The 2026 Northern New England Music Clinic brought together 285 students, staff, chaperones, and family members. This year’s theme was “A Day of Rejoicing,” focusing on the journey to and arrival in heaven. Students hailed from 10 schools or school groups and three countries: Bermuda, Canada, and the United States.
The music clinic strives to teach young people the intricate skills of singing and playing new music and developing musical techniques, while also emphasizing the value of God’s creative gift of music. Praising and worshipping the Savior, Jesus Christ, encouraged and uplifted participants.
A team of experienced clinicians individually guided the students within their specific musical groups, and with all groups combined. Lira Cady, South Lancaster Academy choir director, led the choir. Brendan Krueger, Pine Tree Academy principal and music director, led the band. Dottie Krueger, founder of the Northern New England Music Clinic, led the youth choir. Laura Cadwallader, conductor of the Southern Adventist University Symphony, led the strings group. Dr. Bruce Ashton, a volunteer choir director for worship services at churches around Collegedale, led the piano students. The clinicians brought years of experience and have individually performed across the United States and internationally.
Students learned a variety of music, including well-known hymns, such as “How Great Thou Art” and contemporary songs like “Count on Me.” It was inspiring to see and hear students not only singing and playing the notes on the page but also truly sharing the music from their hearts. During choir practice, three schools presented impromptu performances of songs they had been preparing before their arrival. The students loved sharing their music with the other choir members, and they enthusiastically supported one another with hearty cheers. Students from Sandy Lake Academy in Bedford, Nova Scotia, shared an upbeat rendition of a gospel song.
On Sabbath, in addition to sacred music performed by the students, attendees heard messages from James Reid, Pine Tree Academy chaplain, and Gary Blanchard, president of the Northern New England Conference. Pastor Reid spoke about judgment being found in favor of the saints, allowing believers to approach heaven with confidence and peace in Jesus Christ.
The Sabbath program concluded with a concert featuring all musical groups. The grand finale, “One Day, When We All Get to Heaven,” was a joyful, rousing call to look forward to the day when everyone will see Jesus and “sing and shout the victory.” Let everyone eagerly anticipate the day when every voice will be lifted in praise and adoration, singing together with that heavenly choir.
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Mark Bugbee, education superintendent, Northern New England Conference
