Subject: 🥁 March News from MCMA 🎵

Studio Updates

March 2026

Spring may not be in the air quite yet, but we've been seeing lots of folks with a spring in their step as the new semester at MCMA gets into full swing. This month the spotlight is on our amazing instructors as they put together the finishing touches for their inaugural Faculty Concert (coming up this Friday, March 6th!) and several other shows that we are looking forward to.

Read on to hear more about these events, meet our Student of the Month, get a peek inside our recent songwriting workshop, and get ready for summer camp registration. You'll also hear a little of what we're listening to in our ongoing Faculty Playlist series!

MEET OUR MARCH STUDENT OF THE MONTH!

Odin began studying drum kit at MCMA in June of 2022, working with Tom Ulichny for two years. In 2023 and 2024 he was a member of our Blues Intensive camp and performed at the North Atlantic Blues Festival. He is now studying with Jeff Densmore, who had this to say about his student:

"I have been working with Odin since last semester and he is a student who has a natural ability when it comes to the coordination it takes to play the drum set. Odin is not afraid to slow things down and see how it is all put together. He has a natural feel and great timing. Odin is one of those students who puts in the time and effort, and it shows. It is a pleasure working with Odin. He seems like a natural born player."

FACULTY CONCERT FRIDAY MARCH 6

Join MCMA as we turn the spotlight to celebrate the artistry and versatility of our amazing faculty! The concert will feature Alyssa Kelly, Amelia Campbell, Amory Raymond, Dan Wenger, Evan Lattimore, Heather Beers, Jeff Densmore, Jen Feldman, Kate Fiano, Mark Power, Tom Luther and Zachary Bence in a variety of solo and ensemble performances. The program spans a wide musical landscape, from fresh interpretations of classical pieces to original works to contemporary jazz funk, showcasing the depth of MCMA’s teaching artists. Admission is free, though a $20 suggested donation will support future student and faculty performances.

The concert will begin at 7:00pm at Pascal Hall in Rockport.

Faculty Concert

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP

A big THANK YOU to Spencer Albee and everyone who was a part of this winter's workshop, "Songwriting: A Start to Never Finished Course." Participants dove into the fundamentals of great songwriting, learning to challenge convention and break the “rules” while remaining true to their unique vision. Over three sessions they worked together to workshop and develop their compositions. We can’t wait to see where this energy takes us! Stay tuned for more songwriting opportunities in the future.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION: MARCH 16!

SAVE THE DATE! Visit our website March 16th for early bird access to register for these 2026 Summer Camps:

Blues Intensive
Gig Camp
Jazz Intensive (by invitation or instructor nomination)

FACULTY PLAYLIST

This series highlights the natural habits of MCMA's faculty as individuals who engage with music regularly (and passionately). This month's "soundbite" is from Tom Luther:

"I recommend Fela Kuti's Mr Follow Follow from the Zombie album. Fela Kuti was a Nigerian artist and activist widely considered to be the father of 'Afrobeat'. The Grammy's (bless their myopia) finally got around to posthumously awarding him a lifetime achievement award."

FACULTY UPDATES

Evan Lattimore

Evan will be playing percussion with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra's performance of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" on March 22. Tickets here!

Tom Luther

Tom Luther will present two performances of his "Meditations on Perihelion" experience this month: March 21 at the Versant Power Astronomy Center at UMaine Orono and March 27 at the Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine.

"Meditations on Perihelion" is an immersive presentation featuring full-dome video partnered with live and recorded music. The work is presented in seven movements that explore the different possibilities of connections between science and art.

The performance explores the world of science through the world of sound in an immersive multi-media experience. The music and video are informed and inspired by astronomical data and are intended as a starting point for the audience’s imagination. The focus of this iteration has been on the three background cycles (Milankovitch Cycles) that govern our planet’s orbital alignment and seasonal changes. Tickets here!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Strand Theatre:

Sneaky Miles, Jon Nolan & Good Co, and The Speed of Sound will be playing a "New England Triple Stack" at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 pm (doors at 6:45 pm). $20 (+ fees) in advance, $25 (+ fees) day of show. Tickets here!

The Speed of Sound is packed with MCMA all-stars: fronted by recent songwriting workshop instructor, Spencer Albee, it also features faculty member Zack Bence and MCMA alum Owen Markowitz!

Bagaduce Music:

Lissa Schneckenburger & Garrett Cameron Bring Tradition and Groove to Bagaduce Music’s Second Wednesday House Party on March 11, 7:30 pm at 49 South Street, Blue Hill. $15–$35 suggested donation at the door.

More information here!

That afternoon, Schneckenburger will offer a songwriting workshop, while Cameron will lead a session on developing groove for rhythm instruments. Dinner will be available on campus from 6:00–7:30 pm through Conscious Café before the concert.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 6: Faculty Concert, 7:00pm at Pascal Hall
March 13: Community Jam at MCMA
March 16: Summer Camp registration opens