Walk by the bricks in the summertime and you’ll likely hear enchanting music floating out from open windows as students practice. (This iPhone recording doesn’t quite do it justice.) Inside the dorms are some of the musicians invited here for the Bowdoin International Music Festival, which has been held each year at the College since 1964.

After a competitive admissions process, 250 students are invited to attend the festival and study with faculty and guest artists. Audiences are invited to performances by these artists and over 90 other free events, including student performances, lectures, masterclasses, community concerts, and family events. The festival is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.