Town's Arts Leaders Recognized for Service to the Schools

The Connecticut Arts Administrations Association annually celebrates arts volunteers from across the state each year. These leaders are volunteers who support the arts in their communities. Their work casts a large net of benevolence for schools, arts organizations, and the state economy.

In Farmington, one of the key supporters of music in the schools is the non-profit organization, the Farmington Friends of Music established 37 years ago. The executive board holds monthly meetings inviting members of the community to join their mission of supporting and promoting music education in the community. During the pandemic, this group continued to lead the way creating innovative solutions to new problems facing the schools.

At an awards ceremony given by the CAAA, the FOM executive board members were celebrated for their leadership, dedication, and vision. The following accolades and appreciation were presented to each board member:

Inez St. James, president of the Farmington Friends of Music, has brought light and leadership to our school music programs. Her innovative perspective generates new connections to families in our schools. Inez knew that the past two years had been difficult with the freeze of school budgets due to the pandemic. She initiated individual teacher grants for the elementary music teachers who were paying for some of their own supplies while teaching on a cart instead of their music classroom. Additionally, the elementary strings teachers needed new supplies for student instruction and received individual teacher grants from the Friends of Music. Thinking about the families of all students, Inez realized that last year the graduating seniors would be missing out on many of their end of the year celebrations. So she advocated that our non-profit organization increase the amount of scholarships for our graduating seniors Over the past four years, the number of students who need a donated instrument has increased due to Inez's commitment to equity. These initiatives are only several recent actionable projects that Inez championed. She leads the organization in meaningful directions in our ever changing educational environment.

Sharon Byrne has volunteered for the non-profit arts organization for over nine years as the treasurer. She continues to be a champion of music in the Farmington community from chaperoning field trips, fitting concert attire, to her amazing leadership as the treasurer of this Friends of Music organization. Keeping the non-profit organization's records requires detailed attention. Sharon organizes the memberships, scholarship CDs, monthly reports, contacts the government, payment companies, and matching funds. Her attention to detail guides the organization forward and affects the lives of children and teachers every day in the schools.

Michael Scheidel is in his fifth year as the vice president of the Farmington Friends of Music. As a promoter of the arts in Farmington, Mike can be seen at most live performances in the community. A lover of the arts and supporter of music in the schools, he loves a concert, play or musical. As an officer of our non-profit organization he speaks up on behalf of the music program in town. Often he will be the voice of reason at a town event and listens when we people need guidance about the importance of the arts. Mike advises the organization on banking and grants which are needed for funding. His connections in town provide the non-profit organization with key issues surrounding the needs of the community.

Cathy Serkosky has been the secretary of the Friends of Music for over six years. She organizes the non-profit's meetings with detailed minutes and agenda. Cathy leads every meeting with key questions about programming as she provides compassionate ideas for students in need. This year, Cathy tackled a new grant application for the organization. She is dedicated to increasing the membership and includes all members in crucial discussions about the work of supporting the schools. Her attention to detail keeps the organization on the right track from month to month.

As we continue to move through the pandemic, school programs will count on the assistance of the community partners such as the Farmington Friends of Music. If you are interested in joining this group, visit the FOM page on this website. The membership fee of $5.00 provides access to monthly information.