Standing ovation for music festival

The Maine Music Educators Association presented the District III Honors Music Festival for 7th- and 8th-grade students. The concert of choral music and band music was held at Lisbon High School on April 7.

To the delight of the large audience, students gave a choral performance under the direction of Lewiston High School’s music teacher, Darren Avery, and the band members were led by Dr. Trae Blanco, who is the director of bands at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham.

The quality of each group gave rise to standing ovations. The precision of each group was outstanding given the short time these students had been together. The list of participating schools included Bath Middle School, Camden-Rockport Middle School, Maranacook Community Middle School, Hall-Dale Middle School and so many more — a total of 30 schools were represented.

I am writing to speak of the inspiration that the arts give to those young people, and that schools must be applauded for offering a wide range of opportunities for experience in the arts.

Lewiston has been in the planning phase to create a new space for such offerings up to and including a performance art center attached to Lewiston High School. I have attended a recent meeting to view the concept design and found myself invigorated by the study and hope that there is a way that this district will have funds to fulfill that mission.

Bette Swett-Thibeault, Lewiston