Senior Katherine Bowen has been named June’s student of the month by the Visual and Performing Arts department at Camden Hills Regional High School.

Katherine began playing bass and the euphonium in the 6th grade after receiving piano lessons and playing percussion the year prior. Her passion for playing the bass further developed when she pursued study at Midcoast Music Academy. As she developed more facility on the instrument, many opportunities were afforded her both in and outside the school music program.

Katherine has been a four-year member of the CHRHS Jazz Band and Concert Band. This year she auditioned and was accepted on euphonium for the Maine Music Educator’s District III High School Honors Festival. In 2018 she was the recipient of the CHRHS “Outstanding Jazz Player” award. Katherine also performed in the pit orchestra for the past two school musicals.

Outside of school, she has continued to study privately on bass and, last year, learned to play the upright. In her continuous quest for learning and performance opportunities, she attended the Maine Jazz Camp in 2018 and has been a frequent substitute for the Monday Nite Jazz Orchestra.

Katherine has been heavily involved with the student jazz trio “The Extension Chords.”

In 2019 this group was the winner of the MAMM Slam, a statewide “battle of the bands.” As part of this competition, she was also named the “best bassist.” Her performance with “The Extension Chords” may be heard on Spotify and Soundcloud.

Katherine has really enjoyed the relaxation that playing music provides. She also loves reading music and making music with other people as well as trying new instruments. Her advice to young musicians, “Stick with it, even if it gets hard, and get involved in music outside of school.”

She really loved having something for her mind during the day other than school work, and is extremely grateful for the opportunities that she has had.

In addition to studying marine science at the University of Maine next year, she plans on continuing her music studies and becoming involved in the Pep Band and other ensembles.