.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. Under Phoebe Evans' leadership beginning in 2023, Maine Music Mentors has expanded. 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 over Zoom for 30-minute tutorials throughout the semester. Mentors aim to inspire budding musicians and share their lifelong passion for music. To date, 176 mentors and mentees have been involved in three chapters.
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 Coordinator: Phoebe Evans
HS Band Director: Robert Wheeler
MS Band Director: Caitlin Ramsey​
Gorham
In Fall 2022 Portland Youth Wind Ensemble musicians began mentoring students at Gorham Middle School.
​
Student Coordinator: Phoebe Evans
PYWE Director: Dr. William Kinne
MS Band Director: Rose Skilling
York
In Fall 2023 Portland Youth Wind Ensemble musicians began working with York Middle School
​​
Student Coordinator: Phoebe Evans
PYWE Director: Dr. William Kinne
MS Band Director:​ Jimi Neel
Chapters
About Us
Phoebe Evans
Sage Evans
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. In her freshman year, she was the 3rd flute at the Maine All-State Music Festival. As a sophomore, she was the second flute in the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra, and was 2nd chair at the 2025 Maine All-State Music Festival. In her junior year, she plays flute in the band and flute choir, is the 2nd chair at the 2026 Maine All-State Music Festival, and continues in principal roles in the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Founder
Sage began her musical journey with the piano at age 6. She picked up the flute in middle school band, felt a connection, and asked her parents for private lessons. Sage was the first flute in the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble and Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra. She was first flute atthe 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 played in the band, flute choir, and was 1st chair at the 2025 Maine All-State Music Festival.
