WHS students preparing for One Act Festival

By Jolene Bailey

Windham High School students are preparing to participate in the One Act Festival, an annual event designed to showcase one-act plays and theater productions that typically run 20 to 40 minutes.

This year Windham will be staging “Making Nice” by Alan Haehnel at the festival. This show is about a play within a play about a dress rehearsal that goes wrong when Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) members arrive. OSHA members mandate that no one can leave the theater until the production is rounded into shape and forcing the cast and crew to comply.

The Maine Principals’ Association and Maine Drama Council host the One Act Festival every year and bring in new judges and students to be involved. Under One Act rules, each school’s One Act skit cannot exceed a 40-minute performance time without facing penalties.

Students compete in categories based upon student population. The Class A competition is for schools with more than 500 students with Class B competition for schools below 500 students. Participating schools create their own sets that must be reviewed and approved by the regional tech director first.

“The students and I discussed the pros and cons of the show at a meeting back in December and decided it would be a good fit for us this year to bring to the competition,” said CJ Payne, Windham’s One Acts director.

Payne is in his third year of directing the WHS One Acts group and this will be his 15th One Act Festival of participating with the WHS group.

“I love that it's an interscholastic competition where you get competing schools cheering for each other and giving our drama students a chance to see what other school's drama programs are achieving,” said Payne.

He says that the One Act Festival has driven students to achieve higher standards in all WHS performing arts programs.

In addition to the One Act Festival competition, the group will present two preview performances for the Windham community at Windham High School at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1. Admission is free, and donations will be welcomed.

WHS junior Elise Biggs will be participating for the second time in One Act.

“I am most excited about meeting new people at the festival and traveling,” Biggs said. “Last year we hosted at WHS, and it was great but leaving for the festival gives a good new point of view.”

Biggs is an actor’s understudy in the part of Mary, and she is also cast as a wolf in this year’s One Act production.

She said that no matter if it’s in leading or smaller roles, drama and the theater can have a positive impact on students, and a way to discover new areas of interest and develop relationships.

“The One Act has had a positive impact on me as it is a way for me to express myself in a way that the school musical doesn't let me,” Biggs said. “The school musical is there for those who can sing and dance as well as act, but the One Acts gives students like myself a way to show off their acting skills and not get overlooked because they can't do it all.”

This year’s One Act Festival will be staged at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Scarborough High School. Windham’s cast and crew will compete in the festival’s Class A division against Scarbrough, Noble, South Portland, and Gray New Gloucester High Schools.

In order to be eligible for the festival, all student participants must be in grades 9 to 12 and the WHS group includes actors and stage crew members. <

WHS Class of 2027 hosts ‘Windham Skating Party’

By Jolene Bailey

One of Windham High School’s most-involved clubs in extracurricular activities is the student and class council.

Student council is a representative group of students to promote and encourage school spirit and respect to all. Class council is an extension of that where students from each grade level elect positions in the spring to serve the class that the students themselves are in.

So far this year, Windham High School’s Class of 2027 has held several events encouraging participants.

Bailey Ward is a part of the Class of 2027’s class council and says that the sophomores are focused on raising money for future class events, such as homecoming, prom and senior events. This requires them to host several fundraisers during the school year. Last year around late winter they held a “Roller Skating Night” at Happy Wheels in Westbrook.

“The event turned out pretty good, but it was not a completely private event.” Ward said. “We only received some of the proceeds because of this.”

This year, the Class of 2027 has planned an “Ice Skating Night” at William B. Trough Ice Arena in Portland.

“This time we have rented out an arena and the event will be open to the entire community, kids, families, etc.,” Ward said. “The private event is different from the roller skating event since it is more focused on Windham and Raymond.”

During the winter months, it can be difficult to find ways to exercise and plan fun events with others. Ice skating is a way to not only enjoy your time with others but also stay active while doing so.

“We thought an ‘Ice Skating Party’ would be perfect for this time of year,” Ward said. “I am most looking forward to the outcome of this event. I am hoping it brings our community together even more and overall turns into a fun night for everyone.”

Students involved with the community is an important part of learning and Ward said it can increase engagement, make lifelong friendships and improve overall attendance.

