Those of you already familiar with this legendary band realize what an ambitious challenge this presents, vocally in particular.  Consider the fact that “Bohemian Rhapsody” (perhaps their best known tune and one that reached #1 on the charts twice, 17 years apart, not to mention the prominent role this song played in the “Wayne’s World” movie) featured 160 vocal overdubs!

For those less familiar with the band, numerous artists past and present have credited Queen with significantly influencing their music.  That diverse list runs the gamut from Kurt Cobain to Green Day, Iron Maiden to Radiohead, and Guns N’ Roses to Lady GaGa (whose name derives from the Queen song “Radio Gaga”).

The Guinness Book of World Records reported that Queen albums/CDs have spent 1,322 weeks—or 27 years—on the U.K. charts.  The band released 18 number one albums/CDs, and 18 number one singles.  Their total sales worldwide are estimated at over 300,000,000 units (albums/CDs).

Queen was formed in 1970, and consisted of lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon, and drummer Roger Taylor.  Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, the band drew their inspiration from many musical genres, including some not typically associated with rock, such as:  opera, country, ragtime, gospel, vaudeville, and folk.  Their distinct vocal harmonies, and use of multi-tracked voices to simulate the sound of a large choir remain unique characteristics of the band.  Though some have tried to emulate their sound, and some have “borrowed” to the point of plagiarism, there was only one Queen.

We’ve takin’ it to the streets, and tackled the music of the Beatles.  Now the Midcoast School of Music would like to challenge you to conquer rock royalty by taking on Queen!

Queen Ensemble Dates:
All sessions will meet on Wednesday nights from: 7:00pm-8:30pm at our Portland location.
June 9th, 2010
June 16th, 2010
June 23rd, 2010
June 30th, 2010
July 7th, 2010
July 21st, 2010
July 28th, 2010
August 4th, 2010

The cost of the ensemble will be $175.00 for the 8 week session.  The cost will include a Midcoast School of Music t-shirt and a BBQ reception following our performance.  Like all of our ensembles, we will have qualified instrument specific specialists working side by side with our students during rehearsals.  We find that this is an important element to our program, as they also facilitate sectional time with the students.  Because of the complexity of Queen’s music, this is going to play an important role in the success of this venture.

Please be in touch if this is of interest to you and your child.  We look forward to working on this new project together!

Proceeds will benefit Habitat For Humanity – a charitable organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. To accomplish these goals, they invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Since 1976, they have built over 350,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.75 million people in 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Doors open at 6 pm with a social hour, with music starting at 7 pm. The Frontier is located at 14 Main Street Mill 3 in Brunswick, Maine (click here to see a map and get driving directions). Advanced reservations are recommended as this show will fill up fast! Call 207-725-5222 for more information and save your spot today!

We’re offering an ensemble class that will take our students on a journey to discover what put the “fab” in “Fab Four”.  Experience the music, the magic, and the mystery as you become part of our “Fab Fourteen”, performing the best of The Beatles. This ensemble will be offered this Winter – sign up soon, because these spaces will fill up fast!