Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/29708494/detail.html#ixzz1dFCLpcrD

Thanks to the Rangeley Friends of the Arts, 50 students from Rangeley Lakes Regional School in grades 3, 4, and 5 had the opportunity to attend a Portland Symphony Youth Concert at Merrill Auditorium. Conductor Robert Moody introduced the audience to the four instrument families highlighting each family in a variety of pieces. The students’ favorite piece by far was music from the film Avatar.  Students from Rangeley sat on the edges of their seats as the percussion family resounded with a lively piece and the 70 different instruments sounded like one. Conductor Moody then asked the audience, over 1000 school children, to purse their lips and make a buzzing sound to mimic the technique used by the brass players. For a moment it sounded as if the auditorium was being lifted off the ground by thousands of bumble bees!

As if that weren’t enough, the RFA also scheduled an afternoon visit to the Portland Museum of Art. Docents made connections to curriculum about geography and mythology through paintings and sculptures.

The students and staff at Rangeley Lakes Regional would like to thank the RFA abundantly for their vision and generosity. The day, rich with culture and awakenings, was unforgettable.

Students in the above photo are from left: 

Back:  Gage Savage and Jacie Smith

 Auditions for the summer musical Footloose will be held April 10 at 4 PM and April 11 at 6:30 PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd.  We are looking for actors – high school and adult, production staff, and all those who want to be involved in this uplifting, challenging, and fun production.  If you cannot make those dates and wish to be involved, please call 864-2963.  The show will be held at Lakeside Theater on July 1, 2, 4, 5.  Community Theatre is at its best when many people of the community become involved. 

 The season will be filled with Rangeley Community Chorus concerts, the annual Street Dance, Sidecar Heroes Concert, Summer Diva, Home Tour, Art in August, the Westerhoff Concert, the Woodland Chamber Ensemble Concert and other exciting events to enjoy this summer.

Since 1968, the RFA has sponsored a Summer Concert Series including artists ranging from classical to country, Broadway to bluegrass.

 In 1975, we expanded the program to include sponsoring performances by various artists for the youth of our community.  In 1985, this program was expanded to a full school series of several performances.  RFA works closely with the school administration arranging workshops and seminars by talented artists and performers.

 The first local musical production was performed in 1976, a condensed version of a popular Broadway musical.  Since then RFA has produced many full length musicals.  RFA considers this effort one of the most important, as it involves the entire community in the arts in the most direct way; as performers and production staff. 

 The RFA initiated the Student Lesson Program in 1980, assisting local students with the cost of private instruction in the arts.  This program is available to all students taking violin, piano, wind instruments, ballet, tap and modern dance lessons.  In 1988, RFA offered its first scholarship to a graduating senior from Rangeley Lakes Regional School who was continuing an education in the arts.  RFA is offering a week long Drama Camp for students again this summer and the Rangeley Community Chorus will present two concerts this summer.

 As RFA continues to grow and nurture the appreciation of the arts in the region, it has become very apparent that there is a great need for a facility that will enable these programs to expand and grow.  The desire is a comfortable “meeting house”/auditorium for RFA programs and other community uses.  The RFA’s long-term goal is to create classroom and studio spaces for learning, creating and displaying all the arts including but not limited to visual, creative, movement, instrumental, vocal and performing.  A 2.7 acre lot has been acquired which abuts the school property.  With the help of our longtime supporters, the RFA hopes to make this facility a reality in the next few years.

 Donations to the RFA are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.  If you wish to direct your donation to the building fund, please indicate this in the memo of your check.  Thank you and enjoy this and all the performances listed in the schedule of events.

 www.rangeleyarts.com

PO Box 333, Rangeley, ME 04970