NORWAY — A remodeler by trade, Dan Allen’s name can also be found in relation to several artistic enterprises in the Oxford Hills. In addition to being a founder of the Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association, Allen started a Christmas concert group and community chorus, which recently resumed practices after a few years of silence.

Age: 61

What is the first experience you remember with music or the performing arts? My earliest memory is with a well-known music teacher of the day, Bess Klain. She had a boys choir at the Universalist Church. We wore the white gowns with the huge red bows typical of the times. I had actually forgotten all this until I saw a picture of the choir with myself near center. Bess was a character in her own right, as those who knew her will attest.She was a hearty soul with a big laugh and a zest for life.

How often do you sing? I personally sing daily, even if only to myself. In terms of group singing, that varies widely. In the days of “Christmas In A Small Town” I sometimes led a group daily in various rehearsal of one kind or another. During my 18-year tenure as music director at 2nd Congregational Church in Norway I had the sanctuary choir, a great bell choir, a children’s choir and at one point a youth choir of junior high and high school kids.

How and why was OHMPAA formed? OHMPAA began in the early ’80s as an attempt to bring a community performing arts group into the area. I enjoy community theater and consider it to have the potential to give much flavor to a community. My first wife, Shirley Heald of South Paris, and myself had just moved back to the area. She also loved music and theater and is blessed with a great soprano voice. While I visioned OHMPAA, I readily admit she was tremendously supportive and also worked hard in the early years to get it off the ground. We began by finding a few like-minded folk and a director, and started doing shows. They were musical reviews at first, since then they did not involve complications and costs of royalties. As time went on we became a legal entity with a stated purpose in the bylaws: “To provide an opportunity for persons to participate in the performing arts.” I think whether on stage, behind stage or in the audience, OHMPAA has largely lived up to the goal.

Have you performed in OHMPAA? If so, what was your favorite role?

Yes, I have performed, but only in minor roles. I prefer directing. My favorite role is helping “just folks” do more than they ever thought they could do on stage. Most of my directing was in the Christmas show however.

What do you enjoy most about OHMPAA? The community chorus? A role in OHMPAA I much enjoy is my current one as a founder. While I can take no credit for the successes of the group since I backed away, I take much pleasure in the thought that I planted the seed and it has grown so well. As to community chorus, I learned long ago that any group of amateur singers can far exceed their own expectations with good direction and encouragement.

Do you have a favorite kind of music? A favorite kind of music is a difficult question for me. Choral music of all kinds is favorite, especially a cappella singing. After that, depending on mood, I enjoy virtually all kinds of music that is well done and delivers a good feeling or message, including the music of the day.

Does your remodeling work allow you a creative outlet similar to music and the performing arts? My remodeling work has allowed me a tremendous creative outlet. The challenge of working with people to create or modify a space to fit them can be rewarding. The goal in remodeling is to make the changes the customer needs to make the space work as he desires, and when it is over the new work blends so well as to look to the first-time observer like nothing ever happened.

Do you have any ideas for any future groups?

No, I currently have no firm future plans. I would dearly like to see this community chorus grow to be inter-generational. It would perform a wide variety of music. My mindset in music and life is inclusive not exclusive; uniting not diversifying.