Frequently Asked Questions | Friends of Music of Smithtown

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Frequently Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know about Friends of Music of Smithtown, membership, volunteering, events, and how we support music education throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

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About Friends of Music

Friends of Music of Smithtown is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting music education throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

We bring families, educators, alumni, local businesses, and community members together to help create meaningful opportunities for Smithtown music students.

Friends of Music supports music students and music education throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

Our mission is districtwide. We work to support students across grade levels and school buildings.

Friends of Music supports music education and students throughout the Smithtown Central School District, but it operates as a separate nonprofit organization.

We work in partnership with educators, administrators, families, and the wider community to support music in our schools.

Friends of Music is led by a volunteer board and supported by committee members, families, educators, alumni, businesses, and community volunteers.

Information about current board and committee members can be found on our Board and Committees page.

Yes. Friends of Music of Smithtown is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports music education and student musicians throughout the Smithtown Central School District.


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Membership

Anyone who believes music education matters can join Friends of Music. Our members include:

  • Parents and guardians
  • Grandparents
  • Alumni
  • Students
  • Teachers and staff
  • Local businesses
  • Community members

You do not need to have a child currently enrolled in a Smithtown music program to become a member.

Your membership helps support music education and student opportunities throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

By joining, you become part of a community that believes music should remain a strong and valued part of our schools. Every membership helps us continue our work, support approved programs, recognize student achievement, and bring the Smithtown music community together.

Friends of Music offers two annual membership levels:

  • Friend Membership: $25 per year — For individuals and families who want to support music education in Smithtown schools.
  • Community Partner: $300 per year — For local businesses, organizations, and community supporters who want to make a larger investment in Smithtown music students.

Membership for the 2026–2027 school year is now open.

No. You can become a member and support Friends of Music even if you are unable to attend meetings.

Members are encouraged to participate in whatever way works for them, whether that means attending an event, volunteering, sharing information, making a donation, or simply becoming a member.

Visit the Membership page on our website and choose the membership level that is right for you.

A $25 Friend Membership is a simple way to show your support. A $300 Community Partner membership gives businesses and organizations an opportunity to make a larger community investment.

Join Friends of Music today and help keep music strong in Smithtown schools.


Donations and Funding

Friends of Music of Smithtown is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Memberships and donations may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.

Funds raised through memberships, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events are used to support approved Friends of Music programs and initiatives that benefit music students throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

Support may include student recognition, scholarships, mini grants, educational opportunities, special programs, events, and other initiatives approved by the Friends of Music board.

Donations can be made securely through the Friends of Music of Smithtown website.

You may also contact us if you would like to make a donation by check, sponsor a program, contribute in honor of someone, or discuss another type of gift. Every contribution helps support music students in Smithtown schools.

Yes. Donations may be made in honor or memory of a student, teacher, family member, alumnus, or community member.

Please include the honoree's name and any notification information when making your donation, or contact us for assistance.

Friends of Music supports student recognition initiatives, including senior awards and other approved opportunities.

Specific awards, eligibility requirements, and application details may vary each year. Current information will be posted on our website and shared through our email and social media channels.

Friends of Music may offer mini grants or other forms of support for approved music education projects.

Application details, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding availability may change each school year. Current mini grant information will be posted on our website when applications open.

Funding requests must follow the organization's current application, review, and approval process.

Teachers, programs, or eligible applicants should review the current mini grant or funding guidelines before submitting a request. Submitting a request does not guarantee funding.


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Volunteering and Leadership

We welcome volunteers who want to help support music education in Smithtown. Volunteer opportunities may include:

  • Helping at events
  • Supporting fundraising activities
  • Assisting with membership campaigns
  • Joining a committee
  • Helping with community outreach
  • Donating professional skills or services
  • Assisting with raffles, sponsorships, or promotions

Whether you can give one hour or become involved throughout the year, your help matters. Visit our Contact page or contact us to learn about current opportunities.

Student volunteer opportunities may be available depending on the event, activity, and age requirements.

Students interested in volunteering should contact Friends of Music for current opportunities and any required permissions.

We welcome community members who want to become more involved through committee work.

Committee opportunities depend on current needs and available positions. Contact us to share your interests, experience, and how you would like to help.

We welcome community members who want to become more involved at the board level.

Board opportunities depend on current needs, available positions, and the organization's bylaws. Contact us to share your interests, experience, and how you would like to help.


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Businesses and Community Partners

Yes. Local businesses and organizations are important partners in supporting music education.

Businesses can become Community Partners, sponsor events, donate goods or services, contribute raffle items, or support specific fundraising initiatives. We are happy to discuss partnership opportunities that align with your business and our mission.

Community Partners help make a meaningful investment in music education throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

Community Partners may receive recognition on the Friends of Music website, at selected events, in promotional materials, or through social media, depending on the partnership benefits available for the current school year.

Please visit our Community Partner page or contact us for current details.

Your business can support Friends of Music in several ways:

  • Become a Community Partner
  • Sponsor an event or program
  • Donate a product or service
  • Contribute a raffle prize
  • Promote a Friends of Music event
  • Make a charitable donation
  • Volunteer professional services

Contact us at [email protected] to discuss partnership opportunities.


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Events and Communication

Friends of Music organizes and supports events throughout the school year that bring families, educators, performers, businesses, and community members together. Annual activities may include:

  • Membership campaigns
  • Fundraising events
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Student recognition programs
  • The annual gala
  • Jazz-related events
  • Senior awards
  • Community partnership initiatives
  • Other music education programs

Dates and event details may change each year. Visit our Events page for the most current information.

You can stay connected by:

  • Joining Friends of Music
  • Subscribing to our email list
  • Following us on Facebook
  • Following us on Instagram
  • Visiting our website
  • Checking our Events page

We regularly share event announcements, volunteer opportunities, membership information, and updates about our work.

Links to our official Facebook and Instagram accounts are available on the Friends of Music of Smithtown website.

Follow us for event updates, student-centered stories, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and ways to support music in our schools.

You can reach Friends of Music of Smithtown by emailing [email protected].

You may also use the contact form on our website. A board or committee member will respond as soon as possible.

Help Keep Music Strong
in Smithtown

You do not need to be a musician or have a child currently enrolled in a music program to make a difference. By joining Friends of Music, volunteering, donating, or becoming a Community Partner, you help create opportunities for music students throughout the Smithtown Central School District.

$25
Friend Membership / year
$300
Community Partner / year