Bangor ROCKS!
“I love school music programs…I adore them and grew up in them. However, not every kid fits that mold, and what we offer here is no mold. I don’t care if you come in playing trumpet, I don’t care if you come in playing guitar, if you play hammered dulcimer, I’ll find a spot for you. “
-Jason Stewart, Bangor Program Coordinator
Join a band this school year! Want to rock out on the big stage? Bangor area youth (ages 10-18) are matched together into bands based on musical preferences, instrumentation, scheduling availability, and age. Let us know if you'd like to be in the same band as a friend! Bands choose what songs to learn (or write!) and have performance opportunities throughout the year at local venues, events, & festivals, including our Resurgam Festival in June. Playing in a band is an incredible opportunity to rock out with other students and grow through music.
BANGOR BANDS
WHEN
Weekly rehearsals with a MAMM instructor are 75 minutes and are offered September through June. Rehearsals are typically held on Saturday mornings / early afternoons.
Click here for the 2024-25 rehearsal calendar!
First performance: BanGORE Halloween show on 10/31
WHERE
Rehearsals are held at the PAL Center on Watchmaker St. (next to the Bangor dog park).
TUITION
Monthly tuition for our Bangor bands is $100. Need-based scholarships available; please inquire!
Meet your instructor, Jason Stewart
I’ve been drumming pretty much my whole life, and professionally since I was 15. I did all the usual school band stuff, and took lessons all through school, and played in local cover bands. As soon as I graduated, I pretty much dedicated as much of my life as possible to music.
Education: Majored in Performance at University of Maine at Augusta
Bands I’m In: In the past, I have played with Sidecar Radio, 6Gig, Nigel Hall, Conifer, and I have an extensive list of clients that I do drum tracks for out of my home studio.
Coolest Musical Experience: Probably the coolest thing I've done is having the distinct honor of playing in my hometown at the Cross Insurance Arena. I highly recommend playing in front of thousands of people in your hometown. It's as rewarding and exciting as it sounds.
Favorite Band When I was 13: When I was 13, my favorite band was Van Halen, which is slightly unusual because I'm a drummer. But Alex Van Halen is easily one of my top 5 influences.
Favorite MAMM Moment: It sounds kind of strange, but one of my favorite moments was our last practice before the COVID shutdown in March 2020. The kids played that day with the ferocity of a band that had no idea when they'd be able to play in the same room again. It was fierce, beautiful, and sad all at the same time. But I'll definitely never forget that day.
Bangor Rock Camp 2024
SESSION I: 7/15-7/19, $400 FULL [ages 10-18]
Hours: 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (drop-off 8:45-9:00am, pickup promptly at 3:00); performance Friday afternoon
SESSION II: 8/5 - 8/10, $450 FULL [ages 12-18, collab with Bangor Overnight, below]
Hours: 9am-3:30pm Mon-Fri (drop-off 8:45-9:00am, pickup promptly at 3:30), performance Saturday 8/10 mid day
LOCATION: Husson University Rehearsals are held in the Furman Center, and the performance is held in Husson’s beautiful 490-seat Gracie Theatre.
At this ONE WEEK CAMP, students will be grouped into ensembles and learn how to play songs in their favorite genres, whether covers or originals. MAMM instructors lead bands through the process of selecting, rehearsing, and performing songs, while offering inside tips on self-promotion, booking, gigging, the history of rock, and music theory. When not rehearsing, campers engage in music games & activities. Campers will participate in a final performance the last day of camp.
Click above to see the final show of the Bangor Rock Camp in the Gracie Theater at Husson University.
Bangor Overnight Rock Camp 2024
AGES: 12-18
TUITION: $1,025 (overnight); $450 (day only)
DATES: 8/4 - 8/10
HOURS: Overnight: Sunday afternoon - Saturday morning; performance mid day on Saturday
LOCATION: Husson University Rehearsals are held in the Furman Center, overnight students stay in the dorms, and the performance is held in Husson’s beautiful 490-seat Gracie Theatre.
At this ONE-WEEK OVERNIGHT CAMP, students have the opportunity to learn and perform songs in their favorite genres and collaborate with campers at the adjacent Maine Media Camp! Overnight students arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday after their midday performance. They will stay in the Husson University dorm rooms and dine in the Dining Center. During the camp day (9 am-3:30 pm), MAMM instructors lead bands through the process of selecting, rehearsing, and performing songs, while offering inside tips on self-promotion, booking, gigging, the history of rock, and music theory. In the afternoons & evenings, campers will have after-hours activities planned, as well as downtime to get to know campers from across the state and beyond. Join us for this amazing collaboration!
(daycamp option for this week, M-F 9 am - 3:30 pm with performance on Saturday)
EVENTS & PRESS
MAMM In the news!
Check out this recap from WABI of our Girls Rock 2024 show!
Girls Rock!
WHEN
Friday, March 1, 2024
WHERE
Queen City Cinema Club
Each March MAMM hosts its annual Girls Rock event — a celebration of girls' involvement in music. MAMM's Girls Rock provides students from the Bangor area and beyond the opportunity to perform safely for their friends, family, and community.
Check out our Bangor bands in action at Girls Rock in Portland: