Mission: 317 main creates an environment for musical enrichment centered on respect, encouragement, and support for musicians of all ages and abilities. 317 main contributes to the vibrancy of our communities by offering extraordinary music education at our yarmouth studios, engaging diverse populations through partnership programs, and supporting the creative economy through collaborative partnerships and hiring local artists.
Programs: 317 main's largest program service is providing music education opportunities for students of all ages and abilities at our yarmouth studios. In fy 16/17, 317 main provided private and group lessons, as well as ensembles, classes, workshops and performance opportunities to approximately 1,000 students and music lovers throughout the year. Music students range in age from infant to 90 years old and come to 317 main from 40+ different towns in southern and central maine. Focus areas for fy 16/17 included building our "little roots" early childhood music education program for children ages of birth to 8 years old and our "deep roots" program for people age 55 and older which includes group singing, ensembles, and dance programs. We also focused on creating more intimate learning opportunities in our free partnership programs.
317 main continues to work to build its community music partnership program designed to bring music education and music enrichment opportunities to disadvantaged populations, as well as other individuals of all ages who otherwise would not have access to music. We do this by forging meaningful collaborations and partnerships with public and private schools, social service organizations that support underserved populations and senior citizen organizations. As part of this partnership initiative, 317 main has hired part-time staff including a partnership coordinator, development director to write grants, and teaching musicians to lead the partnership initiatives. 317 main also has a financial aid program to provide financial support to music students with financial needs.
317 main hosts several events each year as part of our focus on building community and fundraising to support general operations and various music education programs. Our events in 2016-2017 included henryfest, a large outdoor family-oriented festival with the primary goal of raising awareness and building community, the maine acoustic festival, a statewide festival for student musicians to congregate and perform acoustic roots music, monthly "noon tunes" concerts that are free to the public, and a community concert series in collaboration with the first parish congregational church in yarmouth.
317 Main is a true community integrator. For fifteen years, it has served as a point of contact for residents in Southern Maine to develop an understanding of music, through playing in a non-judgemental environment. Today it serves the Greater Portland community through its partnership program with other non-profit organizations, in addition to welcoming 600 students (from over 40 Southern Maine communities) with group lessons, ensemble playing and one on one lessons.
Four or five years ago I first learned of 317 Main Community Music Center. What a surprise to learn of the reach (in geography and age range) of this organization. 317 Main helps people of all ages learn music on their terms and has been responsible for introducing music to many people who would otherwise never appreciate its impact. It’s a privilege for me to be a part of this organization which is making such a contribution to the State of Maine.
