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 2023-24
Alexis Cruikshank is serving as the FOWM President. She is the parent of Vivian who is an 8th grade harpist in the Whitman Concert Orchestra.
Jan Johnson is serving as the FOWM Treasurer. She is the parent of Sidhanth who is an 8th grade trombonist. Sidhanth is currently in the Whitman Concert Band and Jazz Band (even though he hates waking up early).
Jen Sullivan is serving as the FOWM Secretary. She is the parent of Ben who is an 8th grade trumpeter in the Whitman Concert and Jazz bands.
Katie Sachter is serving as the FOWM Volunteer Coordinator. She is the parent of Adele and Maggie, 7th grade violinists in the Whitman Concert Orchestra.
Lyla Ross is serving as the FOWM Fundraising Chair. Her son is a 6th grader in Intermediate Band, and her daughter graduated Whitman Middle School last year.
Todd Vician is serving as the FOWM Communications Lead. He is the parent of Lucas who was a 7th grade flutist in the Whitman Intermediate Band.
Find contact information for FOWM on our contact webpage.
Join FOWM
Send us an email at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more. Summary role descriptions are provided below.
What is the time commitment?
Board Members meet monthly in person (~2h/month) and work independently at home on their various tasks as needed (hours vary).
What are the board positions?
President: 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.
Secretary: Prepares agendas, takes meeting notes, fields emails to FOWM general email address, helps create website content, and backs up communications.
Treasurer: Acts as liaison between FOWM and Alliance for Education. Handles accounts payable and accounts receivable. Prepares and maintains the FOWM budget.
Communications Chair: Prepares monthly newsletter, creates and sends communications to families, creates content for and maintains FOWM website, liaison between FOWM and other marketing/communications volunteers.
Fundraising Chair: Runs various fundraising campaigns, looks for new fundraising opportunities, liaison between FOWM and our various partner organizations.
Volunteer Coordinator: Identifies volunteer needs, communicates with families, and coordinates volunteers at various events.
Donate
You can donate money to our music program.
Please note that your donation for Friends of Whitman Music Program is processed through Alliance for Education as our 501(c)(3) sponsor. All donations are tax-deductible.