Board & Leadership | Friends of Music of Smithtown

About Us

Board &
Leadership

Friends of Music of Smithtown is led by dedicated parent and community volunteers who give their time to support music education throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

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Our Mission

Friends of Music of Smithtown is an all-volunteer, nonprofit booster organization. We exist to enrich and support music education for students in the Smithtown Central School District. We are not part of the school district. Everything we do is funded by members, donors, and the community.

2026–2027 Officers

Our officers are elected annually by the Friends of Music membership. They are parents and community members who volunteer year-round to keep this organization running.

★  2026–2027 Officers
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Amy Hirsch
President
Maggie Schaefer
Vice President
Kat Nelson
Vice President
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Brandi Seda
Secretary
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Grace Nguyen
Treasurer

Year-Round
Committee Work

Our standing committees run throughout the school year. All Friends of Music members are welcome to join any committee. No special skills required, just time and a willingness to help.

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Membership Committee

Grows Friends of Music membership across all school levels and ensures scholarship eligibility records stay current.

  • Recruit family, students, alumni, and faculty members
  • Promote membership throughout the year
  • Maintain membership records
  • Track High School East and West senior family memberships
  • Maintain scholarship eligibility spreadsheet
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Social Media & Website Committee

Tells the Friends of Music story and celebrates music in Smithtown across all our digital channels.

  • Create Facebook and Instagram posts
  • Update website content as needed
  • Use Canva to create graphics
  • Promote events, scholarships, and membership opportunities
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Fundraising Committee

Generates new ideas and revenue to support music programs throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

  • 3rd Grade Recorder Program
  • Gala and Elementary Music Festival T-shirts
  • Jazz Dinner fundraiser
  • Summer Music Program
  • New ideas and community connections always welcome
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Swag & Merchandise Committee

Expands Friends of Music merchandise offerings so supporters can show their pride for Smithtown music year-round.

  • Research on-demand merchandise platforms
  • Coordinate product selections and designs
  • Monitor and manage online store offerings
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Community Partner Committee

Builds and maintains relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community members who support music education in the Smithtown Central School District.

  • Recruit and steward corporate and community sponsors
  • Coordinate sponsorship recognition at events and in publications
  • Connect Friends of Music with local businesses and donors
  • Support outreach to expand our community presence

Event & Program
Volunteer Opportunities

Each Friends of Music program and event needs hands-on volunteers. These are some of the most rewarding ways to get involved, directly alongside students and families.

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Jazz Dinner (HSE & HSW)

Chair: Kat Nelson
  • Coordinate event location logistics
  • Solicit raffle donations (up to 20 raffles)
  • Assemble raffle baskets
  • Manage setup and check-in
  • Coordinate with venue owner
  • Work event day (arrive ~4:00 PM)
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Summer Music Program

Chair: Maggie Schaefer
  • Assist with program organization
  • Support registration and communications
  • Help promote the program
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3rd Grade Recorder Program

Chair: Maggie Schaefer
  • Coordinate group orders with families
  • Manage order collection and payments
  • Arrange delivery to schools
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Senior Awards Night Reception

Chair: Position open — we are looking for a chair
  • Create and manage SignUpGenius for food donations
  • Coordinate food donations
  • Assist with setup and event operations
  • Help welcome families and guests
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Mini-Grants Program

Chair: Position open — we are looking for a chair
  • Review teacher grant applications
  • Participate in grant selection discussions
  • Order approved materials
  • Coordinate deliveries and pickups
  • Arrange grant presentations for website and social media
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Gala Night & 5th Grade Music Festival

Chair: Position open — we are looking for a chair
  • Create and distribute student information spreadsheets
  • Coordinate with music teachers and district staff
  • Review merchandise orders and proofs
  • Staff merchandise tables at events
  • Promote Friends of Music memberships
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Four-Year Senior Plaques

Chair: Position open — we are looking for a chair
  • Receive senior lists from district music staff
  • Coordinate plaque orders with vendor
  • Pick up completed plaques
  • Deliver plaques for presentation

General Membership Meetings

All Friends of Music members are welcome and encouraged to attend general membership meetings. This is where we vote, share updates, and plan together as a community. Your voice matters.

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When2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM during the school year
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Where26 New York Ave, Smithtown
Smithtown Central School District Administration Building
Entrance is around the back. Parking available on site.
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Who's WelcomeParents, guardians, students, alumni, educators, and community supporters.

Ready to Get Involved?

Every volunteer hour goes directly toward supporting Smithtown music students. Start by becoming a member, then show up at a meeting and raise your hand.