FMA Welcomes Painters and Performers in the Village

3rd grader Colin Porter takes a break from painting to rap.(The following was submitted by Laura Gelblum, President of Scarsdale Friends of Musica and the Arts)

Last Sunday the Village was buzzing as Scarsdale youth excitedly painted storefront windows as part of the Scarsdale Halloween window Painting Contest. FMA | Friends of Music and the Arts sponsored snacks for the artists and organized an opportunity for student musicians to play at the tent for a fun, low-key performance experience. It was wonderful to see delighted paint-splattered faces sip cider and gobble up cookies and apples, and to see the camaraderie of kids both at the windows and gathered around the tent as friends performed songs from Bruno Mars to the Beatles.

Sophie Burge and Lauren Koike refuel after putting the finishing touch on their window.

6th grader Aliya Bahl on sax.

Supporting Scarsdale’s art, music and theatre students is what FMA does. As the nonprofit parent booster group for the visual and performing arts in Scarsdale schools, FMA members are the backbone of our school arts community. They provide special moments for our band, orchestra, chorus, visual arts and theatre students--and they champion the arts as integral to student wellness and a holistic Scarsdale education.

2nd grader Shiv Goyal plays piano.

FMA also supports Scarsdale student artists and performers by representing their needs and priorities at district budget and planning meetings; promoting music, art and drama events in the community; hosting community performance opportunities; and providing reduced cost concert dresses for SHS band, orchestra and chorus students through its Encore Dress Program.

6th grader Maya Shum plays violin.

Family memberships and donations provide resources for all FMA initiatives, including snacks for Halloween window painters, SHS concert receptions and SHS band breakfast at the Scarsdale Memorial Day Parade, the Practice Partners music mentorship program, student awards and recognition, grant gifts to Scarsdale schools, and support for SHS arts clubs including the Drama Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the National Art Honor Society.

8th grader Mia Wilson on piano. FMA parent volunteers Karen Robelen, Moli Wilson and Reshma Shetty serve up snacks to artists and musicians.

Please JOIN US in celebrating our kids and let’s support them as they create, perform and grow. All gifts are welcome and FMA membership starts at just $35. Members receive special discounts on instrument repairs, rentals and purchases; art supplies; and dancewear. If you’re interested in getting involved we are always looking for enthusiastic parent volunteers to help with FMA programming. For more information, contact [email protected] or www.scarsdalearts.org.