Housing needed for 150-200 visiting musicians at New England Music Festival

GILFORD — As the starting date of Thursday, March 17, for the New England Music Festival at Gilford High School is fast approaching, there is still a need for housing for about 150-200 visiting musicians. The festival coordinators are requesting that any families within or near the Lakes Region, who would be interested in housing these exceptional students to contact Janet Breton at ghsNEMFhousing@gmail.com.

The instrumentalists and vocalists will be performing on the evening of Saturday, March 19. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy performances by some of the best high school musicians in New England, including some of our local students. By housing some of these students, there will also be the chance to interact and develop friendships with these students.

Families in Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia, Belmont, Meredith, Tilton, Franklin, Alton, and other nearby towns are encouraged to volunteer.

Hosting would involve providing bedding for 2 evenings, Thursday, March 17, and Friday, March 18. Arrangements could be an extra bed, sofa, futon, or an air mattress/sleeping bag. Meals would include breakfasts and dinners on those days. Transportation would be needed on Thursday and Friday evenings, and Friday and Saturday mornings. If transportation is a factor, there will be additional car pooling available. Additional activities are not needed as the students will be rehearsing on Friday and Saturday.

Contact Janet Breton at ghsNEMFhousing@gmail.com for housing information. Additional information about the festival and schedules are available from Lyvie Beyrent (GHS Symphonic Director) at lbeyrent@sau73.org and Denise Sanborn (GHS Choral Director) at dsanborn@sau73.org.