USM music auditions set

Lori Arsenault, University of Southern Maine performing arts and concert manager, has announced university youth ensembles are inviting young instrumentalists and singers ages 8-18 to audition.

The ensembles include Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble, the Portland Youth Junior Orchestra,  Portland Young People’s String Consort, Southern Maine Youth Chorale and Southern Maine Children’s Choir. All of these groups rehearse on Wednesday nights during the academic year. The instrumental ensembles perform two concerts each year at Merrill Auditorium and the choral ensembles perform two concerts each year at Corthell Concert Hall on the Gorham campus.

Auditions times are between 3-9 p.m. by pre-registration, Tuesday, May 24, through Friday, May 27, and will be held in Corthell Concert Hall. To see the specific audition days and times and to reserve your audition time, visit. http://usm.maine.edu/music/youth-ensembles-audition-reservation.

The USM Youth Ensembles are administered by the USM School of Music and sponsored by Macy’s.

Memorial Day parade set

Gorham’s  annual Memorial Day parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 30, from Lincoln and South streets and proceed along South Street to Main Street, ending at Eastern Cemetery for a ceremony.

The parade will form up at 10 a.m. at the Village Elementary School. Units will include color guards from VFW Post 10879,  Gorham police and fire departments; scouts, antique vehicles, fire trucks and bands.

The parade will also feature animals including the Saccarappa Obedience Club marching with dogs.The parade will pause at Phinney Park on South Street to place wreaths on the Veteran’s Memorial.

Individuals and groups planning to participate should register at Gorham Recreation Department by calling 222-1630 or visit www.gorhamrec.com.

Gunpowder mills talk reminder

David Tanguay, vice president of Windham Historical Society, will speak when the Lakes Region Senior Center meets at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at the Little Falls Activity Center, 40 Acorn St. Tanguay’s presentation is about history of gunpowder mills in the area.

Blanche Alexander, president of the seniors’ group, said the event is open to the public and refreshments would be served.

Gardeners to hear Golan

Betsy Golan, an herbalist and lecturer, will present a program when the Gorham Garden Club meets 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St.

Golan topic is “Preserving the Harvest.” The public is welcome.

GOP speaker series

Col. Bill Benson, U.S. Army retired, will speak in a series hosted by the Gorham Republican Committee at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 1, in Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St.

Benson’s topic will be “Islamic State in Context.” Amber Blanchard, committee spokeswoman, said the event is open to the public.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on May 12 that the U.S. public debt was $19,200,169,433,825.24.

The USM Youth Ensembles invite young musicians and singers (ages 8-18) to audition on the Gorham campus.