What is the Friends of Music?

The Friends of Music is a volunteer organization that supports and enhances the Winchester Public Schools pre-K-12 music program. Its multi-pronged purpose is to:
1) support numerous music curricular activities both in terms of time (volunteers,
ushers, chaperones) and funding when deemed by the organization as appropriate,
2) stimulate community, school system, and school committee support for the music program as an essential component of the overall district curriculum, and
3) assist the Winchester Public Schools Director of Music to maintain, support, and augment student participation in the music program.

Who are the Friends of Music?

Membership is open to all parents and/or guardians of children who are enrolled in the music program of the Winchester Public Schools, plus all others who have formally expressed an interest in participating in FOM.

What has Friends of Music supported?

Friends of Music has provided manpower and crucial funding to help support the music programs in our schools. Some examples, to name just a few, include the purchase of a laptop computer for a teacher, the purchase of a quarter-size violin, funding to help maintain the elementary school instrumental program, funding to transport our students to special events, the purchase of music for various grade levels, funding for instrument repair and accessories, and donations of funds to various schools to help support extracurricular activities such as middle school jazz band.

How to Become Involved in Friends of Music?

It is very easy to become involved in Friends of Music. Meetings are held periodically to discuss upcoming needs of the music department and any other related issues that arise. The dates of such meetings are publicized in all school parent association newsletters and through school e-mail blasts. Even if you are unable to attend a meeting, you can always volunteer to participate in publicized fundraising activities, “manpower” volunteer activities, and any other essential community support activities. Also, a Friends of Music website will soon be up and running.

For further information, you can always contact a Friends of Music Board member. The board members for the current 2007-2008 school year are:

JoAnne LaLiberte, President
Wendy Jo New, Vice President
Anne Marie Hill, Treasurer
Melodie Wing, Secretary