Group Supports Music and Art Education

By ARYA PATEL
COOPERSTOWN

Cooperstown Central School’s Friends of Music and Art was formed in 1994 and aims to encourage, support, and strengthen the education for music and art within the Cooperstown school district.

FoMA benefits many students, teachers and clubs. Throughout the year, the organization provides scholarships to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade who attend art- and music-related camps and lessons over the summer.

The Cooperstown Central School District is highly affiliated with art and music, including many different competitions. FoMA helps to make this possible. In the past, the Slam Poetry prizes were funded by FoMA. Currently, the group provides art awards and New York State School Music Association medals.

Along with support to the Cooperstown Music and Art departments, FoMA assists with the annual art show. They also help host events such as Cabaret Night, promoting the event and helping with refreshments.

The staff and students at CCS are profoundly impacted by the work done by FoMA.

Teacher Kerri Hogle said, “What’s great about FoMA is that you have a community group with the goal of supporting the students at Cooperstown in art and music. Whether that is advocating for the fine arts program to the school board or handing out scholarships, they continuously help out when needed. Through this, they also never fail to ask how we may need help next, and this has become an incredibly important support group for myself and the students. We are grateful for all they have done for us.”

FoMA is largely recognized for the scholarships it offers to graduating seniors who continue their education in instrumental music, vocal music, visual art, writing, theater or dance. After completing the application form and the scholarship essay, students can win an award up to $500.00.

During this past school year, FoMA has assisted students in numerous ways. The CCS Thespians produced “James and the Giant Peach,” for which FoMA provided funds to pay the professional musicians in the pit.

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, FoMA plans to continue its dedication to the fine arts, including bringing professional musicians to perform at the Cooperstown Elementary School, in order to promote the arts from a young age.

FoMA is always looking for new members. Those interested in becoming involved can attend the first meeting in the fall at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at the Clark Sports Center, or e-mail https://fomacooperstown.org/ to join the e-mail list. FoMA also graciously accepts donations at https://fomacooperstown.org/donate/ or via checks mailed to Friends of Music and Art, c/o Cooperstown CSD, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326.