Join the FOWM Board
FOWM Board is recruiting new members for 2021-22.
Join the Friends of Washington Music (FOWM) board, a non-profit organization made up of parent volunteers. Through advocacy and fundraising, we work to enhance and improve access to music education for all students at Washington Middle School (WMS).
Submit your interest by May 12, 2021. A FOWM Board member will follow up with you directly: FOWM Board Interest Form or email wms.music@gmail.com
WMS Music Families,
As we come to the close of an unprecedented and challenging two school years, Friends of Washington Music (FOWM) has seen remarkable resilience in our students, dedication and tenacity from our music directors Hannah Gorham and Mike Sundt, and undaunted support from you.
Because of the generosity of our community and the ongoing support of the FOWM board and volunteers, we were able to quickly pivot to support the unique needs of our music programs in a remote setting.
Here a few examples of the support provided this year:
Microphones for virtual learning
New instruments
Individual instruction outside of class time with professional instructors
Clinicians to augment in-class instruction and break-out groups
After-school programs including Drumline
Guest artists: Randy Gist, Seth Parker Woods, Aubrey Logan
Sheet music purchases
In a typical school year, FOWM also supports
Travel for competitions and festivals
Uniforms
Concerts and performances
Several FOWM parents of current 8th graders will be rotating off the board and we need you to carry the mission forward and keep WMS music programs thriving in 2021-22. We are seeking parents to assume 3 - 4 formal board positions as well as for general board members to participate in a wide range of capacities. Read more about the roles and activities below. All participation is volunteer.
If you think you might be interested, please fill out this contact form by May 12, 2021: Board Interest Form or email wms.music@gmail.com. A member of the FOWM board will follow up with you directly so you can ask questions and learn more about opportunities to engage.
About FOWM roles and activities
Formal board positions
President: Provides for overall board leadership, strategic direction, and acts as liaison to WMS administration. Presides at FOWM Meetings and coordinates and supports the work of FOWM Officers and committees. Acts as legal signatory for FOWM. Works with the Treasurer and Music Directors to set a yearly budget.
Vice-president: Provides back-up support for President activities; President may delegate some responsibilities to Vice-President.
Treasurer: Develops the budget, records and reports on income and expenditures, works with the external accountant to maintain financial records and coordinate and support tax return preparation. Pays bills and gives receipts for monies received. Serves as a legal signatory for FOWM.
Secretary: Schedules board meetings and manages meeting minutes, manages documents and files
Additional opportunities
Music program support
Direct support for WMS Music Directors across all activities on an as-requested basis
Performance planning and support
Travel and event planning and support for competitions and festivals
Planning and financial support for HOST after school music classes
Acquire and repair instruments in collaboration with WMS Music Directors including identifying sources for instrument donation to ensure broad instrument availability in support of equity and access goals.
Build and maintain relationships with external organizations that can provide clinicians and coaching support
Equity and outreach initiatives
Embed equity and access into board activities and support approach
Special events like Jazz up Jackson Street (2019 event) that bring together the Central District music community should be considered.
Fundraising
Annual Citrus Sale planning and execution (typically in the fall)
Branded merchandise sale at events
Donation efforts at events and through direct outreach to families and the broader community.
Administration and Operations
Maintain 5013C status and keep registrations up to date at the state and federal level
Manage the Square account and hardware for taking payments at performances.
Communications, website, marketing
Communicate events and key messages to WMS music families using a multi-channel approach (email, website, Facebook page, WMS Families Group on FB, etc.)
Upload performance videos to appropriate channels
Maintain website with current information; act as liaison to web developer for more technical/complex functionality requirements