The Rangeley Friends of the Arts » Uncategorized

Christmas Concert and Walk to Bethlehem

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:32:35 +0000

Rangeley Friends of the Arts will sponsor two programs to celebrate the Christmas season: December 7^th Christmas Concert by the Rangeley Community Chorus and December 11^th “Walk to Bethlehem” pageant.

The 34th annual “Walk to Bethlehem” to be held in Rangeley on Sunday, December 11^th is a gift to the community from The Rangeley Friends of the Arts. Walkers and carolers are invited to join the beautifully costumed pageant participants as they stroll through the streets of Rangeley, stopping at each of the four churches (Catholic, Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal) asking for a place to stay. Each year, this reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago is a joyous evening in Rangeley.

Each year, a local couple with their new baby portrays Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Many townsfolk portray shepherds, angels, Three Wise Men. The elegant costumes created by Barbara Meservey decades ago are still used today. The celebration begins at 5:30 PM on the steps of The Rangeley Inn as the proclamation is read: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:1-15)

The evening concludes at the Church of the Good Shepherd with a program that highlights local musicians and performers. This year’s program will feature the Rangeley Bell Ringers, Rangeley Community Chorus, Young Children’s Choir, the RLRS Choir and a dance number by the Lakeside Dance Academy. The pageant participants will process to the front of the Church of the Good Shepherd as the Christmas scripture is read. “Silent Night” will conclude the program as everyone will then gather in the Undercroft for refreshments and continue the celebration as a community.

2010 Photo of Walk to Bethlehem Pageant

Mary, Joseph and the Babe.. Lindsay, Brad, Elyse Kennett

Three Wise Men……………Rudy Davis, Les Hoekstra, George Washington

Shepherds…………………. Ian Lillis, Nash Gagnon, Joseph Emerson

Angels…………………….…Sophie Chu-O’Neil, Amber Morrill

RFA Presents “Music from the Lake”

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:57:49 +0000

Down East Brass

Rangeley Friends of the Arts has coordinated a joint venture with The Oquossoc Lady and Loon Lodge to bring the talented Downeast Brass to Rangeley for a unique evening on Tuesday, August 16^th. Prior to arriving at the Loon Lodge dock aboard the historic boat (The Oquossoc Lady) for an 8:15 PM public concert, the brass quintet will stop at several private parties along the lake shore. Tickets ($10) for the 45 minute presentation of “Music From The Lake”, on the lawn of Loon Lodge are available at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce office on 6 Park Road or 864-5364. Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a gorgeous Rangeley sunset while listening to an evening of beautiful music. Make reservations for an early dinner at Loon Lodge (865-5666) or just come for the concert at 8:15 PM; a cash bar will be available.

The Downeast Brass is comprised of five highly experienced musicians from Southern and Central Maine. They enjoy playing a wide range of styles, from classical to Dixieland, and from parades to wedding ceremonies. As music educators, they seek to reach audiences of all ages with original and entertaining programming.

Trumpeter Dwight Tibbetts recieved a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of Southern Maine. He has his Masters in Music from the American Band College in Ashland, Oregon. He was a recipient of the Willie Maiden Award for excellence in composition and arranging. Dwight has taught instrumental music in grades five through twelve for thirty years in Augusta, Maine. He has performed throughout Maine, most recently with the Manchester Brass Quintet. Also an accomplished pianist, Dwight arranges most of the music performed by the Downeast Brass.

Andy Forster has been an instrumental music teacher in the Messalonskee School District for eighteen years. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and his M.M. in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Forster has studied trumpet with John Foss, Robert Stibler, Walter Chesnut and Trent Austin. His conducting teachers include Stanley Hettinger, Malcolm Rowell, and Mark Russel Smith. His professional performing experience includes performances with the Downeast Brass Quintet, the UMF Wind Ensemble, the UMF Orchestra, the Bates College Orchestra, the Colby College Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, the Al Corey Jazz Orchestra, the Brian Nadeau Big Band, the Mount Washington Hotel Jazz Orchestra, the Mayflower Hill Brass Quintet, the Brass Maineiacs, and numerous musical theater productions.

Mike Peterson teaches instrumental music in the Messalonskee School District. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of Maine, and his B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz. He has studied trombone with Fred Heath, Hal Janks, and Fred “Moe” Snyder.

Mike was also the primary music director for the Waterville Opera House from January of 2005 through April of 2008, and was a guest music director at Colby College in January of 2007. In addition to the Downeast Brass, Mike performs with the Good-Time Sound barbershop quartet. He resides in Oakland with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Rosemary.

