The Acoustic Roots Orchestra is a great opportunity for school-aged musicians to play music together. This group combines all the kids who already play in the full ensemble with beginners who learn a smaller repertoire of music. ARO members learn the music in their regional group, through their school partnership program, with their private music teachers or as a member of the New England Fiddle Ensemble. All of the ARO kids come together for two full rehearsals and a concert. Explore different roots genres including country, bluegrass, western swing, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, rock and more! 

• Regional Group
• Private Music Teacher Partnership Program
• School Partnership Program
• NEFE Youth (automatically enrolled in ARO)

Each Group Includes:

Eight Regular Rehearsals from October though March

Two Full ARO rehearsals 

Spring Concert

Learning Materials

This Program Includes:

Two Full ARO rehearsals 

Spring Concert

Learning Materials

Students will work on the ARO music with their private music teacher and attend the ARO Full Rehearsals & Spring Concert.

Portsmouth Christian Academy

Brixham Montessori School

This Program Includes:

Two Full ARO rehearsals 

Spring Concert

Learning Materials

Students will work on the ARO music in a group at their school and attend the ARO Full Rehearsals & Spring Concert.

This Program Includes:

ARO Regional Group Rehearsals of your choice (optional)

Two Full ARO rehearsals 

Spring Concert

Learning Materials

Melissa Bragdon Caron, Coach & Music Director

Sam Lyons, Coach

Emilie Carroll, Coach

Susie Stevens, Coach

Taylor Blankenship, Coach

Paul Smith, Coach

Callie Bacho, Coach & Program Coordinator

Greta Erdmann & Maria Tilley, Student Leaders