Music

Mt. Blue High School’s music program is one of the best in the state. Programs such as string orchestra, concert band, and chorus rehearse during school hours and are free of charge. These ensembles perform in three free public concerts each year. The teachers are welcoming to students of all levels and provide numerous opportunities outside of the classroom.

The orchestra program at Mt. Blue is generally made up of between 70 and 100 students, and it is directed by Steve Muise. The music the orchestra plays is challenging, but also rewarding and fun. Many students also participate in the after-school ensemble of the Franklin County Fiddlers, which is open to all students who take music at MBHS. Students from the orchestra program have been accepted into programs such as Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra, All-State Orchestra, and Maine Acoustic Festival.

The school’s concert band provides a musical opportunity for students who play instruments in the brass, woodwind, and percussion families. Taking place at the same time as orchestra rehearsals, the group is directed by Karen Beacham. The Concert Band provides a wide variety of music for large band ensembles and sometimes features soloists. It provides an exciting and educational challenge for students of all levels and also gives them the chance to audition for Jazz Band, which provides more performance opportunities in a wide range of venues. Students are also given the opportunity to audition for groups outside of the school such as the Kennebec Valley Music Festival and All State.

The mixed choir has between 70-90 students in altogether and is conducted by Adrian St. Pierre and accompanied by Patricia Hayden. There are a broad range of musical genres performed by the students to challenge all skill levels. In the spring, there are auditions for ensembles that meet after school such as Chamber Choir and Flipsides, an acapella group. In the fall, there are also auditions for Kennebec Valley Music Festival and All-State for treble choir or mixed choir.