Friends of Music

Welcome to the home page for our parents group, the Friends of Music. Any successful school music program needs a vibrant parents organization to assist with operations and raise funds. Every family is encouraged to participate in at least one of the three common forms of support: teams, talent, and treasure.

Teams: Join one of our great support teams

Talent: Lending specific expertise

Treasure: Donating

The Music Department has nearly 500 students involved in Concert Bands, Marching Band, Jazz Bands, Orchestras and Choirs. The focus is to assist the directors with various activities associated with running a high level performing arts program for the benefit of our school and community. We have four main teams that support the program:

Performance Attire Team

This team is responsible for the the logistics of readying the students for concerts, parades and football games. The Marching Band in particular is the largest single organization at St. Charles North and requires a lot of parental support. Specific skills/experience needed:

1. Managerial experience

2. Basic (or expert!) sewing, pulling hems, etc.

3. Organizational skills

4. A "Worker Bee" attitude and willingness to help students look great!

Finance Team

This team is responsible for working directly with Mrs. Zupec, Mr. Wis and the Executive Board in order to advise/create a long term plan for financial health. The needs of a successful fine arts program usually far exceed district level funding. Needs for funding include specialty instruments/equipment, camp/lesson/trip scholarships, etc. Traditional fund raising is one aspect of involvement, but we are also looking for more creative approaches such as underwriting for major performances and other business partnerships. Specific skills/experience needed:

1. Finance/Sales experience

2. Development/Fund Raising/Capital campaigns

3. Business owners, or connections to local businesses

4. Project Management

Publicity and Advocacy Team

This team is responsible for publicizing the good news of the St. Charles North Music Department and building relationships with outside stakeholders, including the board, administrators, and the community at large. This team also helps to "brand" the program through "spirit wear" and other items. Specific skills/experience needed:

1. Publicity & Promotion

2. Design

3. Sales

4. A desire to see the program and its students be recognized

Special Events Team

This team assists the teachers in planning and producing the major musical events of the year. Events such as the Constellation Concert, Jazz Showcase, and New York Voices Jazz Festival require many hands to make light work. Specific skills/experience needed:

1. Event Planning

2. Decorating

3. Facility rental/contracts

4. Desire to be involved more directly with the success of student performances

Even if you do not have specific skills as indicated above, ALL of our teams require people who are willing to take direction and get to work. We need everyone's involvement in some way in order to thrive. Please email our President, Robin Fleming and let her know how you can help.