Friends of Music
Friends of Washington Music (FOWM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 1995 whose mission is to provide support, aid, encouragement, and assistance to those engaged in the study of, teaching of, and enjoyment of music at Washington Middle School. FOWM is governed by a board of parent volunteers and our two WMS music directors. Membership is open to all interested participants, and meetings are held each month in the band room. Check out the calendar for the meeting schedule. All parents are urged to be a part of this group.
What Do We Do?
Fundraising
Over the last few years we have been able to purchase choral risers, music stands, steel drums, a timpani drum set and over two dozen new instruments to lend to students who are otherwise unable to obtain an instrument. These funds also support the program annually by purchasing sheet music for 500 students, repairing WMS owned instruments, funding small ensemble instruction by outside professionals, and providing scholarships to students for uniforms, music department trips and music instruction. Fundraising is achieved through:
- Donations from Friends and Families
- Grant Writing
- Fundraising Concerts
- Merchandise and Bake Sales
- WMS PTA Auction participation
Communication
Regular communication is provided to music families through email, articles in the Pawprints newsletter, WMS website information, and flyers brought home by students. These help keep families up-to-date about performance dates, trip information and volunteer opportunities.
Performance Assistance
Volunteers help with concert set-up and clean-up, sound system management, program production, bake sale donations, bake sale service, merchandise sales, and in cases of fundraising concerts, ticket sales and collection.
Scholarships
As part of our mission to increase access and opportunities for WMS students to participate in music education, FOWM provides scholarship assistance to students unable to afford the cost of uniforms and department trips. In addition, several music scholarships are provided yearly for instrument instruction to students selected by our music teachers.
Trip Organization and Chaperones
Adults help with carpooling and instrument transportation for local performances, and with planning and chaperoning for regional and national competitions.
Outreach – WMS students can get involved in weekly after school tutoring to instrumental music students at Leschi Elementary. In addition, music ensembles perform for local schools that feed into our program.
Contact
Margaret Sandvig or (206) 290-7686
Asha Wadhwa or (206) 890-2151
