Families Assisting Music Education FAME Pine Bush Central School District

FAME, Families Assisting Music Education, is a not for profit organization of Pine Bush Central School District parents and area residents who are keeping alive a 15 year tradition of providing help to keep music programs active in the district schools. This group provides scholarships each year to graduating seniors who have been active in the music programs in the schools. They also help to provide funds for musical instruments and books for students who want to be involved the 5th grade band programs in our 4 elementary schools but who can't afford to rent or buy the instruments or books. Additionally they are there to fill in the gaps when the budget can not meet the needs of the students in the music program be it helping with bus transportation to bring students to programs or assisting with other music related expenses that help to enrich the students in our District.

They have various fund raisers during the year including a barbecue fund raiser in the fall at Hanniford, the famous gingerbread house auction during the December Concerts at each school, and a fun auction at the Dinner and a Show night for Senior Citizens during the Spring Musical, (here is a link to last years Event). We will be planning for that auction by asking area businesses to donate prizes in the next month. We could always use help and would welcome any contributions.

Our year ends with the administration of the FAME Music Scholarships. High School Seniors are asked to fill out an application and perform in front of judges in order to be considered for one of several scholarships. These are presented along with other District Awards at the
FAME Reception and Scholarship Presentation (click here for a link to see a blog about last year's event) after the Senior Recitals at the High School near the end of the school year.

It is important to keep a group like this going especially in light of the Pine Bush Central School District budget concerns that may cut some of the music programs at the schools. Our next meeting is this Wednesday February 3, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the high school. We will meet by the Chorus Room. If you would like to come please feel free to call me for more information.