Eastport Arts Center will offer a free 10-week session of Youth Drum Circles led by Gene Nichols on Wednesdays, beginning March 22. Each week there will be separate sessions for students age 9 to 13, from 3:30-4:40 pm, and for students age 14 to 20, from 4:45 to 5:45 pm. Participants will explore the world of percussion alongside Nichols, an engaging teacher who will provide a wide variety of instruments; students are also welcome to bring their own. Drumming is universally appealing, does not require the ability to read music, and can be accessed easily at home, with or without an instrument. Drum practice is fun, stress-reducing, and promotes a sense of self-worth as the skill is mastered.

The sessions are offered free of charge thanks to a generous grant from Healthy Acadia. Pre-registration with Alison, alison@eastportartscenter.org, is encouraged, but youth are welcome to join in at any time. Please note that in case of weather-related school cancelation, Drum Circle too will be canceled.

Gene Nichols has extensive experience teaching music to students of all ages and skill levels. His energetic, encouraging and accessible approach to instruction conveys his infectious enthusiasm for music. He has been a prominent local music fixture since moving to Maine in the 1980s, teaching for 35.5 years at the University of Maine at Machias, appearing in parades, musical theater and with groups, including the UMM Ukulele Club, Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Orange River Jazz Band. Gene has been an active participant in Cobscook Institute’s weekly music circle, and enjoys collaborations with Les Trois Etoiles, a Washington County improv group. His radio program, “Anything Goes,” airs Thursdays, 9 am-noon, on WSHD 91.1 FM Machias, or at http://wumm.machias.edu:8000/wumm.

Eastport Arts Center is at 36 Washington Street, Eastport, and is handicapped-accessible. EAC abides by State of Maine CDC COVID guidelines, revisiting our policy monthly. At this time, EAC encourages people to wear masks when in our building. More information about programs of Eastport Arts Center, where creativity and community meet, may be found at eastportartscenter.org.