“Everyone should feel welcome and hopefully enjoy their time,” she said. “Hopefully, we will have a nice turnout and raise some good money for our class that will help us with prom and many other events in the future.”

One positive impact that events such as the “Windham Skating Party” has is for students to get out and to interact with others. Being able to get around new people and trying to step outside of your own comfort zone is vital in teenage years.

“It is also a great event to go to with your friends and grab a bite to eat after,” Ward said. “Another thing I think will be nice is that it is a way for people to learn to skate if they already don't know how.”

The “Windham Skating Party” will be from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at William B. Trough Ice Arena, 225 Park Ave. in Portland. Ward says that throughout the event there will be music, food, and a few raffles. Skates will be included but students may bring their own pair if they choose to.

WHS Class of 2027 advisors Jennnifer Long and Chris DiBernardo will oversee this event as they have helped coordinate this event and others in the past. <

Aroma Joes partners with Raymond Parks and Rec for winter pop-up event

By Kendra Raymond

When it comes to winter fun, Raymond Parks and Recreation Department has it covered. After a recent snowstorm caused the cancellation of a field trip, Parks and Rec staff members jumped into action to save the day.

Eager sledders Emerson Crocker and Acadia Carroll took
part in the recent pop-up sledding event during the Camp
Raymond After School Program. PHOTO BY RILEY SILVIA 

Camp Raymond After School is a program designed to keep children active and occupied following school hours. Activities take place in Raymond, but occasionally special trips are planned. The recent surprise storm derailed the group’s trip to the Children’s Museum in Portland, which was planned during a scheduled half-day at school.

Raymond’s Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia said that the partnered event just sort of evolved.

“This event was part of our after-school program, which provides kids with fun, enriching activities after school. We had originally planned a field trip that day, but when the snowfall made travel difficult, we turned the day into a winter adventure instead,” she said. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Crocker went out and got sleds, and we transformed the afternoon into a classic snow day experience right at Camp Raymond After School.”

Silvia recalls that “snow day” feeling from her childhood. She said she thinks that it is important to encourage wholesome traditions while spending some time outdoors with friends.

“Many kids look forward to snow days and all the traditions that come with them, sledding, hot chocolate, and cozy movies, so we wanted to recreate that special feeling,” she said. “Since they only had a two-hour delay, we made sure they still got to enjoy the winter fun.”

The fun didn’t stop there. Quick thinkers Crocker and Silvia figured that the chilly sledders would want a way to warm up and get some refreshment after all the excitement. Enter: Aroma Joe’s, home of delicious beverages right in Raymond.

“After flying down the slopes, we warmed up with delicious hot chocolate from Aroma Joe’s in Raymond,” Silvia said. “They have been a longtime supporter of our programs and always find ways to give back to the community. When we told them about our impromptu snow day and asked if they’d be interested in helping, they didn’t hesitate to step up,” she said. "They generously provided hot chocolate for all the kids, making the day even more special. It’s partners like Aroma Joe’s that make our community so great, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. We finished the day with a bracket-style movie vote, letting the kids decide on the perfect film to wrap up their snow day adventure.”

The Raymond Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page posted, “Today was SNOW much fun! Shout out to @aromajoescoffee for providing us with hot cocoa for this snowy day.” The gratitude didn’t stop there, as Aroma Joe’s was featured as the Raymond Parks and Recreation Sponsor Saturday highlight posting, “This week we’re shining the spotlight on Aroma Joe’s Coffee, a fantastic supporter of our programs! Not only do they sponsor teams in our leagues, but they also go the extra mile by providing hot cocoa and snacks to their team at the end of the season. Plus, their generosity extends beyond sports - Aroma Joe’s donates hot cocoa to our community events, helping to keep everyone warm and smiling. Be sure to stop by and support them, just like they support us!”

Silvia is dedicated to keeping things exciting for the youngsters.

“The kids get out at 12:10 every Wednesday, so we try to be creative with activities and trips,” she said. “We started this program in September, and I have been the director.”

With the rapid growth of the Raymond Park and Rec Department, Silvia said that her responsibilities are increasing.

