Support Music and the Arts in Scarsdale Schools

If you've ever attended a school art show, enjoyed a local theater production or have found your way into the Scarsdale High School auditorium for a chorus concert, you may want to thank Friends of Music and the Arts.

Across the nation, the budget for public schools' art and music programs have been cut, and nonprofit organizations often spring up to restore lost funds.

But even Scarsdale, which is fortunate to have no funding shortfalls for cultural programs, has a strong advocate in Friends of Music and the Arts in Scarsdale Schools (FMA). The organization is now seeking membership for the fall season.

"We are a completely volunteer nonprofit organization devoted to the promoting of arts and music in schools at all levels from kindergarten to 12th grade," said Ann Fraser, President of FMA.

The Friends of Music and the Arts in the Scarsdale schools has made it a priority to recognize and award students who excel in music and the arts, and to provide financial aid and support to schools and programs.

"We give financial gifts every year to all the Scarsdale schools; $500 to each elementary school, $1,000 to the middle school and high school, and we give financial support to high school clubs," explained Fraser.

"It's all thanks to the community contributions. Every bit of funds we receive, we give back to the schools."

In Fraser's recent "Letter from the President," [on the organization's website] she states that in addition to the school financial gift program in 2009, the FMA contributed:

• $800 to Scarsdale High School's art department to pay for a machine that converts photographic slides into digital files
• $350 to the newly formed SHS National Art Honor Society
• $500 to Fox Meadow elementary for its annual art show
• $500 to Edgewood elementary for new musical instruments

FMA has also helped facilitate various music and art presentations hosted by the schools by gathering volunteers to staff the events.

For instance, FMA members have served refreshments and offered support at SHS drama club productions and nearly all of the student concert series. The members have also provided manpower to Scarsdale Middle School's community crocheted coral reef project.

The Friends of Music and the Arts has even attempted to bridge the gap between the high school and elementary schools. FMA organized Meet and Greets between the SHS drama club students and groups of elementary school students.

"The cast members would come out dressed in costume and meet with the younger students, and give out autographs," said Fraser. "The kids think it's a big deal, especially when they love the characters, like with the drama club's 'Beauty and the Beast' production."

The drama club's cooperation with reaching out to younger students is one of the reasons for the creation of FMA's student awards. The student awards acknowledge students' accomplishments and contributions to music and the arts.

FMA honors over 50 Scarsdale students each year. Achievement Awards are given to students who participate in New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) festivals, and community art shows and various exhibits.

Academic Awards are given to graduating SHS seniors. And, the Sidney Case Memorial NYSSMA Scholarship is awarded to students who participate in the All Eastern music festival.

Members of the Friends of Music and the Arts work tirelessly to celebrate and support Scarsdale students. With the support of the organization's 350 members, the financial donations from the community, and the constant open dialogue with the schools' teachers and faculty, FMA is able to increase awareness and appreciation for music and the arts.

Visit FMA's new website for information on how to join, which is filled with work submitted by Scarsdale students. All members of the community are invited to join, the organizaiton is not restricted to parents with children involved with music and art programs, or to parents in general.

"It's for people who feel the arts are important and want to make it better," said Fraser.