RFA brings Sidecar Heroes to Rangeley

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:57:51 +0000

Sidecar

Sidecar Heroes is a six-man a cappella band. They will be performing at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley on July 14^th at 7PM. The Sidecar Heroes perform function band repertoire using the cheapest instruments which they could find… their voices. Six men, six unique instruments, all combining to create the tight harmonies and rockin’ rhythms which comprise Sidecar Heroes eclectic repertoire. They’ve got Rock, they’ve got Doo Wop, and they’ve got Motown and Funk. No genre is safe from their ever-searching arrangers. Sidecar Heroes is based out of Southern Maine and currently performs all over Maine and New Hampshire.

Jason Paquette (tenor) has been singing a cappella music for the past seven years. Jason grew up in Ellsworth, Maine. He started piano lessons in the second grade. Both his parents are music teachers. It was almost a given that this child would be musically talented. He has a music degree from the University of Maine and is currently the Chorus teacher at Morse High School in Bath.

Mark Rowe (baritone) began his a cappella career singing In the Still of the Night and Uptown Girl in a vocal quartet in high school. After a brief stint studying computer science, Mark switched majors and studied classical voice at the University of Southern Maine. Many groups and many years later, he now finds himself with Sidecar Heroes where he sings baritone and arranges.

Dennis Boyd Jr. is excited to be a part of Sidecar Heroes. Having sung previously with the Maine Steiners and Audiologic, Dennis is excited to be once again singing bass for an a cappella group. Dennis holds a BM degree from the University of Maine and is currently the director of choirs at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Middle School and formerly worked at Bonny Eagle High School. Dennis loves to go out on the road and travel with his friends.

Lee Hunter grew up in rural central Maine on a farm where there was nothing to do but toss cows and play music. Singing and performing through his childhood years and into college, he dipped into virtually every genre; from barbershop to classical to contemporary. Equipped with a music minor and public relations degree, he joined Sidecar Heroes in 2008 and has been spitting beats for them ever since.

Devan Porter (tenor) is really glad to be singing a cappella again! Raised in a house with no musicians, it wasn’t until high school that Devan got into music by singing in his high school chamber singers and teaching himself guitar. His first and only a cappella experience before Sidecar Heroes was with the Maine Steiners(’07-’08). Other than work and music, Devan likes to snowboard, hike, play basketball, and always does his best to stay out of trouble.

Shawn Fitzgerald was born a poor black child. At around 7 or 8 years of age, he heard someone really good sing, thought to himself, ‘hey, I could probably do that’, and has been doing so ever since. He hopes one day to be James Bond, or to see a real life zombie apocalypse, preferably both.

With their many years of performing experience coupled with some exciting arrangements, Sidecar Heroes offers an exciting and entertaining show that everyone will enjoy. Tickets ($15) are available at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce 207-864-5364.

RFA Annual Street Dance will be held on Main Street Tuesday, July 19, 6:30—10 PM. Downtown Rangeley becomes a dance floor—Main Street is closed to traffic. Joe Montimurro and Scott Iverson & Friends will be featured. Music will include classic Rock and Roll, Beatles, Mamas & the Papas and Rolling Stones. All ages are encouraged to come and dance the night away

RFA DIVA Show will be held July 27, 28, 29 at 7:30PM at Saddleback Base Lodge. Tickets are on sale now at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 6 Park Road. New location with great sunset views, new performers, and new songs will surely be a show not to be missed. The evening will have numbers that will make you smile, laugh, sing-a-long and surely a few surprises.

RFA Summer DIVA Auditions

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:37:11 +0000

Calling all vocalists…the RFA Summer DIVA Auditions will be held June 19, 4-6 PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley. The theme for this year’s show will be Award Winning Divas! Do you enjoy singing? Performing? Having Fun? Come join some veterans and some new comers to the DIVA Production.

If you are interesting in participating, you will need to audition. Please email- moozicteacher@hotmail.com to discuss song options/ideas. This very popular production will be held at the Saddleback Mountain Lodge on July 27, 28, 29.

RFA sponsors Abbe Museum’s visit to RLRS

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:45:07 +0000

James Francis, tribal historian of the Penobscot Nation and Raney Bench, educator from the Abbe Museum visited Rangeley Lakes Regional Students, grades K-8 on Tuesday Nov 10. The Abbe Museum is located in Bar Harbor and inspires new learning about the Wabanaki nations. Student presentation for students in grades K – 5 focused on knowledge of how Native Americans of the 1600’s lived off the land. Mr. Francis and Ms. Raney took the students on a journey through the four seasons, teaching them how Native Americans built shelter, made clothes and hunted for food. Their presentations supported ongoing classroom instruction. Students in grades 6-8 were challenged to explore stereotypes they might hold relating to Native Americans both historically and in the present. This learning opportunity was sponsored by the Rangeley Friends of the Arts.

