Gretchen Hanes

Teaches: Little Roots classes, Partnerships, Little Roots Program Director

Teaching Philosophy: Everyone is musical! I love and have adopted Dr. Feierabend's goals of helping every child to become tuneful (sing in tune), beatful (move to the beat of music), and artful (emotionally connected to music they hear and create). I use folk songs to help create deeper bonds between children and their families when they share musical experiences together.

Greatest Musical Influences: As a young child I remember my family recording Christmas tapes for presents and falling asleep on the stage of contra dances as my father played in the band. My mother taught me international folk dances in our living room and I was my brother's first swing dance partner when he wanted to learn in high school. As I got older I was involved in every musical aspect of my school either singing or playing the trumpet. Village harmony helped me fall in love with music all over again as we performed songs from many countries to audiences where we were encouraged as performers to look at and connect with the audience members.

When I'm Not Making music: I am spending time with my husband and one-year-old daughter outdoors hiking, walking, and biking. I love to dance and attend music festivals. My husband and I also spend time fixing up our house in West Falmouth.

Current Music Projects: developing curriculum for Little Roots classes at 317 Main

Favorite place in Maine: Anywhere I am outdoors and can feel the wind on my face- sailing on the ocean, swimming in lakes and rivers, hiking in the mountains, or walking around town.

I grew up in Westbrook, Maine with my mom and older brother. We went to folk festivals, contra dances, and sang around the campfire together. After getting my music education degree from University of Hartford I taught elementary music in Auburn, Maine. I left to spend two years in the Peace Corps teaching English and chemistry in the Federated States of Micronesia. I then thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and met my husband shortly after finishing my hike. Ready to settle down, I again taught elementary music, this time in my hometown of Westbrook. I am thrilled to be working at 317 Main as the Little Roots Program Director where I can combine my love of music with other families and children.