Boothbay Region Elementary School is bringing back the Picnic Concert Series as part of it's celebration of Youth Arts Month in March.

“The BRES Picnic Concert Series is an incredibly special opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate community,” said Assistant Principal Tricia Campbell. “The students are introduced to and enjoy the talents of local musicians and performance artists. We want to encourage our students to celebrate and appreciate the arts.”

Local musicians are encouraged to attend the series and share their music, in addition to BRES alumni and local artists sharing works of art which have been donated for the month. Works are displayed in the upstairs lobby next to the gymnasium.

“Music is a pleasurable way for us to come together to both celebrate and strengthen our social bonds,” said Campbell. “Music brings people together. When we are sitting on our blankets and actively listening to the performer, we practice our social skills, respect of others, (and) we demonstrate community and communicate belonging and connection.”

The series will be Fridays, March 2, 9, 23 and 30 and times will be as follows: Kindergarten through first grade, 10:50 a.m. to 11:25 a.m; second and third grades 11:10 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.; fourth through sixth grades, 11:45 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.; and seventh and eight grades, 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Campbell said students, staff and families are invited to sprawl across the BRES gymnasium/cafeteria on blankets and towels to eat lunch and enjoy music and to view the donated works of art.

Said Campbell, “Not only do the Picnic Concerts offer an amazing opportunity to celebrate our very special community and school family, music teaches children thinking skills, language, motor skills and understanding of emotions. I could not be more excited and thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our children!”