Edward Judd, a local music teacher and Auburn resident who spent more than two decades teaching music in the Lisbon, Lewiston and Auburn area, will be featured at an “Author Chat” and book signing for his book, “View From the Podium,” at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, at the Auburn Public Library.

The book is a memoir tracing Judd’s 46 years as a music educator. It includes many of his experiences throughout that time as a music teacher from elementary school through college levels. In addition, Judd also relates his experiences in professional organizations as a leader on the state and regional levels. The book has been described as “heartfelt” and “illuminating.” Thomas Lizotte, a prominent Maine music educator and marching band judge, calls the book “an uplifting story told in a straightforward way.” Judd’s book has also been used in music educator classes at the university level including Dartmouth and Castleton State.

Judd spent 22 years as a music teacher in the Lisbon schools. He also served 10 years as a member of the marching band staff at Edward Little High School, and spent time as head of music instruction at the Hillview Center in Lewiston.

Now retired from music teaching, Judd spends his time arranging and orchestrating music for school bands and choirs with unique needs.

“Sometimes, small bands with limited instrumentation have difficulties sounding good with today’s commercial band music,” Judd says. “One way to deal with this is to rewrite the music so that it can be made to fit instrumentation and the needs of a small ensemble so that they can sound better. It helps students have a more successful band experience,” Judd does not charge for his work, which he considers “giving back to the profession.”

Copies of Judd’s book will be available, and he will autograph copies at the conclusion of the event.

For more information on this or other upcoming programs, please visit the Events page of the Auburn Public Library website – auburnpubliclibrary.org – or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.