Student-Initiated   In 2001 at a lunch table in Caribou High School, a group of high school sophomores were causally discussing the lackluster music facility at their school. Numerous limitations, such as a severe lack of space, poor acoustics, and inadequate storage had plagued the school for years. Previous community and school discussions about expanding the music facilities had constantly failed. Knowing that Caribou's students and Aroostook County in general would benefit by having a center dedicated to the study of music, the students met with their band director to discuss ideas.

Student-Researched   Brainstorming sessions eventually became weekly meetings led by a small group of students For two years, the students conducted research about acoustics, space requirements, and various issues dealing with the creation of a new music facility and the intricacies of existing centers. Along with their band director and a music parent, the students visited various music facilities in Southern Maine to gain a better perspective. These schools included Camden Hills Regional high School in Camden, South Portland High School in South Portland, and Noble High School in North Berwick. After these visits, consultation with music retailers, and consulting industry standards, the students created a floor plan for a music center to be built at Caribou High School. In August 2003, they compiled all of their work and presented a proposal for the new center to the Caribou Board of Education, where they immediately received concept approval.

Community Supported    By January 2004, the students were working diligently to transform their small group into a larger committee. Over the next several months, the group was expanded to include music instructors, school department representatives, music parents, and community members. Caribou native and United States Senator Susan Collins became the honorary chair for the project. In July 2004, the student leaders became some of the youngest individuals to have established a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, when they officially formed the Caribou High School Music Building Fund. According to former Governor of Maine, Angus King, this is the first time that a project of this magnitude has been led by students. After raising more than enough money for the initial steps, the Music Fund hired Harriman Associates, an architectural/engineering firm from Auburn, Maine, In partnership with the Caribou School Department and Caribou Board of Education. The student members of the committee designed and continue to run this website.

Building the Future   The capital campaign to raise funds was announced during a press conference on March 14, 2005 at the Augusta State House as part of Maine Cultural Advocacy Day. The committee is currently in the process of raising the $2.7 million and has already held several community fundraisers to generate funds and community support. Fundraisers to date have included numerous concerts featuring the Caribou High School Band, Chorus, and Strings ensembles, a scrap-booking course, music festivals, and concerts featuring Country Generations and the DaPonte String Quartet. An ongoing alumni campaign seeks to raise money from Caribou High School Alumni.

For Music Education   Our story is unique, but one that many people can identify with. All to often, music programs are cut from school budgets all across the United States. The students at Caribou High School not only recognized that a music education is a vital aspect of an education, but they took matters into their own hands to develop and expand music education in Aroostook Country. From the beginning, the goal of the Caribou High School Music Building Fund has been constant--to promote music education through the construction of a new music center that will benefit Caribou, Aroostook County, and beyond.

If you would like to receive more information about the Caribou High School Music Building Fund, please email us at info@cariboumusic.org.