Poetry Out Loud

Highlights of the Northern and Southern

Last week the Maine Poetry Out Loud Northern and Southern events took place at Hampden Academy and Thornton Academy. I was so impressed with the 42 high school students who recited (from memory) two, and if they made it to the final round, three poems. They were poised, articulate, and so committed to the poems they shared.

If you are interested in poetry, all I can say is, you missed a wonderful performance. Fortunately, you can catch glimpses of the poets reciting in two videos produced by the Maine Arts Commission Marketing Director, Ryan Leighton.

From each event, five students were selected to move onto the state finals, Monday, March 13, 3:00 PM, Waterville Opera House. In a blog post from last week you can see who is moving to the states by CLICKING HERE. Guaranteed you will be moved beyond words when you hear these 10 students recite. Jennifer Rooks from Maine Calling will emcee. In addition to the poets, the Maranacook Chamber Singers under the direction of Drew Albert will perform and, Maine’s Poet Laureate Stu Kestenbaum will recite some of his work.

Both videos are posted on the Maine Arts Education youtube channel.

Northern Maine POL Finals – Hampden Academy

Southern Maine POL Finals – Thornton Academy