CAMDEN — A community celebration, open to the public, will take place on Sunday, July 21, from 3-5 p.m., to mark the inauguration of the new home of Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School at 5 Mountain Street in Camden.

The public is invited to the open house and celebration that will include building tours, a musical petting zoo, an ice cream truck and a performance in the hall by NYC-based Warp Trio and Music School students, alumni and faculty.

The iconic historic building, most recently known as High Mountain Hall, has been refurbished and expanded and renamed the Bixler Music Center. The 7,770 square foot facility now includes the 150-seat Hammer Concert Hall, numerous teaching studios, ensemble classrooms, a recording studio, and much more.

“This is an opportunity for Bay Chamber to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” said Director Josie Davis, in a news release. “Donors generously provided over $8 million for this renovation and expansion which include funds to encourage and support many more students to participate in our programs.”

Currently with 200 students, Bay Chamber's 24 professional faculty offer instruction in strings, piano, voice, percussion, winds and brass. A year-round concert series, curated by Artistic Director Manuel Bagorro, includes over 50 performances and will kick off this summer with three weeks of programs in the building’s beautifully appointed Hammer Hall.
 
 To learn more about Bay Chamber, visit baychamber.org or call 207-236-2823.