The MAI Band inspires everyone to enjoy, discover, increase access to, improve self esteem/confidence, strengthen camaraderie and artistic skills through musical activities performing live cover music (“My Band”) is a group of people that enjoy making and sharing music together both in a regular practice format and in public performance, often in day programs or periodic special functions, for per
sons of all abilities. We are a group of volunteers who seek to serve and engage with other music lovers who may be part of a “marginalized” community or grouping; people who may not have access to listening to or participating directly in live music. Most often, we do not charge a fee to perform or ask for an admission fee to attend our concerts. We do accept donations to offset band costs or to benefit our target audience. The core band group is composed of about 10 people with various abilities and disabilities. As a part of the MAI Group Inc., our umbrella organization, The MAI Band attained full 501 (c) (3) non-profit status on Nov. 15, 2012. The group was formed several years ago to offer an opportunity for us to make, and or, listen to live music together. Our growing repertoire includes oldies type rock, sing along, and or songs familiar to most all. We welcome suggestions for songs we can learn and participants who want to select songs they can take the “lead” on. We offer the opportunity to anyone interested in the band to participate to the best of their ability, feel welcome, and comfortable. This can be in performing, choosing a support role (management, sound, audience facilitator etc.) or just being an audience member. Together, MAI band members have a broad range of skills and strengths but are not necessarily professional musicians. You do not need to play an instrument or have what you think is a “great voice” to be a band member! The only criteria to be a member of the band / ”chorus” (or be an audience member) is to have a love for, and desire to make and enjoy music together. In addition to music our organization the “MAI Group Inc” supports a broader scope of opportunities for artistic expression in different formats. Until recently, MAI has collaborated w/ the Brockton Area DDS in supporting the Dan Shea Art Gallery in Brockton. Like with music, one of our basic foundation principle applies here as welI….. Visual Artists of any ability or proficiency are welcome and valued. If you are a visual artist and want to, or know others, who would like to display visual art we want to connect connecting with you. As our non-profit funds base grows through obtaining grants and donations we will expand our support of live music and visual artistic expression through other actions, like offering individual sponsorships to take music/art lessons, pay the admission cost to attend a concert, theater or museum, buy an instrument or purchase art supplies etc. Our payback can be yours…..Over time we have been pleased to find that member participation benefits all of us. Participation has created new and special bonds, strengthened relationships, and personal esteem amongst us all regardless of our abilities, disability, or the job roles we hold as individuals. If you are reading this, we are always looking for your ideas, additional members / volunteers to assist & support The MAI Group endeavor in any way; equipment donations / grant ideas, networking and any free or affordable local place to get together to play together. Unfortunately, it seems that in life for many of us the simple and uninhibited joy we previously found in the “arts” as children (be it music, group performance or visual art) seems to fade as we get older and become more self conscious of “what other people might think of us”. The participants in MAI band strongly encourages everyone to overcome this “fear” and join in the fun! Make MAI Band Your Band! ☺
For more, please contact us at:
MAI Group Inc. Box 2484
Brockton, Ma. 02305-2484
(508) 577-9436 or (781) 588-7195
Pat at: [email protected]
Rus at: [email protected]
