chard is proud to teach in two of the most culturally diverse schools north of Boston, having passionately dedicated his entire career to working in high-needs, urban schools, and he is excited to have a platform to share the amazing work that is happening there. Outside of school, Chard can be found participating in local theater as an actor and director and exploring Maine’s beaches and lighthouses with his husband and their grandsons.

Congratulating Joshua is also recognizing all teachers who have committed their careers to education.

Photo of Joshua taken from the Deering High School news page, posted 11 October 2023

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National Arts in Education Week

September 14, 2023

September 10-16, 2023

In 2010 Congress passed the House Resolution 275 which designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. This is a week to shed extra light on the power of arts education. Young people and adults come together to tell the story of why the arts are essential for all ages and share the benefits of engagement in the arts.

Suggestions on how to PARTNER with others to celebrate.

Come up with a plan to ADVOCATE with your colleagues.

Create a SOCIAL MEDIA campaign to pass the word on about the value of arts education.

This week is an opportunity for you, your students and your community to recognize the importance of arts education. Celebrate in your classroom, your school, and beyond!

I know what you’re doing is amazing! Take a moment to let others know and THANKSSSS for your great work. YOU ROCK!

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Opportunity for Teachers

July 25, 2023

LGBTQIA+ Interest Group

The state visual arts professional organization, Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), is offering an interest group called MAEA LGBTQIA+.

At the end of the 2022-23 school year MAEA president Cory Bucknam provided several book titles for independent reading during the summer. At the next LGBTQIA+ meeting on Monday, September 11th at 5:00 over Zoom the participants will discuss these two books.

  • Fiction: Small Joys, Elvin James Mensah
  • Non-fiction: Pageboy: A Memoir, Elliot Page

The MAEA LGBTQIA+ Interest Group was Inspired by the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) LGBTQ+ Interest Group. A few passionate MAEA members wanted to create a version of that in Maine. Not all MAEA members are NAEA members, and the organization wanted to give teachers access to a group that supports those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and also help all teachers to support their LGBTQIA+ students and coworkers.

The LGBTQIA+ Interest Group will meet monthly, with virtual meetings to prevent excluding members because of geography, and possibly a few in-person meetings throughout the state for fostering connections and socializing. The LGBTQIA+ Interest Group has three main goals group:

  1. Continue developing a vision and mission for the group
  2. Learning for ourselves (example: the summer reading group)
  3. Sharing learning with others (example: creating a resource page on the MAEA website)

Below, a list of books MAEA provided members.

Heart Stopper by Alice Oseman
Baby by Torrey Peters
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah
All My Mothers Lovers by Ilana Masad
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin Al Wilgus and Rii Abrego
The Lesbiana’s by Sonora Reyes
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

While we’re on the topic, the state professional organization representing music educators, Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA), created this Pride statement:

As Pride Month draws to a close, MMEA shines a light on LGBTQ+ artists and music educators and all their contributions within our classrooms. While Pride is the focus during the month of June, our LGBTQ+ colleagues, students, families, and community members value representation and affirmation within the education community all year long. Thank you for continuing to create an inclusive music classroom where all individuals feel welcome.

MMEA Pride Statement (written and adopted 2021)

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