June concert by the Rangeley Community Chorus

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:23:06 +0000

The RFA Summer program has been finalized and will get off to a great start with a June concert by the Rangeley Community Chorus and the musical production of Little Shop of Horrors over the 4^th of July weekend.

“Poetry and Inspiration”, an upcoming concert by the Rangeley Community Chorus, takes place on Sunday, June 27 at 7:00 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd. The concert celebrates the marriage of fine poetry and music, including The Tiger by William Blake, The Arrow and the Song by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats, and I Dream a World by Langston Hughes. A $10.00 general admission fee will help defray costs of purchasing music for the group.

A special feature of the program will be readings of each poem by a member of the community prior to each setting of the song. Another song of interest on the program is the classic Simon & Garfunkel song, Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The Rangeley Community Chorus was formed in 2009 and is supported by funding from the Rangeley Friends of the Arts. The June performance will include 18 singers from the Rangeley, Strong and Carrabassett area. A new set of rehearsals will begin in July working towards an August 25 concert. All adults and high school students are welcome to join in the fun. Please call 864-3951 for more information.

A tuneful, funny musical score meets a giant man-eating plant when Rangeley Friends of the Arts’ production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS devours the Lakeside Theater in Rangeley. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, with a hit movie and a Broadway revival to its credit, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS opens on Thursday, June 1, 2010, and blossoms until Monday, July 5th.
In this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies, a down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” (voice-Connor Durgin, puppeteers-Tyler Eustis and Jaycee Mullen) grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has book and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. Seymour (Tim Straub) and Mr. Mushnick (Les Hoekstra) combine voices for the unforgettable Mushnik and Son. Audrey’s (Erin Smith) rendition of Somewhere That’s Green and Suddenly, Seymour is powerful and remarkable. The story is revealed by the female chorus (Doo-whoppers) played by Cyndy Egan, Emily George, Ashley Quimby, Anna Soule, and Dagmar Wetherill. The dentist-Orin (Hudson DeRaps) is a character to be remembered. Completing the cast is Ana Wetherill as the interviewer and Brittany Wetherill who will be seen portraying several unique characters.

This perennially favorite musical concerning a geek, an adorable floozie, some DOO-WHOPPERS and a blood-thirsty plant – all of whom conspire to give us an evening of hilarity and charm. It is a show not to be missed—You’ll love it!!

Tickets ($15) are now available at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce 864-5364.

The RFA Spring Music Recital held on May 27 featured selections by 19 pianists, 1 flutist and 4 vocal musicians. The parents, friends and family members almost filled the Church of the Good Shepherd on the beautiful summer evening to enjoy the great variety of music and talent that was displayed. One student (Sophie Chu-O’Neil) had a surprise for her father as she played “Happy Birthday” to celebrate his special day. The RFA initiated the Student Lesson Program in 1980, assisting local students with the cost of private instruction in the arts. The Rangeley Rotary Club and the Rangeley Lakes Regional School have been our partners in this effort with an annual grant to the program. 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.

Saddleback’s Annual Fall Festival Held on September 20

Caroline Bates-Hoffman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:09:51 +0000

On Sunday, September 20 from 10:00 am – 3:0 0 pm, the Fifth Annual Fall Festival will take place at Saddleback Maine. Festivities include a barbeque, an Art Show & Sale hosted by the Rangeley Friends of the Arts, Maine crafters featuring wood-fired pottery, handmade quilts and jewelry; a pie eating contest and plenty of events great for children, including alpacas from a local farm.

Season Passes at special pre-season rates will be available for sale and registration for Saddleback’s season long Meisters Programs will take place.

Event Highlights:

Music by Jimmy Austin on the Deck from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

A brief update from Warren Cook and his staff on what’s new on the Mountain at 12:00 noon.

Rodney Richard “the Mad Whittler,” chain-saw wood carving and raffle at 1:00 pm.

Healthy Community Coalition and Rangeley Family Medicine offering free clinical breast exams and free bone density screenings.

Foliage colors should be brilliant, so this is an ideal time to take a leaf-peeping ride up Route 4 to Rangeley and then perhaps over the Height of Land on Route 17 for some of the most spectacular vistas in New England. For more information, visit www.saddlebackmaine.com or call 866-918-2225.