Friends of Music of Smithtown
Programs That Keep
Music Alive in Smithtown
From summer programs for middle schoolers to grants that put instruments in classrooms, Friends of Music of Smithtown creates real opportunities for students and teachers throughout the district.
What We Run
Three Programs, One Mission
Every program Friends of Music runs is designed to give students more access to music and give teachers more tools to teach it.
3rd Grade
3rd Grade Recorder Program
Every 3rd grader in the Smithtown Central School District holds their very own instrument through this program. Friends of Music coordinates recorder packages through schools each year.
Learn moreMusic Educators
Teacher Mini-Grants
Friends of Music funds music teachers who have great ideas and need resources to make them happen. We make the purchase directly. Applications open each fall.
Learn moreGrades 4–8
Summer Music Program
An immersive four-week summer music experience for Smithtown students entering grades 4 through 8. Led by Smithtown Central School District music teachers.
Learn moreWhen Things Happen
Programs Throughout the School Year
Specific dates depend on the district calendar each year. Here's how our programs generally flow.
Recorder Program
Program begins for 3rd graders in some elementary schools. Timing varies by school (September through February).
Mini-Grants
Teacher mini-grant applications open. Music educators who are Friends of Music members apply with their project ideas.
Mini-Grant Recipients Announced
The Friends of Music board selects grant recipients and awards are announced.
3rd Grade Instrumental Night
End of February. A celebration of 3rd graders and their recorder year. Summer Music Program registration opens following this event.
Summer Music Registration
Registration for the Summer Music Program opens in the spring for students entering grades 4 through 8.
Summer Music Program
Four weeks of instruction and group playing guided by Smithtown Central School District music teachers. Open to students in grades 4–8.
Exact dates depend on the Smithtown Central School District calendar each year. Join our email list to be notified when registration and applications open.
3rd Grade | Recorder Program
Every Child Holds Their Very Own Instrument
The 3rd Grade Recorder Program runs across all seven elementary schools in the Smithtown Central School District. Friends of Music coordinates recorder packages each year — your child's music teacher will reach out when it's time to start at their school.
The program runs throughout the school year. Some teachers begin in September, others start as late as February — timing varies by school. This is an evergreen program that runs every year as a beloved part of the Smithtown school experience.
For many children, this is the first time they hold an instrument of their very own. That moment matters.
What's in the Package?
- Recorder
- Recorder storage bag
- Friends of Music pencil
- Music folder
Packages are delivered directly to your child's school.
Order Your Recorder Package
Recorder packages are $20 and include everything your child needs for the program. Ordering is optional — families who prefer to purchase their own recorder are welcome to do so.
Order when your child's teacher notifies you the program is starting at their school.
ORDER RECORDER PACKAGE — $20Questions about the program at your child's school? Contact us and we'll help.
Questions About the Recorder Program?
Reach out to us and we'll connect you with the right information for your child's school.
CONTACT USFor Music Educators
Teacher Mini-Grants
Smithtown music teachers have great ideas. Sometimes they just need the resources to make them happen. Friends of Music Mini-Grants exist to close that gap — and we don't just write a check. Friends of Music makes the purchase directly, ensuring every grant dollar goes straight into the classroom.
Each fall, we accept applications from music educators in the Smithtown Central School District. The Friends of Music board reviews submissions and announces recipients by winter.
Friends of Music Membership Required
Applicants must be a current member of Friends of Music of Smithtown to be eligible for a Mini-Grant. Join or renew here before submitting your application.
Apply in the Fall
Applications open each fall. Tell us what you want to bring to your students and how it will make an impact.
Board Review
The Friends of Music board reviews all applications and selects recipients based on student impact.
Recipients Announced by Winter
Awarded teachers are notified and Friends of Music makes the purchase directly, putting the resource right in the classroom.
Who Can Apply?
Mini-Grants are open to music educators employed in the Smithtown Central School District at any level — elementary, middle school, and high school.
Applicants must be a current member of Friends of Music of Smithtown to be eligible.
See What Grants Have Made Possible
Friends of Music makes the purchase directly. Here is a look at what grants have brought into Smithtown Central School District classrooms:
Membership is required to apply. Applications open in the fall. Join our email list to be notified when the cycle opens.
Summer Program
Summer Music Program
The Summer Music Program gives Smithtown students between 4th and 8th grade an immersive, four-week music experience each July. The program is guided by Smithtown Central School District music teachers — the same educators who work with your children throughout the school year and know their students' musical growth firsthand.
Running for four weeks in July, the program gives students a rare opportunity to keep playing, keep growing, and build on everything they've learned during the school year — in an encouraging, music-focused environment.
These Programs Run Because Members Show Up
Every membership, every donation, every person who says "music matters" keeps these programs going year after year.