HOULTON, Maine – Have you ever wanted to be a Rockstar? How about in a Rock Band? Kevin Mania from the Houlton High School/Middle School Modern Band Program, likes to give students this opportunity.
Mania said he has a 100 percent success rate with the program, and every student leaves with the knowledge to play at least one song. They have guitars, keyboards and drums available for the students to do their hands on learning with.
The Houlton Rotary will be donating a portion of the money raised at this years Rotary Auction, to the Modern Band Program. The money will help to purchase wireless equipment, which will help decrease setup time and increase time spent on learning music. The wireless equipment will be added to the keyboards, guitars and microphones.
RSU 29 band director Kevin Mania, left, teaches Rotarian Nancy Ketch to play some chords on a guitar during the Monday, Oct. 28 Rotary meeting in Houlton.
(Courtesy of Nate Bodenstab/Houlton Rotary Club)
Mania came to the Rotary Luncheon on Monday, Oct. 28, to speak about how the program and students are doing. During his presentation he demonstrated how to learn three keys which will help you play many songs. Nancy Ketch become a Rockstar that day.
Mania is very happy with the success of the program. He has had 200 kids go through so far since it started in 2017, and with more equipment he would be able to take on even more. This program gives students the opportunity to be part of something. It helps them to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
For the most part, the students are able to choose what they want to play and perform. The program has more freedom and opportunity for individual style than a typical school band would have. It gives some students something to look forward to.
The group plans to have a performance open to the public at the Cup Cafe coffeehouse in January or February, which will be a great chance to see, in person, the successes of a growing program.