“My tasks in the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director position are growing as our department is growing, so I have dropped down to working Wednesdays and Fridays,” she said. “Jill Lambert has become our Program Leader, covering the other three days."

Silvia says she’s happy to get so much positive feedback on the recent pop-up sledding event and hopes to keep the momentum going with more engaging activities this year.

“I never thought the kids would be excited when I told them a field trip was canceled, but they were absolutely thrilled to have a sledding day instead,” she said. “They were laughing and soaking up every moment of fun in the snow. Parents have told us how much they appreciated that we turned an unexpected change into such a fun opportunity.” <

Pinewood Derby racing tests determination of Windham Pack 805 Cub Scouts

By Marianne Moran

Members of Windham Cub Scout Troop 805 gathered with parents, volunteers, and family members at Windham Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 18 to compete in the Pinewood Derby, a series of model car races deeply steeped in the tradition of the Cub Scouts of America’s history.

Scout Jackson Bennett proudly displays the model race car
he built for the annual Pinewood Derby at Windham Middle
School on Jan. 18. PHOTO BY MARIANNE MORAN 

The scouts’ dedication to the Pinewood Derby started in December when they received model kits consisting of three blocks of wood, four tires and two axles to turn into derby racing cars. With the help of their parents, the scouts cut, sanded, shaped, painted and accessorized each racing car using their imagination.

The Pinewood Derby races are held on an inertia track. As the races begin, scouts move to what is known as the “parking lot” to retrieve their cars. The scouts then place the cars at the starting gate, making sure that the cars are completely on the individual lane and are aligned straight. Once the cars are released, the scouts move to the finish line area to watch their cars come down the track. As cars move down the track, they are timed with some exceeding speeds greater than 170 mph.

Looking out to the many cars lined up in the “parking lot’ area, the varied colors, designs, and individualized interpretations of the cars speaks not only to the Cub Scouts’ creativity, but also to the testament to the one-on-one time that these parents and children spent together coming up with and building these cars. Every car is a symbol, a representation of not only a proud and loving Windham Cub Scout, but also a proud and loving Windham family.

On this race day, the cars lined up in the “parking lot” in many colors. There were green, bright blue, orange, yellow, army green, light blue, black and white, multicolored green, and red. They are decorated with stars, figurines, drawings, NASCAR-looking stripes, checks, windows, drivers, drivers with helmets, in every shape.

The excited parents of scouts Henry Bernard, Jonathan Corson, Jackson Bennett, and Ian Bizier have long awaited this day, and have helped them to prepare and assemble the cars. Some even had to start over again after mishaps. In this case, they headed down to the Casco Bay District Pine Tree Council “store” in Raymond for another race kit.

The perimeters and specifications for a Pinewood Derby car are challenging. The Boy Scouts of America define the Pinewood Derby car’s specifications as for width of 2 ¾ inches. The car length is 7 inches. The weight is not more than 5 ounces. The width between the wheels is 1 ¾ inches and the wheelbase is 4 ⅜ inches.

The Pinewood Derby was developed by another parent, and Cubmaster Don Murphy in Manhattan Beach, California, on May 1, 1953. Murphy’s son was too young to race in the popular Soap Box Derby races, so he invented the smaller Pinewood Derby race. Its popularity skyrocketed when in October 1954 the race was publicized in the popular magazine, This Boy’s Life, where it offered plans for tracks and cars.

The Boy Scouts of America registered the Pinewood Derby as an Official Trademark in May 2005.

The winners of this year’s Windham Pinewood Derby races as reported by Pack 805 Cubmaster, Kayla Desmond are as follows:

First place, Ryan Little

Second place, Ben Conant

Third place, Kye Fowler

Fourth place, Lucas Yankowsky

Fifth place, Griffin Earle

Best in Show, Gavin Chickering

Winners from these Windham races advance to the District Pinewood Derby races featuring participants who won community races in their respective packs during the month of January. <

Lake Region Community Chorus seeking new performers for spring concert

All singers are welcome and encouraged to join the Lake Region Community Chorus as it begins its 10th Spring Concert season.

