About Friends of Whitman Music
The Whitman Middle School Music Program continues to grow under the direction of Ms. Melanie Gunn. The Friends of Whitman Music (FOWM) group is comprised of parents, guardians, and community members who are committed to supporting music education for all Whitman students. It is our hope that any student who wishes to learn music, gets the opportunity and support at Whitman Middle School. All are welcome to join FOWM and help us provide assistance to develop a strong music program!
The FOWM planning team currently meets remotely and in person to discuss our support for the Whitman music program activities. All parents, guardians, and adult family members are welcome to join us! There are always new projects and new needs coming up – and many hands make the work light!
For a meeting link, email us at [email protected]
Sign up for the FOWM Newsletter
Click here: Whitman Music Volunteer Sign Up
Follow Whitman Music Instagram
Music Program Director and Teacher, Band and Orchestra
Ms. Melanie Gunn
Prior to her tenure at Whitman Middle School, Ms. Gunn worked primarily at Broadview Thomson as their band and orchestra teacher, but also taught elementary instrumental music at Whittier, Daniel Bagley, and Stevens Elementary schools.
She is an active percussionist who grew up in Buffalo, New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education with a focus on instrumental music from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut, a master’s degree in percussion performance from SUNY Buffalo, and is a candidate for her doctorate at the University of Washington in percussion performance.
FOWM Organizing Committee for 2024-25
President
Kevin Hinshaw
he/him
He is a software developer, musician, and parent of 7th grader Hazel, who plays percussion in the Intermediate Band.
In this role…
He acts as liaison between the Music Director and the board. Meets bi-weekly with the Music Director. Coordinates/runs board meetings. Identifies and applies for grants. Provides parent/board feedback on the music program.
Contact
Treasurer
Jessica Quijada
she/her
She is the parent of Sebastian who is an 8th grade tuba player in the Whitman Concert Band and drummer in the Whitman Drum Line.
In this role…
She acts as liaison between FOWM and Alliance for Education. Handles accounts payable and accounts receivable. Prepares and maintains the FOWM budget.
Contact
Secretary
Jen Sullivan
she/her
She is a public librarian, coffee lover, and parent to Abbey, a sixth-grade flautist in band, and Ben, a Whitman band alum.
In this role…
She prepares agendas, takes meeting notes, fields emails to FOWM general email address, helps create website content, and backs up communications.
Contact
Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Sachter
she/her
She is the parent of Adele and Maggie, 7th grade violinists in the Whitman Concert Orchestra.
In this role…
She identifies volunteer needs, communicates with families, and coordinates volunteers at various events.
Contact
Fundraising Chair
Lyla Ross
she/her
She is a word game nerd and nonprofit director in the games industry, and the parent of Miles, a 7th grader in Intermediate Band and Drumline and Mona, a Whitman band alum.
In this role…
She runs various fundraising campaigns, looks for new fundraising opportunities, liaison between FOWM and our various partner organizations.
Contact
Communications Lead
Tony Peterson
he/him
He is a designer, nerd, aspiring chef, and the parent of Nori who is in the new choir program.
In this role…
He prepares monthly newsletter, creates and sends communications to families, creates content for and maintains FOWM website, liaison between FOWM and other marketing/communications volunteers.
Contact
Support the music
Your donation directly supports the dreams and aspirations of young musicians at Whitman. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide essential resources like instruments, sheet music, and opportunities for students to grow and express themselves through the power of music.
All donations are tax-deductible