Our History

The Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) claims its roots from the bands, orchestras, and choral groups that existed in the greater-Augusta area from over a century ago, all with the common goal of providing opportunities for musicians and performances for the enjoyment of the public. Like its predecessors, KPAC fosters the development of young musicians, while giving adult members an opportunity to continue their passion for making music well into their later years. 

Archival records document many such groups, including the Augusta Cadet Band (1884-1979), the Gardiner Band (1897-1945), the Augusta Symphony (1920 - WWII, reestablished in 1970), the Kiwanis Chorus (1925), the Hallowell Community Band (1949), the American Legion Band (1920 -1979), CODA Chorus (1967), and the Bicentennial Band and Singers (1975-1976). The Augusta Symphony, Hallowell Community Band, and CODA remain active today, sharing participants and maintaining a strong and mutually beneficial working relationship with KPAC.

The success of these performance groups over the years can be attributed to the commitment of their instrumentalists and singers as well as several prominent conductors and music teachers who were involved with one or more ensembles, among them Ernest “Ernie” Hill, Samuel Freeman, Robert Hudson, Nancy Fossett, and most recently Charles T. “Chuck” Milazzo, who retired after more than forty years with the organization. 

The musical pathways of several current KPAC members have been influenced by at least one of these conductors, and many have personal connections through family members who also performed under their direction.

In 2004, the name, Kennebec Performing Arts Company, (KPAC), was chosen to represent the many communities from which its performing members come as well as the variety of musical styles presented. Besides the current jazz band, wind ensemble and chorus, over the last forty years the organization has included musical theater productions, a children’s chorus, and small vocal and instrumental ensembles, performing in towns along the Kennebec from Augusta to Skowhegan. 

Thank you for supporting the arts in our community!