“Any program that involves kids and music is just great in my book,” said Linzee Weld of North Yarmouth, who attended a private fundraiser for Maine Academy of Modern Music on May 26 with her husband, Peter Milliken, founder of 317 Main Community Music Center.

One senses this is a sentiment shared by fellow guests, including Dan Crewe, president and chairman of The Bob Crewe Foundation; Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Adam Ayan of Gateway Mastering; Al Leighton, board member of One Longfellow Square; and Valerie Landsburg, actress, director and singer-songwriter.

“MAMM is an outstanding program for kids to get involved in music in a non-traditional way,” said Chris Houle, board treasurer. “It’s such a confidence-builder. They start out taking traditional lessons, many of them come together for instructed bands, and their actual performances get them out in front of an audience. It’s a huge deal for these kids.”

“I love it,” said instructor Kyle Friday, who teaches bass, guitar and piano. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my musical career. I feel like I’m constantly learning from the kids.”

Charlie Miller, who hosted the intimate garden party at his home in Portland’s West End, is an ardent supporter of the independent music school, its mission, and its counterpart, Maine Youth Rock Orchestra.

“MAMM is special for a number of reasons,” said the affable Miller, who is an honorary board member, welcoming his guests.

“Music is special. It serves those kids who aren’t going to be football stars to find a way to be successful in a different way, and it’s just as important. We cannot underestimate the good MAMM has done helping younger people succeed.”

One of those kids is Liam Swift, a freshman at Casco Bay High School, who attended with his parents Sheila McKinley and Doug Swift of Portland.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of the musicians and connect in a deeper way with that community,” said Swift, who is the host of MAMM’s Kids & Teens Open Stage. “Having the open mic has been a space for me to relate to my fellow musicians and artists, and express my new songs.”

“It’s truly humbling to see the community come out tonight in support of our efforts to provide quality music education, including Maine’s underserved youth,” said founder and executive director Jeff Shaw, who attended with his wife, Aviva. “MAMM is poised for significant growth this coming year thanks in large part to Portland’s fertile music and cultural arts scene.”

Margaret Logan is a freelance writer who lives in Scarborough. She can be contacted at:

margaret08logan@gmail.com