Members of the Lake Region Community Chorus perform
during the group's Annual Holiday Concert in December.
The chorus will conduct registration for 2025 at 6 p.m. 
on Monday, Jan. 27 and 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 in
Twitchell Chapel at Bridgton Academy in North 
Bridgton. Anyone in the Lakes Region of Maine is 
welcome to register and participate.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

If you love to sing and are free on Monday evenings, the members of the chorus would love to have you join them. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday Jan. 27, 2025 in Twitchell Chapel at Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton. Registration will also be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3.

Jan Jukkola and Susan Stockwell will be conducting the Spring Session and will be assisted by accompanist, Patrick Speckamp. The LRCC welcomes members from all voice parts including Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses. Auditions are not required but some familiarity with singing and reading music would be helpful.

The LRCC concerts feature a variety of pieces from many musical genres and styles. There is something for everyone and they want to make sure their singers and audiences have a very enjoyable time at rehearsals and performances. This enthusiastic singing group performs a varied program made up of traditional classical pieces, folk songs, show tunes, medleys of hits by The Beatles, John Denver and more.

Chorus rehearsals run from 6:20 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday evenings and there is a $25 registration fee that helps cover the cost of the music.

This year the LRCC spring concert dates are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25 in the Twitchell Chapel at Bridgton Academy in Bridgton.

The chorus had its first meeting in February 2013 to discuss the possibility of forming a choral group in the Lakes Region. It was amazing how quickly everything seemed to come together, and with Laurie Turley as its original conductor, chorus members performed their first concert in June 2013.

Since then, the original group of 36 singers has grown with each season, and now has 58 members from 14 communities, including Windham, Raymond, Bridgton, North Bridgton, Naples, Sebago, Harrison, Waterford, Stoneham, Casco, Denmark, Lovell, Hiram and Fryeburg.

Jukkola says that the LRCC is a community of voices joined together in song and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for individuals with an interest in singing to share their love of choral music through regularly scheduled rehearsals that will culminate in community and outreach performances. It also strives to enhance each member’s ability to sing by teaching vocal exercises and techniques and to enrich their choral experience by providing a wide variety of musical selections that will increase their knowledge and appreciation of choral literature.

Lakes Region Community Chorus performs two concerts each year. One falls in early December and features holiday music. The other is a springtime concert generally falling in mid-May.

For further details or if you have questions about the chorus, call 207-647-2584, send an email to musicsix@cox.net or visit the Lake Region Community Chorus website at http://www.lakeregioncommunitychorus.org/ <

Faith Lutheran Church to host benefit concert for Essentials Pantry

By Kaysa Jalbert

The Dusty Divas are returning for a Wacky Winter Concert at the Faith Lutheran Church for an evening of music, laughter and fun as an effort to raise money for the Windham Essentials Pantry of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church.

The Dusty Divas will perform a 'Wacky Winter Concert' at
Faith Lutheran Church, 988 Roosevelt Trail in Windham
at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. The event is a fundraiser on 
behalf of the Essentials Pantry at St. Ann's Episcopal 
Church in Windham. FILE PHOTO 
 

A group of well-trained and educated musicians who perform a variety of genres from classical opera, Broadway hits, unique contemporary music, Christian and jazz, The Dusty Divas have been distracted by “little things” in life like raising a family or earning a living, that made them put their singing careers on a high shelf. Now they’re dusting themselves off to help bring in donations to much needed charities through song and comedy concerts.

This fun-filled fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 988 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. Tickets will be sold at the door and are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.

The Essentials Pantry provides items that aren’t covered by food stamps or found at food pantries, such as toothpaste, cleaning products, deodorant, shampoos, diapers, etc. The pantry is open on the last Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for people in need at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Road, Windham.

The Dusty Divas have performed in fundraising concerts for Greater Portland Family Promise, Westbrook Food Pantry, The Essentials Pantry sponsored by Faith and St. Ann’s Churches, Trinity Lutheran and Faith Lutheran Churches.

At the concert you can expect to hear Broadway favorites like Let It Go from “Frozen: The Broadway Musical”, Over the Rainbow from “The Wizard of Oz” and Tonight at Eight from “She Loves Me.” The group consists of four members: Emily Curry, Danielle Vayenas, David Myers-Wakeman and Eliza Ruth Watson, who were brought together by the group’s coordinator and accompanist, Betty McIntyre.

