Congrats to the SHS Wind Ensemble for Performance at State Capitol!

Members of the Scarsdale High School Honors Wind Ensemble traveled to the New York State Capitol, in Albany, last Tuesday to perform, learn about State government and engage with our elected representatives. Assembly Member Amy Paulin welcomed the band to the New York State Assembly floor. Before being recognized, the Ensemble performed several pieces on the South Concourse of the Capitol for the public. 

FMA thanks SHS Band Director, Brian Zeller, for bringing this special opportunity to our young musicians and congratulates the Ensemble for being selected from a pool of applicants to participate in this NYSSMA-sponsored concert series celebrating music in New York State schools. Bravo!

Photo courtesy of NYS Senate Photography

Photo courtesy of NYS Senate Photography

Photo courtesy of NYS Senate Photography

Community Performance Brings Joy

FMA partnered with the Scarsdale Rotary Club to bring student musicians, dancers and even a magician to the Sarah Neuman Nursing Home this afternoon. The residents appreciatively welcomed Scarsdale's young performers. Many thanks to FMA event chair Shilpi Chandra for making this special experience possible!

Shiv Goyal

Emma Luo

Charlie Rosenthal

Students are invited to come sing, play an instrument, or recite a dramatic monologue or original poetry at our upcoming talent showcases at Sarah Neuman. Solos, duos, chamber groups — any combination of performers is encouraged to perform. Snacks will be provided to all performers. 

Sign up here for a performance spot at the Sunday April 14 or Sunday June 9 talent showcases.

Halloween Window Painting

The Village was buzzing on Sunday as Scarsdale youth excitedly painted storefront windows at the annual Halloween window painting event. FMA sponsored snacks for the artists and organized an opportunity for student musicians to play at the tent.

Many thanks to MC extraordinaire Karen Robelen for coordinating performance logistics again this year, and to Reshma Shetty, Shilpi Chandra and Moli Wilson for serving up snacks!

Artists Irene Mao and Helen Feng, 6th grade

Danny Millman on ukelele

Mia Wilson on piano

 

6th grader Aliya Bahl on sax

James Wilson on piano

Bond Passes! SHS Auditorium Renovation To Move Forward!

We did it! The Auditorium Bond Proposition passed tonight, securing funding for the Scarsdale High School Auditorium renovation.

FMA members' advocacy, vote, and work to get the vote out made all the difference—our kids and community are the big winners!

Thank you for being part of FMA's efforts to help Scarsdale gather, perform and grow. 

FMA Endorses Proposed Renovation of Scarsdale High School Auditorium

Sign On to FMA's Letter of Support!

The Scarsdale High School Auditorium is a gathering space for the entire Scarsdale community. Every high school student uses the auditorium for school-wide assemblies and for band, orchestra, and chorus concerts. The auditorium is also home to SHS acting and theater tech classes, the Jabberfest student talent show, the annual SHS Senior Class Play which brings together classmates for a culminating bonding experience, and numerous annual Drama Club performances which are attended by thousands of people in the greater Scarsdale community. Parents, alumni and other community members also gather in the auditorium for various meetings and special programs.

 
The space has sadly fallen into disrepair and the District administration, after thorough study, proposes an auditorium renovation with an up-to-date scope of work that addresses the current needs—including improved acoustics and lighting, new audience seats, dressing room reconfigurations, modifications to enhance students’ theater tech learning experience and safety, and additions to improve accessibility. This work aligns with the District’s strategic educational priorities for cohesive community, personalized learning, and wellness and well-being. The Board of Education unanimously supports investment in this long-delayed renovation.

If passed by voters, the current plan is to have the project responsibly funded through the issuance of a school bond of up to $4.75M, spreading the cost over a 10-year period. The annual debt service associated with the bond would be offset by available surplus funds and state funding to significantly lower the total expense for taxpayers to just over $1.3M. The projected average annual household impact will be just under $28/year. Comparable area school districts have recently rebuilt or renovated their aging auditoriums at significant costs, renewing their commitment to arts education and community spaces. Scarsdale has recently invested money in other areas of student experience but the last major upgrade to the auditorium was over 30 years ago. 

We wholeheartedly support this reasonable and much needed project. The investment will benefit students’ learning and well-being and will give all residents a space that fosters connection and enjoyment of the arts. We urge the entire community to VOTE YES on the BOND. 

Click here to sign on to FMA's letter of support. 

Additional information on the renovation can be found here. 

Come support the SHS Drama Club this weekend!

See the SHSDC's spring play: She Kills Monsters
This Friday 3/24 & Saturday 3/25 @ 7:30pm - SHS Auditorium

She Kills Monsters is the story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this coming of age dramatic comedy, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

 

The SHS Drama Club's production is an ode to 90s culture, from alternative music to fashion, and features puppets, monster costumes, and fight choreography set to 90s tunes. Many of the technical elements in the show have been designed by SHS's theater tech students, making way for a new level of collaboration the SHSDC has not previously attempted.