Did you know that music education improves children’s self-esteem, attention, cognitive skills, and boosts academic performance? Playing music in school also improves students’ social and emotional well-being, a benefit that is especially crucial for children growing up in our modern times. We are truly lucky to live in Cape Elizabeth, a community that appreciates and supports a nationally recognized music program. On behalf of the Cape Elizabeth Music Boosters, I’m excited to update you on the wonderful music being made in all three of our schools. 

From kindergarten through 12^th grade, our school district provides vibrant and rewarding music education for all our students. At Pond Cove, children are introduced to music by Becky Bean, who has them singing, moving, playing instruments, and learning to listen from a young age. In the middle school, all 500+ students dive deeper into general music education with Tammy Carusone, who also directs our first choral ensembles. More than 80% of 5^th graders elect to join Caitlin Ramsey and Melissa Shabo’s symphonic band program, and advanced students can play in jazz bands and regional honors ensembles. Under the direction of Rob Wheeler and Joanne Lee, our high school students are offered a huge range of music opportunities, including performance ensembles (symphonic and jazz bands, instrument ensembles, choral groups, and pit orchestras), an array of advanced classes in music theory, technology, and improvisation, and access to our recording studio. Even high school students with a late-blooming interest in music are not left out, as many new musicians take advantage of Joanne’s popular introductory guitar classes. 

Our music educators create world-class opportunities for our kids. Each year they lead our most dedicated young musicians to earn coveted spots in local and regional honors festivals. Our teachers play leadership roles in state and regional music education initiatives and events, winning both awards and accolades for their commitment. Since 2016, Cape Elizabeth School District has been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation—the only community in Maine that has achieved this nationally recognized record of excellence. 

Music is thriving in Cape Elizabeth! Our vibrant music program depends on your support.

The Cape Elizabeth Music Boosters is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization established to benefit musical education in our town’s public schools when district funding isn’t enough. Through tax-deductible donations, we fund a range of annual programs that fall outside the school budget, including continuing education for teachers, one-on-one instrument instruction for every new band student at the 5^th grade Instrument Extravaganza, funding for visiting artists, including an exclusive two-day residency with composer Jarod Hall this March, and amazing enrichment opportunities, like last year’s 3^rd grade field trip to Carnival of the Animals with the PSO, and this year’s High School Band and Chorus trip to Washington D.C.

Will you help us support world-class music education in Cape Elizabeth? 100% of your tax-deductible gift directly benefits our students and teachers. 

Thank you for your donation and for your continued support. We hope to see you on March 28^th for the Jazz Cabaret!