.jpg)
Maine Music Mentors
Pairing experienced high school musicians with middle schoolers new to band
Inspiring and sharing a love of music
Our
Story
During the pandemic, band programs in Maine suffered as many of the middle school feeder programs shut down. As a freshman in high school in 2021/2022, Sage Evans founded Maine Music Mentors, a volunteer music mentoring organization with the long-term goal of rebuilding Maine band programs. The program pairs an experienced high school musician with a middle schooler who is new to band, offering them extra support. Mentors and mentees meet 6x weekly over Zoom for 30-minute tutorials throughout the semester. Mentors hope to inspire budding musicians and share a long-term love of music. To date 140 Mentors/Mentees have been involved in 3 chapters and growing.
Talya E
“[My child] became so much more excited about the flute. He learned how to actually play the notes that he was struggling with. Juliet is a wonder!"
Carmen E
"I loved this experience, and would completely recommend for other people to help out. it was really rewarding to help someone grow and get better. "
Anonymous
"Gained confidence, made a friend, saw what could happen if she stuck with it and kept practicing."
Cape Elizabeth
In Spring 2022, a pilot program was initiated at CEHS/CEMS with flutes. In Fall 2022, Music Mentors became an official school club and expanded to all instrument groups.
​
Student Coordinators: Sage and Phoebe Evans
HS Band Director: Robert Wheeler
MS Band Director: Caitlin Ramsey​
York
In Fall 2023 Portland Youth Wind Ensemble musicians began working with York Middle School
​​
Student Coordinator: Sage and Phoebe Evans
PYWE Director: Dr. William Kinne
MS Band Director:​ Jimi Neel
Gorham
In Fall 2022 Portland Youth Wind Ensemble musicians began mentoring students at Gorham Middle School.
​
Student Coordinators: Sage and Phoebe Evans
PYWE Director: Dr. William Kinne
MS Band Director: Rose Skilling
Chapters
About Us
Sage Evans
Phoebe Evans
Founder and President
Sage began her musical journey with the piano at age 6. She picked up the flute with Middle School band, felt a connection and asked her parents for private lessons. Sage is first flute in Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra. She was first flute at Maine All State Music Festival as a sophomore, and as a junior was principal flute for the Kennebec Valley Symphony Orchestra. As a senior at Cape Elizabeth High School, she plays in the band, and flute choir, and is 1st chair at the 2025 Maine All State Music Festival.
Co-President
Phoebe Evans' introduction to music came at an early age. Both of her older sisters played flute and piano, and she couldn’t wait until she was old enough to play as well. She is second flute in the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra. She was 3rd flute at Maine All State Music Festival as a freshman. As a sophomore at Cape Elizabeth High School, she plays flute in the band and flute choir, and is 2nd chair at the 2025 Maine All State Music Festival. She also plays guitar outside of school, and has recently started songwriting.
