Music education improves children’s self-esteem, attention, and 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 the teaching of music. Here is an overview of the wonderful music being made in our schools.

From kindergarten through 12^th grade, our school district provides vibrant and rewarding music education for all of 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 the access to our recording studio. And finally, high school students with a late-blooming interest in music can join Joanne’s popular introductory guitar classes.

Each year, Cape students work hard to earn coveted spots in local and regional honors festivals and our teaching staff play leadership roles in state and regional music education initiatives. Since 2016, Cape Elizabeth School District has been named as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation, one of only two districts in Maine to ever achieve this national honor – and our teachers have done it six years running!

Music is thriving in Cape Elizabeth! But music needs a community, and the success of our music programs 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 enrichment programs that fall outside the school budget, including continuing education for teachers, one-on-one instrument instruction at the 5^th grade Instrument Extravaganza, purchase and repair of school instruments, and funding for visiting artists, music festivals, competitions, and other enrichment experiences. Last year’s Maine Marimba performance at Pond Cove was a particular hit with the students!

Will you contribute to supporting world-class music education in Cape Elizabeth? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Cape Elizabeth Music Boosters to help us keep these great opportunities available to our students and teachers.

Thank you for your donation and for your continued support.