“As an accompanist, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of soloists, ensembles and musical theater groups. As a result, I found many delightful musicians who love to sing, even though for most, it is not their main livelihood,” says McIntyre. “I started providing opportunities for them, always for a charity, but mostly for the joy of singing and using their lovely voices. So, once or twice a year, I send out an email to the group to see who's available, and we go on from there.”

Emily Curry was an active singer at Trinity Lutheran for several years and now sings at Faith Lutheran Church in the choir, as a worship leader and soloist. She is known for her sense of humor and creative collection of hats and costumes during her performances. Emily sings at events such as weddings and funerals on a semi-regular basis and works as a medical receptionist at Intermed for their Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Danielle Vayenas will be stepping onstage for the first time with the Dusty Divas at the Wacky Winter Concert. She has performed as a soloist throughout Maine and the greater Boston area with organizations such as Maine State Music Theater, Biddeford City Theater, Portland Players, Footlights Theater in Falmouth, Choral Art Society, Maine Oratorio Chorale, PORT Opera, Midcoast Symphony, Salem Philharmonic and more.

David Myers-Wakeman, tenor, preforms throughout New England and has received praise for his “beautifully polished tone” and “attractive tenor sound” by former Portland Press Herald critic Allan Kozinn. In Falmouth, he sings professionally with St. Mary Schola and performs regularly as a soloist with choral groups.

Eliza Ruth Watson earned her Bachelor of Music while studying vocal performance with world renowned countertenor, Drew Minter. She then spent nearly a decade in New York City until returning home to Maine where she frequently preforms with local theaters, most recently with Myers-Wakeman and Vayenas in Falmouth Footlights premier of Words & Music.

Betty McIntyre serves Faith Lutheran Church as a pianist, choir director and music director. Additionally, she has led choruses in South Dakota and Maine on and off for over 40 years. While in Maine, McIntyre was the band director at Windham High School for over 30 years and has been working with church choirs for about 25 years.

The church has held similar fundraising events in the past and it plans to continue to host them with increased attendance. Each year they welcome a new set of talented performers. <

‘Windham’s Got Talent’ set to showcase local performers

By Ed Pierce

Simon Cowell probably won’t be on hand as a judge, but that’s not going to stop Windham residents of all ages from showcasing their abilities during the first-ever “Windham’s Got Talent” competition next month.

The first 'Windham's Got Talent' will be held at 6 p.m. 
Friday, Feb. 7 at Windham High School's Performing
Arts Center and will showcase talented performers
and acts of all ages from the community.
COURTESY PHOTO    

Designed as a fundraiser to support Windham Middle School activities, “Windham’s Got Talent” is open to residents, of any age, who wants to step on stage before an audience and display their aptitude for singing, dancing, magic, playing a musical instrument, juggling, dramatic readings, a comedy skit, or any other creative skill.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Windham High School’s Performing Arts Center.

“Any creative endeavor will do,” said WMS seventh grade math teacher Shelly Cook, who is helping to organize the event. “It could even be solving a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds. That would sure be something we’d all like to see.”

Cook said the talent show organizers see a critical need in funding in Windham for certain school activities such as field trips and other programs and are hoping whatever amount is raised at the talent show will help serve a need for WMS students.

“We hope to make this an annual event and although we don’t know how this first one will turn out, we’re excited about the concept and hoping the community will support this,” she said.

According to Cook, she became involved in charitable causes more than 30 years ago when her husband, now a retired Maine State Trooper, was asked to bring Christmas gifts for ill children during a visit to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland as part of the “Hops for Hope” program.

“One boy caught his eye, and he wanted a trooper’s hat,” Cook said. “It gave him some joy. “Years later I asked if we could do something for the school district and we formed ‘Dancing with the Staff. Within a year we had raised $35,000 for the district.”

She did that for a few years and said it was fun but eventually that program ended, and Cook thought of what else could be done to help her students.

“We wanted to bring something back to the community,” Cook said. “We are looking to create a sense of community, to bring people together and to showcase our local talent while fundraising and fostering a sense of community spirit.”

