To those who are new to the Niskayuna music program, FOM extends a hearty "welcome"; and to those who are returning - a hearty "welcome back"! We are looking forward to another year of supporting music education and performance in the Niskayuna schools. We wish to thank those who have generously supported the music program in the past and hope to see that level of support continue this year! Please take a few moments to read the Membership Letter from our Executive Board.

Who we are

Niskayuna Friends of Music is a volunteer organization dedicated to fostering the music education, performance and enjoyment of the students of the Niskayuna school district. Wendell Phillips, the first Director of Music Education in Niskayuna, helped to introduce Friends of Music to Niskayuna in the fall of 1961. We rely on the generosity of the community and parents of our students. We raise funds through membership dues and various fund raisers throughout the school year.

You see us at all of the concerts and special events throughout the year. We host, usher, have bake sales, receptions, and assist the faculty. We provide support to our students at all levels of their musical training, from elementary school where they sing their first notes and select their initial instruments, to high school where they can audition for the various elite musical ensembles such as Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Chorale, Studio Singers, Bel Canto Voices, and Chamber Strings.

What we Support

Among the many activities we supported recently were:

♪   Hosting the annual Jazz Fest  featuring an artist-in-residence

♪   Subsidizing the Niskayuna District Band Festival with guest artist and conductor Professor Brian Doyle from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam

♪   Subsidizing the Niskayuna District Choral Festival with guest artist and conductor David Griggs-Janower, Conductor of the Albany Pro Musica

♪   Subsidizing the Niskayuna District Orchestra Festival with guest artist and conductor David Alan Miller, Music Director of the Albany Symphony
 
♪    Providing enrichment funds and several mini-grants which were requested by the Elementary, MS, and HS faculty

♪    Sponsoring HS choral workshops by the Fredonia Chamber Singers and the Erie Saxophone Quartet

♪    Providing funds for Concert Chorale to participate in an all day Gospel Fest at Hartwick College

♪    Awarding partial scholarships to HS and MS students who participated in the NYSSMA All-State Music and NYSBDA Festivals              

♪   Sponsoring the participation of HS, MS, and Elementary ensembles In the NYSSMA Majors Festival

♪   Providing Summer Music Study Scholarships to MS and HS students
 
♪   Providing  funds for Senior Scholarships and Awards  
      
♪   Issuing informative NOTES newsletters throughout the school year