CAMDEN — To mark the inauguration of the new home of Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School at 5 Mountain St., a free community celebration is set for 3-5 p.m. Sunday, July 21.

The historic building, most recently known as High Mountain Hall, has been refurbished, 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 and a recording studio, according to a news release from Josie Davis, director and violin faculty at the school.

“This is an opportunity for Bay Chamber to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” explains Davis. “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.”

With 200 students, Bay Chamber’s 24 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 Hammer Hall.

The open house and celebration 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.

For more information, visit baychamber.org or call 207-236-2823.

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