Cook said organizers believe “Windham’s Got Talent” will have a positive impact upon the Windham community and help local residents to create positive and lasting connections with each other.

“This is not just for students,” she said. “We are opening this up to anyone of any age and we expect have participants sign up for ‘Windham’s Got Talent’ from all age groups, both young and older.”

The competition will include one round and feature a panel of four judges. Richie Vickers will serve as the emcee for the event.

For participants, trophies will be awarded to acts finishing in first, second and third place.

A QR code to sign up to compete has been posted on local community boards on Facebook or signups may be done by visiting www.bit.ly/windhamsgottalent

Tickets for “Windham’s Got Talent” will be $10 and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door on the evening of the competition.

“We invite everyone from the community to come out and see some amazing performers that night and support our school,” Cook said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and at the same time will benefit our amazing students.”

For more information about “Windham’s Got Talent,” send an email to Cook at scook@rsu14.org <

Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert promises to be a spectacular evening

By Masha Yurkevich

There are many things that you can do to show your gratitude to someone and thank them for their hard work. You can give them a gift, write them a letter, or you could start a scholarship. Back in the spring of 1997, Dr. Richard Nickerson and his choral students went to Vienna to participate in a music festival and won the most prestigious award of the festival.

This year's Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert will be
at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at Windham High School.
It supports WHS students pursuing higher education if
they continue to make choral music a part of their
college experience. COURTESY PHOTO  

They were very thankful for all the work that Dr. Nickerson did to bring the group to that place and to show their gratitude and give back, they decided to start a scholarship specifically for choral music. It has been 28 years since then and this year’s annual scholarship concert will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center.

Daniel Griffin is a Windham High School alumnus and was a Windham Chamber Singer back in the day. His daughter, who also attended RSU 14, was fortunate enough to also be a Chamber Singer, making it a full circle. Now, Griffin is a part of the Scholarship Committee setting up the annual fundraising concert.

While Dr. Nickerson was flattered by the idea of a scholarship in his name, he is very hands off himself regarding the scholarship.

“We have a small committee that meets throughout the year and plans the one fundraising event, the scholarship concert, which happens on the first Saturday of every January,” says Griffin. “We have been doing this for 28 years and we have all musical alumni from Windham High School come back for this.”

Janelle LoSciuto is the Artistic Director for the Richard Nickerson Scholarship concert, and she is the powerhouse that makes the show what it is.

They have had different performers from the very beginning when Dr. Nickerson started teaching music at the school to more recent alumni.

"It is a great type of family event that we are trying to keep on going,” says Griffin.

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a high school senior that is planning to make choral music a part of their college experience.

“It does not mean that they need to be going into music as far as their degree, they just need to keep it part of their experience, which makes it a little bit broader,” says Griffin. “It could be anybody who is in the Chamber Singers or the chorus.”

Picking one senior for the scholarship is no easy task. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college program with choral music as part of their course of studies or extra-curricular activities and write an essay about what does music mean to them, how it has impacted them, and how they plan to make that a part of their life. The committee then goes by a rubric and picks a senior for the scholarship.

This scholarship not only helps the senior financially, but also helps them meet people that might not be within their cohort of learning.

“Unlike theater, not everybody is outgoing that does music; some people are very reserved,” says Griffin. “This gives them an opportunity to find their people in the college or university that they are going to and start making friends. Choral music or being part of some sort of music program is very similar to sports teams; everybody comes together for one particular purpose to improve and work together and harmonize to produce something wonderful.”

This helps with teamwork, improved mental health, cognitive development, social benefits, and a sense of achievement. Being a part of choral choir gives a sense of belonging, emotional expression, self-confidence skills, stress reduction, and cultural enrichment, all very important aspects in young adults today.

There is a lot to look forward to for the upcoming concert; it promises to be an evening filled with fun.

“There are many alumnae coming back, all with different backgrounds, some with operetta experience, some with their own bands, and for this concert, we are inviting all alumni who were a part of the Chamber Singers or chorus to come back and sing, so we will be having an alumni choir,” says Griffin.

All performers are from Windham and admission to the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert is by donation.

For further details about the concert, visit https://www.richardnickersonscholarship.org/. <