The halls of Pine Tree Academy (PTA) were bustling on March 27, as students and chaperones registered and prepared for two days of intense music rehearsals for the Northern New England Conference (NNEC) Music Clinic. What began in 1981 as a modest gathering has grown into a beloved tradition—now in its 44th year— drawing young musicians from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Bermuda, and Nova Scotia. All the preparation was leading up to three highly anticipated performances: the Sacred Concert on Friday evening, music during the Sabbath church service, and the Finale Concert.
Founded by Doris Krueger, the Music Clinic has been a yearly tradition since 1981, only pausing during the two years of pandemic-related closures. Participation has grown considerably over the years. The first clinic featured a 70-voice choir and a band with 50 instruments. This year, the number of voices more than doubled, with 135 students in the Academy Choir and 25 in the Youth Choir. The band also expanded to include 90 instruments. As the clinic evolved, piano and string sections were added—this year featuring 12 pianists and 30 string players.
The NNEC Music Clinic is known for its incredibly talented clinicians that often return year after year. They share their knowledge and help the participants learn and grow their God-given talents by working together to create beautiful music in praise to God. This year’s clinicians included Lira S. Cady from South Lancaster Academy (academy choir); Laurie Redmer Cadwallader from Southern Adventist University (strings); Brendan Krueger from Pine Tree Academy (band); Dr. J. Bruce Ashton from Southern Adventist University (piano); and Doris Krueger from Pine Tree Academy (youth choir).
The Music Clinic also includes a spiritual element. This year, Pastor Bill Brace reminded both participants and audience members that God deeply desires for each person to be with Him in Heaven and on the earth made new. He emphasized how simple God has made the gift of salvation. To illustrate his message, Brace shared moving stories of how God patiently waits for people to stop resisting and finally let Him in. No matter how far someone tries to run, God is always near.
Sabbath morning brought several inches of snow, beautifully blanketing the brown earth, which was not ready for spring greenery and flowers. As Mainers typically do, they carried on. Some participants from Bermuda were particularly excited to see snow for the first time.
Music Clinic concluded with the Finale Concert Saturday night. The Grand Finale song is the highlight, with all music groups participating—choirs, strings, band, and piano—all praising God together. Directed by Brendan Krueger, PTA principal, the audience was treated to a surround sound experience with “A Mighty Fortress.”
*Historical numbers were from an April 14, 1981, Atlantic Union Gleaner article by Dorothy Waters.
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Sharon Hinckley, Northern New England Conference Music Clinic sponsor/volunteer
Photos: Ed Runnals
